Cornerback

[Wilfork#75]

I would prefer to go the veteran CB route and then draft a developmental guy later. I really like Aaron Hester from UCLA in the later rounds as an outside, press-man CB with a lot of potential. He has great length and size at 6'1 203lbs, has decent speed and excels in man coverage, especially when he can use his length to jam at the line. The biggest problem is UCLA used far too much zone coverage where he struggled. That is why I believe he is rated so low and is a potential sleeper in the later rounds.

Amerson is a guy who really intrigues me and I wouldn't mind taking a shot at him if he falls a bit further. Its based purely of physical skill set because I don't like his tape. But you can't teach 6'3" with athleticism and ball skills. I think his individual workouts are going to be huge, because what I want to see out of him I haven't seen on tape. I wan't to see if he can use his length to press at the line and if he can run with WR's in man coverage. He plays a lot of soft zone and I don't think that fits his skill set. A lot of people also think he is a Safety in the NFL but I personally don't see it. He is a poor front on tackler and gambles too much playing the ball in front of him. However, I think this is less of an issue in man coverage where he wouldn't be forced to make as many front on tackles and can play the ball in the air with help over the top. It would be purely taking a chance on his size and athletecism, but in the late 3rd or 4th round I would certainly take a shot. Unfortunately I think another team will do it much earlier.

 

[dryheat44]

My hope is that Sean Smith wants to stop being the nail and start being the hammer, and he comes off his salary demands in order to do so. Reportedly, he wants upwards of a Jason McCourty contract (5/43/20). I'm not sure anybody is willing to go there with him, but if he can live with 3/25/13 or so, I'd love to have him here. I'd be okay with one year at 8 mil. if he wants to test the market again next year.

 

[patsfaninpa]

My hope is that Sean Smith wants to stop being the nail and start being the hammer, and he comes off his salary demands in order to do so. Reportedly, he wants upwards of a Jason McCourty contract (5/43/20). I'm not sure anybody is willing to go there with him, but if he can live with 3/25/13 or so, I'd love to have him here. I'd be okay with one year at 8 mil. if he wants to test the market again next year.

I'm with Wilfork and yourself on signing a vet if we don't keep Talib. Can't count on a guy picked at 29 to play LCB and shutdown elite receivers. I would also add DRC to the mix. Not sure about Grimes coming off of Achilles injury.

 

[doesntmatter1]

Besides wr where there are numerous guys I like, I have narrowed down my list of players I like at other posistions. At corner, I am a big fan of two guys: logan ryan and will davis.

Logan Ryan seems like the closest thing I have seen to D Revis and I would take him any day over dee millner, a guy slated to go within the first 20 picks. He plays alot of press and he seems to effortlessly stick to guys while also getting his hands on quite a few balls.

Will Davis feels more like a throwback corner for me. In recent times we have seen alot of physical corners that look like safeties but Davis is more in the mold of samuel or grimes than that of patrick peterson etc. He is small and feisty. He seems quicker than the guys he is defending and has the kind of quickness to nicely defend slants and in cuts. I can see him getting pushed around a little but I envision him snagging a few int to offset that.

 

[cstjohn17]

I hope they don't draft a CB in round 1. They could get a RT that should start for 5 years and then use the Vollmer money to get a solid veteran CB and then added another CB in round 3.

Maybe I am being a downer but let's face it our secondary sucks, I don't see how it will get a lot better in 2013. Focus on the offensive and defensive lines and fill in the rest with post draft veteran FAs.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I hope they don't draft a CB in round 1. They could get a RT that should start for 5 years and then use the Vollmer money to get a solid veteran CB and then added another CB in round 3.

Maybe I am being a downer but let's face it our secondary sucks, I don't see how it will get a lot better in 2013. Focus on the offensive and defensive lines and fill in the rest with post draft veteran FAs.

Does our secondary truly suck, or are they asked to cover longer than most other teams because our pass rush lacks bite.

Look at our own QB. When Brady has time, he kills teams. Every time he has not, we have lost. (See Pats-Gaints in SB.)

 

[cstjohn17]

Does our secondary truly suck, or are they asked to cover longer than most other teams because our pass rush lacks bite?

That my friend is the question, if it was my money I would focus on the pass rush and try to get to "average" in the secondary.

 

[DaBruinz]

I wouldn't mind two CBs in rounds 3, 4, or 5 via trade down. Hopefully Talib or Keenan Lewis is signed so our #1 and #2 CB spots are all good. Something like Leon Mcfadden and Tyrann Mathieu. I'd rather WR, S, OL, or DE be used in rounds 1 or 2.

1. Talib
2. Dennard
3. Mathieu-nickelback (R)
4. Dowling
5. McFadden (R)

I will be honest. I don't see "The Honey Badger" on the Pats radar. He get's kicked off the LSU team in August for drug use. Enters a rehab program, only to be arrested in October for possession. Yes, he was released, but I can't find anything that says that the charges were dropped.

The other issue with Mathieu is that he's only 5'8 1/2" tall. No way he'll be lining up against 6'4 - 6'6 TEs and be effective..

 

[Off The Grid]

Does our secondary truly suck, or are they asked to cover longer than most other teams because our pass rush lacks bite.

I beg to differ, Sir. :snob:

I would argue that our "Pass Rush" does bite.

Indeed, it bites hard.

 

[dryheat44]

I hope they don't draft a CB in round 1. They could get a RT that should start for 5 years and then use the Vollmer money to get a solid veteran CB and then added another CB in round 3.

Maybe I am being a downer but let's face it our secondary sucks, I don't see how it will get a lot better in 2013. Focus on the offensive and defensive lines and fill in the rest with post draft veteran FAs.

If Talib leaves and Dennard's in jail, we don't have much choice. The top pick is going to have to be a CB or a S, with McCourty moving back to corner full-time.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

If Talib leaves and Dennard's in jail, we don't have much choice. The top pick is going to have to be a CB or a S, with McCourty moving back to corner full-time.

Banks of MSU or Rhodes of FSU could be on the board at #29. However if BB does not think either represents value at #29, would he drop out of the first round, trade partner willing of course?

 

[chevss454]

Bama CB Dee Milliner will have shoulder surgery for a torn labrum after the Combine.

Rehab is normally be 4-7 months depending upon the procedure used. The arthroscopic Bankart procedure isn't thought to be strong enough for collision athletes but the open procedure naturally takes longer for rehab, in the 5-7 month range.

This could cost him draft position on draft day.

 

[cstjohn17]

If Talib leaves and Dennard's in jail, we don't have much choice. The top pick is going to have to be a CB or a S, with McCourty moving back to corner full-time.

I think we will see the Patriots being exceedingly patient, both the draft and veteran free agent pool is very deep. As with most years they will follow this approach:

1. Free Agency Starts - They will ensure that each position has at least a warm body or borderline starter (aka JAG). This year that will mean a JAG CB, JAG WR and possibly a JAG OT will be signed before the draft.
2. Draft - Add talent of positions of need. I think they will look for a starting RT in round 1, secondary in round 2 and some sort of specialist in round 3 (Coverage LB, Interior pass rushing DT or a developmental WR)
3. Post draft - Add a few UDFAs and fill in the roster with available veteran free agents.

This year more than most there will be some decent veterans available after the draft. Once camp starts they could add some bottom of the roster player for the 51, 52 or 53rd position.

In any case it is hard to see a scenario where the talent level in the secondary improves by very much. More middle of the round players thrown against the wall with the hope they stick.

 

[ZoisKing]

Bama CB Dee Milliner will have shoulder surgery for a torn labrum after the Combine.

Rehab is normally be 4-7 months depending upon the procedure used. The arthroscopic Bankart procedure isn't thought to be strong enough for collision athletes but the open procedure naturally takes longer for rehab, in the 5-7 month range.

This could cost him draft position on draft day.

It's disheartening to think that we have to continue to sacrifice draft picks for cornerbacks. Dennard's troubles were a surprise to me, I thought he would have gotten it together, but what's worse is that many times last season he looked really darn good. It's like the football gods are mad at us

I'm hoping we might be able to address our cornerback needs through FA. I don't want to chance any more picks. You can't win it seems.

 

[zimmy]

I think it's clear we need to add at least one cornerback through the draft. My preference is for Jamar Taylor in the late 2nd round but we will need to see how they all test at the combine. Another option is drafting a safety and moving McCourty back to corner but I don't want to move McCourty ideally.

I also would love to draft DJ Hayden in the 7th - we can red shirt him for the year. I would then franchise Talib (I'm concerned about giving him a long term deal) or find another experienced corner in free agency.

2013:

Talib (Or other FA corner)
Dennard (Dependant on court case)
Dowling
Taylor (or other drafted CB)
Hayden/Arrington (if money is there)/another JAG corner.

I don't think this is ideal considering Talib and Dowling's injury history and Dennards court case, but we will know the Dennard outcome pre-draft at least.

 

[upstater1]

In the video you'll see BWW Highlights at 3:00, 4:20, 5:50

It Is What It Is » NFL Draft’s Potential Patriots: UConn CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

 

[Sciz]

In the video you'll see BWW Highlights at 3:00, 4:20, 5:50

It Is What It Is » NFL Draft’s Potential Patriots: UConn CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

Definitely a guy to keep an eye on. Could be the "who?" moment of the late first or early second round.

 

[manxman2601]

Definitely a guy to keep an eye on. Could be the "who?" moment of the late first or early second round.

Tony Pauline suggests he might climb into the 1st

NFL Combine News & Notes: Day 1

 

[Patriot Missile]

Tony Pauline suggests he might climb into the 1st

NFL Combine News & Notes: Day 1

That would be very Aldon Smith like if Cooper is taken in the top 8. Here you are thinking you got a remote chance of a player falling and then BAMM! Another team covets your prize and dashes your hopes early.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I think it's clear we need to add at least one cornerback through the draft. My preference is for Jamar Taylor in the late 2nd round but we will need to see how they all test at the combine. Another option is drafting a safety and moving McCourty back to corner but I don't want to move McCourty ideally.

I also would love to draft DJ Hayden in the 7th - we can red shirt him for the year. I would then franchise Talib (I'm concerned about giving him a long term deal) or find another experienced corner in free agency.

2013:

Talib (Or other FA corner)
Dennard (Dependant on court case)
Dowling
Taylor (or other drafted CB)
Hayden/Arrington (if money is there)/another JAG corner.

I don't think this is ideal considering Talib and Dowling's injury history and Dennards court case, but we will know the Dennard outcome pre-draft at least.

Does BB attempt ot resign Arrington or Talib? Is Dowling a complete BUST?

If he signs CB Smith as a FA and we draft Amerson in the second round of the draft, do we potentially have the tallest set of CB's in the league?