Ras I Dowling - MMQB

[Gronkandez]

"I think New England's a candidate for the fifth straight draft to take a corner in the top two rounds ... The hip rehab of New England cornerback Ras-I Dowling is going very well. He'll be ready for most if not all of his offseason work ... "

Robert Griffin III's combine performance makes No. 2 NFL Draft pick a valuable one - Peter King - SI.com

 

[Ron Sellers]

Not that I don't think the Pats will indeed draft a CB in the first two rounds, but I don't follow King's logic. It sounds like he's trying to say that because Dowling's rehab is going well, therefore the Pats will draft another corner? Huh? Obviously if the Pats do draft another corner, it will be for some other reason.



--- FYI to anyone else, the commentary in the post above are King's words, not those of the OP - and also that is the full and complete extent of what King had to say on the subject.

 

[VrabelJr]

Yeah I follow you Ron. I didn't get that either.

 

[ay-yo]

If BB and co views McCourty as a CB only moving forward I doubt we take a CB in the top 2 rounds.

 

[Gronkandez]

"The surgery wasn't initially in the plans when the Patriots placed Dowling on injured reserve in late October with a torn tendon in his leg. Initially, the thought process was that Dowling could have a full recovery without surgery, but it was ultimately decided that a "clean-up" would give him a better chance of not re-injuring the hip. "



Following up on Ras-I Dowling - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[Water Boy]

No shame in drafting another CB early this year IMO.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

Yeah I follow you Ron. I didn't get that either.

I think that King is saying that, because Ras-I didn't play much at all in his rookie season, next year if he recovers nicely we will essentially be adding a rookie cornerback (Ras-I) whether we draft one or not.

I hope he is right, because I think we are decent in the secondary with a healthy Ras-I, Devin, Arrington, with a healthy Chung, so long as we get a draft pick or FA upgrade at the other safety

 

[Why?PJ]

The more I look at the mock drafts the more it looks like some big name big play college defensive players will be available for the Pats to pick at both their 1st round picks. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Ras I showed huge potential before his injury. The offseason will help both McCourty and Dowling, so I think the Pats wouldn't look at CB in the earlier rounds, but will definitely get at least one in the draft somewhere.

 

[Gronkandez]

Yeah I follow you Ron. I didn't get that either.

I think he said it because a) the trend the Patriots drafting CB's and b)the Pats were torched last year vs the pass, therefore they must need another CB (his deduction). I don't think it was related to the Dowling news.

I can see them drafting a CB that has the flexibility to play Safety or, if Janoris Jenkins slips. I'm rooting for the latter just to add some intrigue to my draft watching experience even if it's too risky for many people's taste.

 

[Leemo]

No shame in drafting another CB early this year IMO.

Agreed theres lots of talent in the draft at corner

1st: if any of kirkpatrick, jenkins or dennard if any are there i would be happy with them
2nd: gilmore minnifield and boykin are all guys that are worth the pick

then my binky, jamell fleming in the third.....

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

No shame in drafting another CB early this year IMO.

There should be with everything they've invested in the position the past five years. (one #1 and three 2's)

 

[Why?PJ]

Agreed theres lots of talent in the draft at corner

1st: if any of kirkpatrick, jenkins or dennard if any are there i would be happy with them
2nd: gilmore minnifield and boykin are all guys that are worth the pick

then my binky, jamell fleming in the third.....

I'd be ecstatic if they could grab Gilmore. Nothing but a playmaker.

 

[manxman2601]

Agreed theres lots of talent in the draft at corner

1st: if any of kirkpatrick, jenkins or dennard if any are there i would be happy with them
2nd: gilmore minnifield and boykin are all guys that are worth the pick

then my binky, jamell fleming in the third.....

Having Fleming as a binky earns you a like

 

[Water Boy]

There should be with everything they've invested in the position the past five years. (one #1 and three 2's)

Can't stop trying.

 

[BlueThunder]

As far as drafting...it's all a crap shoot..

Do your homework and hope your players can pick up your system and stay healthy...

Some positions seem tougher than others...

I would hope BB doesn't shy away from drafting a position based on his past record. I don't think he would because look at all the TE's he has drafted before hitting the jackpot

 

[Wilfork#75]

As far as drafting...it's all a crap shoot..

Do your homework and hope your players can pick up your system and stay healthy...

Some positions seem tougher than others...

I would hope BB doesn't shy away from drafting a position based on his past record. I don't think he would because look at all the TE's he has drafted before hitting the jackpot

I think its hugely important not to stop drafting certain positions just because you haven't had success in the past. What needs to happen instead of shying away from those positions, is to look at why these players busted and what kind of player is needed to be successful in this system. I'm not a believer in some people not being able to draft certain positions. I think its more a case of them not understanding yet what kind of prospect will best fit their system, both physically and personally.

 

[rdf63]

Biggest question is if he is healthy. Skills are definitely there, he was rated as high as 16th and would have been a 1st round pick before the senior year injury. His lowest 40-yd speed was 4.35, bench pressed 225 lbs 19 times. If he can't play, the Pats will have to draft another 1st rd cornerback.