Patriots starting corners could be different in 2012

ProFootballWeekly

With an improvement in pass defense needed after the 2010 season, the Patriots figured they found their starting corner opposite Devin McCourty in the form of Ras-I Dowling, the 33rd pick of the ’11 draft. Even though he missed time in training camp and the preseason with injuries, he started the first two games before suffering a season-ending leg injury, and he had hip surgery in December. Dowling is finally healthy and in his first full offseason, and we hear that ideally, Dowling will start at the right corner spot opposite McCourty in a secondary that, like last offseason, still needs to improve. The team's confidence in Dowling was illustrated by its decision to thrust him into the starting role as a rookie. Kyle Arrington, who tied for the league lead with seven interceptions last season, would move to the slot if Dowling nails down the outside starting job. We heard from one source last year that despite Arrington’s success, the secondary would be at its best if he wasn’t in a prominent role on the outside. Staying healthy is key for Dowling, but he showed the size and ball skills in college that would improve the Patriots’ pass defense.

Dowling has the size and the talent. If it weren't for an injury in his senior college season many thought he could've been a first round pick. Belichick picked him with the first pick in the second round two years ago and he missed nearly the whole 2011 season after being put on season-ending IR in September.

I'd expect McCourty to have that starting corner spot locked down - even though a lot of fans and analysts seem to think he should play safety. One would hope McCourty's 2012 season will look a lot more like 2010 than 2011. If he doesn't perform, this team is well stocked with capable talent. Kyle Arrington, Alfonzo Dennard, Will Allen and Sterling Moore are some of the other corners expected to be further down the depth chart.