Dennard will enter training camp with something to prove
Alfonzo Dennard was supposed to be picked in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.
Thanks to an ugly end to his college career, a weak showing in front of scouts, and an arrest for allegedly punching a police officer outside of a bar in Nebraska, Dennard understandably slid in the Draft. He nearly went undrafted, but ultimately fell into the Patriots' lap in the seventh round.
It was reported during minicamp that the cornerback was impressive in workouts. He may end up having tremendous upside and end up being one of the steals of the seventh round. However, if Dennard is unable to keep up the good work on the field, and put his legal troubles behind him, New England will be quick to cut him loose. After all, right now, he is just a seventh round draft pick.
Although Dennard was taken with the 17th pick of the final round, his off-field issues scared teams away. With his talent and potential, Dennard would've been picked much earlier. With that said, Dennard may have the most to prove come training camp. He has to prove his worth, and show teams that passing on him due to a legal incident was a mistake. Should he stick, Dennard has the chance to become a late round gem.
And if anyone knows what types of gems can be found in the later rounds of the Draft, it's the Patriots.
Thanks to an ugly end to his college career, a weak showing in front of scouts, and an arrest for allegedly punching a police officer outside of a bar in Nebraska, Dennard understandably slid in the Draft. He nearly went undrafted, but ultimately fell into the Patriots' lap in the seventh round.
It was reported during minicamp that the cornerback was impressive in workouts. He may end up having tremendous upside and end up being one of the steals of the seventh round. However, if Dennard is unable to keep up the good work on the field, and put his legal troubles behind him, New England will be quick to cut him loose. After all, right now, he is just a seventh round draft pick.
Although Dennard was taken with the 17th pick of the final round, his off-field issues scared teams away. With his talent and potential, Dennard would've been picked much earlier. With that said, Dennard may have the most to prove come training camp. He has to prove his worth, and show teams that passing on him due to a legal incident was a mistake. Should he stick, Dennard has the chance to become a late round gem.
And if anyone knows what types of gems can be found in the later rounds of the Draft, it's the Patriots.
