Patriots to take Wreh-Wilson in 2nd round?
Blidi Wreh-Wilson, a cornerback coming out of the University of Connecticut, has been a name consistently on the Patriot's draft radar throughout the off-season. His name has been linked to the team's glaring needs in the secondary, and I have written about him on a number of occasions as someone the team clearly has an interest in. This was evidenced by a trip by Belichick and other Patriots staff to UConn's Pro-Day back in March.
Todd McShay had originally pegged Wreh-Wilson to be the Patriot's first round pick, but that ship has obviously sailed. The team is now on the big-board at number 52 having stocked up on picks in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. The big question now is whether or not Wreh-Wilson will last until #52. He has been seen as a player who could potentially be taken in the early second round. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots trade up to secure Blidi with the hopes of solidifying the defensive backfield, a unit that struggled immensely last year. In Mike Reiss' second-round mock draft, posted earlier today, he has the Pats taking Wreh-Wilson with the 52nd selection.
This would not be the first time the team set their sights on a young corner coming out of Storrs. In 2009 the team used their 41st pick to select Darius Butler, a move that could now be deemed a certified bust. But as Boston Herald writer Jeff Howe pointed out in a recent article, their alma-matter is about the only thing these two players have in common. There is little link between Wreh-Wilson (big,physical) to Butler (undersized, speedy).
Taking a look at Wreh-Wilson's player profile on NFL.com, there are things to like, but also some major concerns:
It seems Wreh-Wilson fits the mold of the Richard Sherman type cornerback: big, physical, and capable of knocking receivers off of their routes. But the last thing this secondary needs is a player susceptible to getting burned deep. We saw far too much of that last year to bring in a young guy who struggles with the deep balls.
Would you be happy with the Patriots selecting Wreh-Wilson in the second round? Vote in the poll below, and let us know on Twitter: @PatriotsLife
@LiamPCunningham
Related Articles:
"Patriots Looking Hard at Blidi Wreh-Wilson" (4.1.13)
"Top Cornerbacks the Patriots could Draft" (4.18.13)
"McShay Predicts Patriots will take UConn CB in first round" (3.6.13)
Todd McShay had originally pegged Wreh-Wilson to be the Patriot's first round pick, but that ship has obviously sailed. The team is now on the big-board at number 52 having stocked up on picks in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. The big question now is whether or not Wreh-Wilson will last until #52. He has been seen as a player who could potentially be taken in the early second round. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots trade up to secure Blidi with the hopes of solidifying the defensive backfield, a unit that struggled immensely last year. In Mike Reiss' second-round mock draft, posted earlier today, he has the Pats taking Wreh-Wilson with the 52nd selection.
This would not be the first time the team set their sights on a young corner coming out of Storrs. In 2009 the team used their 41st pick to select Darius Butler, a move that could now be deemed a certified bust. But as Boston Herald writer Jeff Howe pointed out in a recent article, their alma-matter is about the only thing these two players have in common. There is little link between Wreh-Wilson (big,physical) to Butler (undersized, speedy).
Taking a look at Wreh-Wilson's player profile on NFL.com, there are things to like, but also some major concerns:
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Scouts like Wreh-Wilson’s tall, long frame on the outside. He owns the closing speed to cut down receivers quickly after the catch when playing off, and uses his long arms to knock the ball away out of their hands. But he also presents short-area foot quickness to stay with receivers when tight on the line, as well as the powerful extension to knock them off their routes.
WEAKNESSES Like most taller corners, receivers can get Wreh-Wilson a little off-balance once he stops his feet. His tackling is also inconsistent, as he’ll dive at the feet of ballcarriers or lunge at him to make a hit instead of using his length to wrap. Play action can also get him in trouble, as he’ll jump forward and allow his receiver behind him. After receivers get behind him, Wreh-Wilson doesn't always showcase proper hip flexibility or adequete recovery speed. And even with his height and length, Wreh-Wilson sometimes loses jump balls when he gets outmuscled or fails to high-point.
NFL COMPARISON Derek Cox
BOTTOM LINE Wreh-Wilson is a tall, tough corner, with some ball skills. His length and short area quickness makes him an intriguing prospect, but his inability to quickly flip his hips and his lack of deep, recovery speed will likely limit him to a zone-based scheme.
It seems Wreh-Wilson fits the mold of the Richard Sherman type cornerback: big, physical, and capable of knocking receivers off of their routes. But the last thing this secondary needs is a player susceptible to getting burned deep. We saw far too much of that last year to bring in a young guy who struggles with the deep balls.
Would you be happy with the Patriots selecting Wreh-Wilson in the second round? Vote in the poll below, and let us know on Twitter: @PatriotsLife
@LiamPCunningham
Related Articles:
"Patriots Looking Hard at Blidi Wreh-Wilson" (4.1.13)
"Top Cornerbacks the Patriots could Draft" (4.18.13)
"McShay Predicts Patriots will take UConn CB in first round" (3.6.13)
