NE_PATS_FAN_54
Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job
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With the 62nd selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, your New England Patriots select DB TERRANCE WHEATLEY from COLORADO
From ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc.:
From NFLDraftCountdown.com:
another one of those BB-Pioli picks that nobody see's coming. ranked as the 19th best CB according to nfldraftcountdown.com.
From ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc.:
Strengths: Opens hips well, fast enough to run with most receivers and generally knows when to look back for the ball. Changes directions well and explodes out of cuts. Gets adequate knee bend in backpedal and shows good closing speed going forward. Catches the ball well and flashes big-play ability. Rarely bites on play action and waits for quarterback to cross line of scrimmage before leaving coverage assignment. Has a mean streak and fills hard when reads run. Works from snap until whistle, flashes the ability to shed blocks and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Takes sound pursuit angles and makes plays in pursuit. Wraps up upon contact and doesn't miss many open field tackles. Has experience covering punts, is an experienced kickoff return man and has the potential to develop into a valuable special teams' player.
Weaknesses: Gets adequate hand placement when plays close to the line of scrimmage but doesn't deliver a powerful initial punch and is going to have problems slowing bigger receivers down at the line of scrimmage. Isn't aggressive enough, doesn't jump enough routes and gives the inside away too much. Lacks ideal bulk and bigger receivers are going to have some success shielding him from the ball. Doesn't have great size and or strength, is a drag-down tackler and can struggle to bring powerful runner down. Slowed by injuries throughout the 2004 season, missed 2005 spring practices because of a wrist injury, re-injured the wrist during 2005 preseason practices, missed the entire 2005 season and sustained a hairline fracture in left foot late in the 2007season so durability is a concern.
Overall: In his first two seasons at Colorado (2003-'04), Wheatley appeared in 25 games (seven starts) and had 57 tackles, eight pass breakups and four interceptions (he returned one for a touchdown). In 2006, he started all 12 games, recording 57 tackles, 11 pass breakups and five interceptions. As a senior in 2007, he played 10 games and had 42 tackles (one for a loss), one forced fumble, 10 pass breakups and five interceptions (including a 35-yard touchdown return). He also had a career 59 kickoff returns for 1,411 yards (23.9 average). Wheatley suffered a right wrist dislocation in '03, undergoing three surgeries over three years to repair the injury (including 2005, when he sat out the season and was granted a medical redshirt). In September '06, he broke the metal plate in his wrist but continued to play (he had another surgery after the season). In '07 he missed the Buffaloes' final three games because of a hairline fracture in his foot. He also left games early in '06 (concussion) and '07 (knee sprain) but didn't miss any more time as a result. Wheatley has the cover skills to develop into an effective sub-package corner and he is a lot tougher against the run than his size would indicate. However, his upside is limited by his lack of size and he is going to have problems matching up with bigger receivers. In addition, his inability to stay healthy at the collegiate levels coupled with his size raises questions about his ability to stay healthy over the course of a 16-game season.
From NFLDraftCountdown.com:
Strengths:
Very fast with good quickness and a burst to close...A fantastic athlete with great agility...Smooth with fluid hips...Playmaker with good hands and ball skills...Smart with good instincts...Physical and always plays hard...Has special teams potential.
Weaknesses:
Does not have the ideal size or bulk that you'd prefer...Needs to get stronger...A marginal tackler...He'll struggle when matched up against big pro wideouts...Has some pretty serious durability and health concerns...May not have a lot of upside.
Notes:
His father, Randolph, ran track at Arizona State...He was plagued by a wrist injury that required multiple surgeries early in his career...Probably profiles as more of a nickel or dime guy at the pro level...Good cover guy with solid intangibles who will be held back by his size...Will enjoy a nice career as a backup and special teamer.
another one of those BB-Pioli picks that nobody see's coming. ranked as the 19th best CB according to nfldraftcountdown.com.
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Compares to Eliis Hobbs ... 
