2011 Offseason Outlook - Defensive Backs

[Shelterdog]

Running back is a higher priority than cornerback and a backup free safety is a higher priority than cornerback, especially if Bill Belichick is not so enamored with Brandon Meriweather.

We all agree with that but but it would be stupid to draft a running back or safety who can't play instead of a corner who can. With the late picks you're usually just trying to find a guy who can stick in the NFL.

We can all agree that, heading into free agency, the primary team needs are something like:

OLB
LT
G
A 3-4 DE
Either an OLB or a pass rush specialist
RB
WR
G/C
FS
Developmental tackle
RB

WR could possibly move up, 3-4 DE could move down, but that's roughly the list, and corner, ilb, and TE fall below that. But adding crappy players because they fit a need but don't have ability doesn't help anything.

 

[jmt57]

If you think that Wilhite and Butler are godawful (I don't but a lot of people do) then adding a corner late isn't a bad idea at all.

I don't think they're awful at all; in fact I would say they're probably superior to most any other #4 or #5 CB in the league. I just think you want to constantly be restocking and reloading. Wilhite's contract expires after the 2011 season and Butler's the following year, so perhaps an eye on bottom of the roster depth for this year that can develop into a decent backup/nickel further down the road. On top of that there are always unexpected injuries, such as Bodden's last year.

I'm not saying the Pats absolutely should draft a corner; I do think it's worth considering though.

 

[ATippett56]

But adding crappy players because they fit a need but don't have ability doesn't help anything.

You have better odds finding a quality running back in the latter rounds (#4 thru #6) than a quality cornerback, especially when you consider the number of undrafted free agent running backs in the NFL.

 

[bucky]

I don't think they're awful at all; in fact I would say they're probably superior to most any other #4 or #5 CB in the league. I just think you want to constantly be restocking and reloading. Wilhite's contract expires after the 2011 season and Butler's the following year, so perhaps an eye on bottom of the roster depth for this year that can develop into a decent backup/nickel further down the road. On top of that there are always unexpected injuries, such as Bodden's last year.

Well, your #3 CB is technically your nickel. And that's one position I wouldn't mind upgrading. I was pretty high on Wilhite before the '09 season, but he's turned out to disappoint even as a nickel. He's also heading into his last contract year at over $1 mil. I wouldn't mind seeing a nickel CB drafted in the 3rd round - one guy I like is Kendrick Burney. He's slower than Wilhite, but is more physical, more instinctive, and has better ball skills. He also looked pretty good as a gunner in the Senior Bowl.

Arrington, to me, is a great backup. He's very physical, doesn't make mental errors, and is great on special teams. As a starter, his lack of ball skills make him a liability.

Butler has the skills to be a pro-bowler. This is a make or break year coming up for him.

 

[JackBauer]

... but he's turned out to disappoint even as a nickel.

What's your basis for this statement?

 

[bucky]

What's your basis for this statement?

1 - My personal observation
2 - His lack of stats
3 - His diminished playing time. After the 1st Buffalo game, BB started using 3 safeties in the nick package more, and less of Wilhite.

 

[JackBauer]

1 - My personal observation
2 - His lack of stats
3 - His diminished playing time. After the 1st Buffalo game, BB started using 3 safeties in the nick package more, and less of Wilhite.

Fair enough. We'll just agree to disagree.

 

[Shelterdog]

You have better odds finding a quality running back in the latter rounds (#4 thru #6) than a quality cornerback, especially when you consider the number of undrafted free agent running backs in the NFL.

A.) Do you have backup?

B.) Do you understand what a hypothetical is? I said that you might pick a corner over a running back even if need a running back IF there's a good corner and no promising running backs.

 

[ATippett56]

A.) Do you have backup?

A college football player that would provide good value in the fourth round is running back Stevan Ridley from LSU. Since the LSU pass offense was god awful this past season, Ridley essentially was the offense for the LSU Tigers competing in the toughest college football conference in the NCAA.

NFL Draft Scout----Powered By: The Sports Xchange

B.) Do you understand what a hypothetical is? I said that you might pick a corner over a running back even if need a running back IF there's a good corner and no promising running backs.

I would hope the New England Patriots could find a running back during the Saturday draft.

 

[jmt57]

Leigh Bodden said he is eager to return for 2011 season - Extra Points - Boston.com - Monique Walker

Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden said his shoulder is feeling great and he is hoping for a strong return next season.

"I'm going to be good, it's my shoulder," Bodden said. "I'm rehabbing it good. I'm lifting on it. It's been five months so, I have the most confidence in the world that I'm going to have my best season next year."

The injury occurred on the second play of a preseason game against the St. Louis Rams, Bodden said. While trying to make a tackle, Bodden said a tight end blocked him and he reached out with his left arm and fell on it while it was extended. He said he felt a twinge but decided to play through it and may have done more harm than good.

"... I figured in my head, I'll just wear a sling after the first Cinncinatti Bengals game and it will get better but I think probably playing in the whole game and trying to do things that I really couldn't do, probably made it worse," Bodden said.

In the months since the surgery, Bodden said he is lifting more weight and feeling his shoulder getting stronger. The biggest struggle he said was regaining a range of motion.

"I tell you what, if I was playing in the Super Bowl and I had to play, I would play," Bodden said.

As for his fellow cornerbacks, Bodden said he was pleased with how his teammates progressed during the season.

"The confidence I saw them get every week was great,"Bodden said. "I think they played well, all of them."

 

[convertedpatsfan]

One potential area of concern is Bodden's track record with injuries.

Prior to this season, he played pretty much every game for the previous 3 seasons. But before that, he missed half the season in 2004, had a breakout year in 2005 but still missed a few games because of injuries, then spent most of 2006 battling injuries, missing 7 games.

He should be healthy and ready for TC, but I'd feel a lot better if Butler made some significant strides in the off-season. Arrington was decent, but inconsistent in pass defense. He was very good in run support though.

I do think we will need a safety if we're not re-signing Meriweather.

 

[jmt57]

Patriots Future Focus: Safeties - New England Patriots Blog - espnBoston - Mike Reiss

Chung was second on the team with 89 tackles, while no safety played more than Meriweather (80 percent), followed by Chung (72 percent) and Sanders (70 percent).

First instinct: Some of the team’s best plays (e.g. James Sanders’ game-sealing interception of Peyton Manning) and worst plays (e.g. Brandon Meriweather’s $40,000 fine for hits to the head) came from this spot, which reflected an up-and-down year at safety.

Storyline not to be overlooked: Chung’s ability to bounce back. The second-year safety improved from his rookie campaign, but had the botched fake punt in the playoff loss. That can be a tough miscue for a player to carry with him over the course of the offseason.

Future: Jarrad Page, Brandon McGowan and Josh Barrett have contracts that expire. Barrett, who rehabbed an injured shoulder while missing the 2010 season, was claimed on waivers from the Broncos and could be part of the mix. Meriweather and Sanders enter the final year of their contracts, while Chung is signed through 2012.

Final thought: While deep in numbers, planning for the future is a consideration for the Patriots because Chung is the only player at the top of the depth chart with a contract that ends past the 2011 season.

 

[sbpatfan]

It might be just me, but I'm not optimistic about Bodden returning to form. The team should probably target either a veteran corner or invest yet another high draft pick. I feel confident with the Safeties, however.

 

[JackBauer]

It might be just me, but I'm not optimistic about Bodden returning to form. The team should probably target either a veteran corner or invest yet another high draft pick. I feel confident with the Safeties, however.

Any reason? Or just speculation on your part?

 

[jmt57]

Free-agent Fit: Safety - New England Patriots Blog - espnBoston - Mike Rodak

RATING THE NEED: Moderate

CURRENT PERSONNEL: Brandon Meriweather, Patrick Chung, James Sanders, Sergio Brown, Ross Ventrone, Bret Lockett, Josh Barrett (restricted)

KEY CONSIDERATION: Despite back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, Meriweather has seen his playing time drop at times due to undisciplined play. With Meriweather entering the final season of his contract, would the Patriots consider trading him? Such a move would allow Chung to take over the back end of the defense. Like the Ellis Hobbs trade made during the 2009 draft, though, the team will likely not trade Meriweather unless they are confident they have a replacement for him.

NOTABLE TARGETS ON MARKET: Dawan Landry (Ravens), Donte Whitner (Bills), Danieal Manning (Bears), Jarrad Page (Patriots), Eric Weddle (Chargers), Brodney Pool (Jets), Quintin Mikell (Eagles), Roman Harper (Saints), Abram Elam (Browns), Gerald Sensabaugh (Cowboys)

MOST LIKELY TARGET FOR PATS: Page

SLEEPER POSSIBILITY FOR PATS: Donnie Nickey (Titans)

OUTLANDISH THOUGHT FOR PATS: Weddle

WRAP IT UP: The Patriots could over-stock this position during the offseason and then swing a trade, involving either Meriweather or Sanders, during the preseason. In the end, the Patriots will look to end up with three starting-quality safeties, plus at least one special teams-focused player.

 

[jmt57]

Position Snapshot: Defensive Back - Patriots.com - Erik Scalavino - 2/7/11

Youth and depth were perceived issues for New England’s defensive backfield entering the 2010 season. That became even more of a pressing concern when high-priced cornerback Leigh Bodden went on injured reserve at the end of the preseason.

As the regular season progressed, though, the group appeared to mature and actually became a reliable area for the Patriots. That growth was particularly evident in players like rookie Devin McCourty and second-year men Patrick Chung and Kyle Arrington.

The safety and corner positions may have improved, but they’re far from solidified entering 2011, despite the gains made in ’10. There remain jobs to be won and lost in the Patriots secondary, and new players at both spots could arrive in the draft and/or free agency.

27 – Kyle Arrington – CB
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the ’10 season. The one-time undrafted free agent proved a solid starter at right corner, and showed uncommon versatility as a part-time pass rusher with his hand on the ground. He’s a free agent this offseason, but has done more than enough to warrant being brought back for the long term.

38– Sergio Brown – S
After making the practice squad as an undrafted rookie free agent, Brown quickly was elevated to the active roster and became a regular contributor on special teams, with occasional reps on defense. He appears to have “gotten” the Patriots system and should be around for a while, as he was given a mid-season extension through 2013.

28 – Darius Butler – CB
A disappointing sophomore season for the former second-round pick saw him lose his starting job early in the year to Arrington. Butler never quite seemed to recover when given chances in sub packages, too often getting beaten for big gains by opposing receivers. He provides depth, but is far from a lock to stick around for the long haul.

24 – Jonathan Wilhite – CB
Was contributing as a reserve in nickel and dime packages before going on season-ending IR in mid-December with a hip/hamstring injury. But he reportedly gets a big bump in base salary after achieving performance incentives. That could factor in if he’s in a battle for a roster spot this summer.

Read more at: Position Snapshot: Defensive Back

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

I am not sold on Bodden. He seems like an average CB but average is not good enough anymore. Guys like Aaron Rogers are able to make completions to receivers that are "covered" by the old standards; CBs have to get better....

 

[jmt57]

Free-Agent Fit: Cornerback - New England Patriots Blog - espnBoston - Mike Rodak

POSITION: Cornerback

RATING THE NEED: Moderate

KEY CONSIDERATION: Safety Patrick Chung often filled the role of the slot cornerback in 2010, but long-term the Patriots would most likely prefer to have a natural cornerback play the position. Butler’s up-and-down 2010 season brings no assurance he can be that player. If the team feels that neither Arrington nor Wilhite could fill that role, then they could look elsewhere.

NOTABLE TARGETS ON MARKET: Brent Grimes (Falcons; restricted), Richard Marshall (Panthers), Stanford Routt (Raiders), Carlos Rogers (Redskins), Brian Williams (Falcons), Drayton Florence (Bills), Ike Taylor (Steelers), Chris Carr (Ravens), Ronde Barber (Buccaneers), Chris Houston (Lions), Brandon Carr (Chiefs; restricted)

MOST LIKELY TARGET FOR PATS: Brian Williams (Falcons)

SLEEPER POSSIBILITY FOR PATS: Corey Graham (Bears)

WRAP IT UP: If Bodden is able to return to 2009 form, then the Patriots could have their best duo at cornerback in many years. Depth is the question.

 

[Shelterdog]

I am not sold on Bodden. He seems like an average CB but average is not good enough anymore. Guys like Aaron Rogers are able to make completions to receivers that are "covered" by the old standards; CBs have to get better....

What do you mean by average?
Any average that he is average? He was good by traditional states, good by stuff like DVOA, the market must have valued him highly because he got a good contract, and Belichick must have liked him reasonably well?
Who's better that we can get? Asomugha, anyone else?

 

[jmt57]

It Is What It Is -- Potential Patriots: Brian Williams -- Christopher Price, WEEI.com

Brian Williams
Position: Cornerback
Team: Atlanta
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 202
Age: 31

Why the Patriots would be interested: Assuming that the Patriots get Leigh Bodden back healthy next season, the duo of Bodden and Devin McCourty could be one of the top corner tandems in the league. However, New England still needs to build depth at the position, and the possibility of a well-traveled veteran like the 31-year-old Williams providing quality snaps in relief of Bodden or McCourty or as a slot corner would make a lot of sense.

Why it would happen: There figure to be other, higher-profile corners on the market this offseason (Nnamdi Asomugha, Champ Bailey), but the Patriots are simply looking to build depth at the spot this offseason, and Williams, an unrestricted free agent, is as good a choice as any. He’s not a starter — age and injury have made sure of that — but he’s a smart veteran with a good rep. Williams has some positional versatility, as he’s played both corner and safety over the course of his career. It doesn’t appear the Falcons will franchise Williams, and he would almost certainly come at a reasonable price. He won’t remind anyone of Ty Law, but could provide a bridge year to younger corners or even step in in a pinch.

Some alternatives: Richard Marshall (Carolina), Ike Taylor (Steelers), Chris Carr (Baltimore), Corey Graham (Chicago), Carlos Rogers (Washington).

Read more at: Potential Patriots: Brian Williams