Gosselin: Cornerbacks...

[Seneschal2]

Finally, here's his CB preview:

Position strength
There could be 14 to 16 cornerbacks selected in the first three rounds. DeJuan Tribble of Boston College was a three-year starter who intercepted 15 career passes – and he projects as a late-round pick. That's how deep this board is.

Spotlight on ... Antoine Cason, Arizona:
"I wasn't content as a junior to come out without being the best. I've always worked to be the best. I want to be the best."

It's hard to argue with his résumé now. He started all 46 games of his career and intercepted 15 passes. He played every defensive snap the last two seasons and also returned punts. He scored four touchdowns in 2007 on two punt returns and two interceptions.

 

[BradyManny]

If Antoine Cason goes in the 31-ish range, I'm going to put a hit out on Goodell. Hopefully we work a trade down with a team in the 10-15 range, and pick up another pick that we can either use for Cason or to move up in round 2 and get him.

 

[Seneschal2]

If Antoine Cason goes in the 31-ish range, I'm going to put a hit out on Goodell. Hopefully we work a trade down with a team in the 10-15 range, and pick up another pick that we can either use for Cason or to move up in round 2 and get him.

I'll predict right now, that IF Cason is as highly thought of by the Pats as I think he is, he'll be selected earlier than everyone is predicting.

 

[RussFrancis]

You can pretty much count on the Cardinals giving some serious thought to drafting this guy with their first round pick. They have a need at corner because I think theyre converting Antrel Rolle to safety. And Arizona is sure to be very familiar with Cason. Id expect they are like alot of teams that could care less what the 'experts' feel about a player's draft position. So, he may get picked as high as 16 to Arizona unless NE falls back in position to grab him before that. Both are realistic possibilities. An actual draft day trade with the Cards exchanging 1st round picks would be pretty interesting if Cason is a potential target.

 

[sebman2112]

I'll predict right now, that IF Cason is as highly thought of by the Pats as I think he is, he'll be selected earlier than everyone is predicting.

Yes, I still think he's a first round option, if the Patriots trade down.

 

[WhiZa]

I'll predict right now, that IF Cason is as highly thought of by the Pats as I think he is, he'll be selected earlier than everyone is predicting.

I was thinking the same thing. Especially when you see a run on CBs during the late first round. Once that first one is taken teams start freaking out.

 

[Ellis_Hobbs27]

If the guy is figured to be the best at his position by the Patriots and if they have a glaring need at that position, as it seems they do - why wait and take the chance of not getting him. Pick him at no. 7.

Where is it written that you can't take a corner at number 7?

 

[RussFrancis]

If the guy is figured to be the best at his position by the Patriots and if they have a glaring need at that position, as it seems they do - why wait and take the chance of not getting him. Pick him at no. 7.

Where is it written that you can't take a corner at number 7?

Ultimately, Im on record as being in full agreement. But realistically, I recognize that there are atleast 3 corners that our FO probably like in the 1st round, if in fact CB is the target. Id expect they'd be happy with Jenkins, Cason or McKelvin at the very least. And Im sure Brandon Flowers and DR-C are guys they'd be happy teaching and working with. Finding the balance between 'value' and the actual player is, as has been said, almost an art form in pro sports. Few do it as well as our guys. But when it gets down the the nitty gritty, and we end up STUCK at 7 with absolutely no suitable trade options, then you just take the guy who you think brings the most to your team. Regardless of position, perceived value, etc.

We'd all look back on Asante Samuel's time here and feel pretty good about it. The fact that he was taken in only the 4th round just makes his value to the team that much greater. But if he had been taken in the TOP 10 of the 1st round and still helped deliver 2 rings, a ton of big plays, a Pro Bowl his last year, and 16 INTs his final 2 seasons, Id feel just as good about his time here.

 

[PatsFanInEaglesLand]

If the guy is figured to be the best at his position by the Patriots and if they have a glaring need at that position, as it seems they do - why wait and take the chance of not getting him. Pick him at no. 7.

Where is it written that you can't take a corner at number 7?

Ahh, it is called value, NEM. Why not trade and get more picks.

 

[apple strudel]

Ahh, it is called value, NEM. Why not trade and get more picks.

In a draft deep at corner, if the difference between the top guy and a guy you can get in the 3rd round is not that great, you don't draft the top guy. The difference in the salaries between comparable players is not worth it.