Analysis of corners asthey fit in the Pats scheme

[Ochmed Jones]

The Pats like corners that have outstanding ball skills, above average quickness, good tacklers, and good in zone coverage. (Intelligent, instincts, good character, and dedicated to football are givens regardless of position.)

1.) Mike Jenkins - best working in press coverage, with his back to the QB. When in zone coverage he tends to wait for the play to come to him. Not the most physical tackler but adequate. Patriot fit level 3 of 5.

2.) Antione Cason - works well in zone coverage. Can break up passes by breaking well on the ball; could be a little quicker-twitched. Good at keeping the play in front of him. Forced five fumbles last season in run support, but could be more physical in that area. Adds excellent return abilities. Patriot fit level 4.5 out of 5.

3.) DRC - physically dominated small school competition and subsequently developed a lot of bad habits that NFL receivers will exploit. Very large and athletic CB, but has decent quick twitch. Had quite a few holding and pass interference penalties last sason,mostly due peeking in he backfield and biting on play action fakes. Not ready or smart enough to start for the Pats next season. Patriot fit level 3.5 out of 5.

4.) Leodis McKelvin - Does not have a lot of starting experience. Not as good in zone coverage as he is in man coverage. Not the best ball skills. Adds excellent return abilities. Patriot fit 3 out of 5.

5.) Aqb Talib - Excellent in zone coverage. Above average ball skills. Struggles in man coverage, gave up big plays in man coverage including a long touchdown to WR Nelson of Kansas State. Good in run support. Not the fastest CB in the draft. Patriot fit 3.5 out of 5.

I see Cason as being the best fit for the Patriots. I also see 3 other CB's that could also work as good fits for the Pats, Smith of Oklahoma, Jackson of LSU and Tribble of BC (outstanding in zone coverage).

 

[JoeSixPat]

Nice work - seems like in your opinion anyway, the Patriots can find some value outside of the top 10.

Everyone seems so convinced the Pats are going to take a CB at #7. I'm definately not, as I feel like the LBs that fit in the Pats system are much harder to come by than a CB that fits in the Pats system.

Now which LBs fit in the Pats system, I'm not quite sure that anyone, aside from Belichick, can really say - but I think as you've pointed out it is easier to quantify for the Pats secondary.

I guess we should acknowledge that with Capers in the fold, there could well be some changes in the secondary schemes, but until I see it, I'll assume the same defensive philosophy remains.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I think Capers will do more with the secondary than either Collier or Mangini did. However it will be within the framework of the BB defense.

If BB can give Caper's secondary a better, more consistant pass rush, so much the better for Capers.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I think Capers will do more with the secondary than either Collier or Mangini did. However it will be within the framework of the BB defense.

If BB can give Caper's secondary a better, more consistant pass rush, so much the better for Capers.

Seeing as its a Secondary scheme that specifically doesn't require top tier talent, I think he'd be a fool to move away from it.

Samuel both fit the scheme AND was a top talent - but that doesn't mean we need a $9 million a year CB either.

 

[Remix 6]

i think McKelvin would be just as good of a fit as anyone. His footwork is amazing..hes very quick. In our scheme, we rely on jumping routes and not giving up the big play..and he does that

same with Cromartie. Both are great closers who can jump on a route and sit on one which is what we need.

 

[sebman2112]

What about Flowers?

 

[satz]

it would nice if you can list cb to be in the 3rd round as i see them picking 1 with one of them in the pick.

 

[sebman2112]

it would nice if you can list cb to be in the 3rd round as i see them picking 1 with one of them in the pick.

Jackson (who he mentioned) could be available in the third round.

 

[cstjohn17]

Nice breakdown Ochmed, I like all the players on the list, but not enough to take them at 7 and I don't think any of them will be available at 62 (unless they trade back). I think I am in the minority but I really don't expect a CB to be taken at #7.

I am spending my time reading up on the second tier of Jackson (LSU), Thomas (USC), Porter (Indiana), Williams (South Florida), Lowery (San Jose), Wheatley (Colorado), Lee (Auburn), King (Penn State), Godfrey (Iowa), Flowers (Virginia Tech). Most of these guys should be available in rounds 2-4.

 

[ALP]

Cason is my fav as well....man i hope we get him...

 

[PonyExpress]

The only ones I like are Cason, Talib, C. Jackson and Wheatley. Maybe P.Lee. The track record on small school cbs is very shaky over the last few years, with the one exception of Mathis. Even the supposed athletics freaks struggle to start in the NFL.

 

[Seneschal2]

The Pats like corners that have outstanding ball skills, above average quickness, good tacklers, and good in zone coverage. (Intelligent, instincts, good character, and dedicated to football are givens regardless of position.)

Accurate analysis of both the Pats profile above, and each prospect.

 

[captain stone]

What about Flowers?

Too small and too slow for consideration until #62.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

ESPN and others are talking about how the Pats are dialed in on the Troy CB. I don;t see it, I see him as the least ready to start from day one next season. Maybe BB is enamoured with his return ability.

All I know for sure I would not be surprised regardless of whom BB picks. I just hope it is a speed pass rusher, rather than a CB.

 

[BradyManny]

For later round guys, I like Trae Williams & Antwaun Molden, granted I don't particularly know a lot about them and am going purely on a couple scouting reports. Does anyone else have any insight into these players?

 

[ayjackson]

Too small and too slow for consideration until #62.

Too small for what? He may be the most physical corner in the draft.

 

[ayjackson]

Why no love for Terrell Thomas. Intangibles galore. Smart. Good in zone. Great anticipation and run support.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Why no love for Terrell Thomas. Intangibles galore. Smart. Good in zone. Great anticipation and run support.

I agree with your assessment of Thomas, but I think BB and Pete Carroll teach DB's different techniques and I do not think BB likes what Carroll is doing.
I say this because of comments made by Milloy and Law after BB came back to New England after Kraft gave Carroll the boot.

Thomas can also help in the return game.

 

[SamBamsFan]

I still like Jack Williams as a 3- 4th rounder. A bit of a smurf @ 5'9", but tough (lead the nation in TFL as a Junior), very fast, good cover skills. Dean Pees recruit at Kent so he should be familiar with the system.

 

[drew4008]

Whenever I've seen Cason he has certainly impressed, against some big teams too. I like him or McKelvin best at this point... although Cason would almost certainly need to be taken after a trade down (from 7) or a trade up (from 2nd rounder).