Top Cornerbacks the Patriots Could Draft
A week from today, the 2013 NFL Draft will occur on primetime television. The New England Patriots currently have late 1st (29th), 2nd (59th), and 3rd round (91st) picks most notably, and for the purpose of length, I will focus more on the top prospects that the Patriots could draft at the cornerback position with their earlier picks.
The Patriots are in less of a dire situation than expected in the secondary after re-signing Aqib Talib and Kyle Arrington, signing Adrian Wilson, and hearing that Alfonzo Dennard will not miss any games because of his jail time. Their major needs lie in the defensive line and wide receiver positions, but the number of top of the line wide receivers worth going after in the first two rounds is less than overwhelming, thus why Mel Kiper picked a defensive back for the Patriots in his most recent mock draft. I reference Kiper's draft board a lot, so here is the hyperlink to that if you have ESPN Insider.
Here is a comprehensive list of the top ten cornerbacks (listed subjectively based on skill) available in this draft:
1. Dee Milliner
2. Xavier Rhodes
3. Desmond Trufant
4. Jamar Taylor
5. DJ Hayden*
6. Jonathan Banks
7. Logan Ryan
8. Blidi Wreh-Wilson
9. David Amerson
10. Dwayne Gratz
Notice in the title of this piece I wrote "Top Cornerbacks the Patriots Could Draft," and not simply "Top Cornerbacks."
Therefore, I will eliminate Dee Milliner from the list of cornerbacks available to the Patriots. That leaves my top five in the following order with their pros and cons attached from various sources in the first paragraph, followed by personal narrative and how the Patriots could use each of them, respectively.
*Quick note: Mike Mayock recently changed his top cornerback prospect from Dee Milliner to DJ Hayden; however, since he is of the minority opinion who believes that Hayden will go no later than pick #21 to the Bengals, I will keep him in the mix.
Patriots Reach Prospects:
Reach in this case means that the Patriots would need to trade up in the draft to acquire them.
#1: Desmond Trufant (5' 11 5/8" 190 lbs.)
ESPN Insider lists Trufant at #2 at CB behind Milliner, and his rankings indicate why. He is rated exceptionally in "Intangibles," "Durability," "Height, Weight and Speed," "Instincts," and "Cover Skills." His only concerns are his small hands (lack of interception productivity) and run support abilities, both of which were rated at average on ESPN Insider.
The Patriots are unlikely to get Trufant, although Dane Brugler of CBS Sports does have Trufant falling to the Patriots at pick #29. Conversely, Kiper, Todd McShay, and everyone else on CBS Sports has Trufant going anywhere from #13 (Buccaneers) to #20 (Bears) to #24 (Colts). The Patriots could use a cornerback with great intangibles and durability to balance out Dennard's and Talib's off-field issues and Ras-I's injury problems, although it does not seem likely that they would spring for him. I would say pass.
#2: DJ Hayden (5' 11" 191 lbs.)
There is less information on DJ because of his recent surge to the top of the board; nevertheless, it is evident that NFL prognosticators are impressed with his foot speed, instincts, and run support. The obvious worry for most NFL suitors is his durability seeing as he just recovered from an injury that for most would have meant death.
His size is status quo for most cornerbacks in the league, but his athleticism and ball skills are considered above average. An interesting statistic is that he returned two of his four interceptions in 2012 back for touchdowns, showing how dangerous he can be when he does get the ball in his hands. His prospect momentum is coming at the exact right time because of the how close the draft is.
DJ Hayden's draft stock has risen on many draft boards, but the only two that have him going in the first round prior to the Patriots pick is Todd McShay going to Indy at #24 and Mike Mayock who I mentioned prior. I listed him as a reach because of the publicity he has gotten in the past couple of days, and I think the Colts or Broncos will mostly likely go after him. His size and speed are similar to Trufant, except Hayden almost died last year. Thus, I say the Patriots stay back and allow him to go if it seems like he will go early.
#3: Xavier Rhodes (6' 1" 210 lbs.)
An unusually large cornerback with great top-end speed and long arms, Xavier Rhodes would be a great fit in press-man coverage. Mel Kiper believes he has true shut down cornerback ability; however, he was originally recruited as a wide receiver and his instincts at cornerback have not fully developed. Thus, ESPN Insider has Rhodes's "Instincts" at slightly below average. NFL teams become apprehensive about Rhodes when they look at his injury history, lack of urgency when playing out of man coverage, and missed tackles (although when he does connect he has the ability to de-cleat).
To me, Rhodes just screams Ras-I Dowling. The same guy who has not played a snap since 2011, but also has a large build, good speed, and long arms. I am so enticed by his high ceiling for potential, but I also am reluctant to go for such an injury prone player. If he is there, I believe they should absolutely draft him because he did play a healthy senior season at FSU.
Patriots Realistic Prospects:
#1: Jamar Taylor (5' 10 5/8" 192 lbs.)
A little under-sized, but his speed and cover skills makes up for his height and arm length deficiencies. Mel Kiper has him going to the Patriots in his most recent mock draft, but states that fans will not be excited because the top two wide receivers on the board were gone and Xavier Rhodes went to Denver the pick prior. His size makes him average when it comes to run stopping, although he does not shy from contact.
I agree with Kiper in that I would be indifferent if Taylor landed with the Patriots, and I would expect the same product like most corners drafted by New England in past years - mediocrity. My prediction would be a Darius Butler type, except better in man coverage.
#2: Jonathan Banks (6' 2" 185 lbs.)
Banks has a massive build, played every game in college, and great hands. The major knock on Banks is that his speed is below average, thus his cover skills take a hit. NFL.com compares him to Talib, but he plays more off-coverage and is consistently opening his hips to avoid getting beat deep. Kiper compliments his awareness and defensive intelligence, and has Banks going in the early third round.
His draft stock is labeled anywhere from late-first round to early third round. He seems like a guy you would love to have on the practice field and in the locker room because of his competitiveness and hard working attitude; therefore, I would love to see him drop to the Patriots in the second round if they do not draft a corner in the first round. That is unlikely though.
#3: Logan Ryan (5' 11" 191 lbs.)
He is not incredibly fast, and he has an above average build for a pro cornerback. He has average cover skills and instincts, but he makes up for it with intangibles and durability (both given an exceptional rating by ESPN Insider).
The word I saw a lot when looking at Ryan's draft analysis was raw, but that was accompanied by hard-working. If the Patriots had a guy like Champ Bailey or a great veteran in the secondary, I would say they could hope to get him later and coach him up, but this secondary does not have the age nor experience to do that. I say pass.
#4: Blidi Wreh-Wilson (6' 1" 195 lbs.)
Mel Kiper predicts Blidi to go in the mid-second round, but his frame, speed, and leadership could make him a more desired candidate for many teams. He bites on play-fakes, and is susceptible to succumbing to double moves because of his height. His tackling is average, but he has great arm length for extension against receivers off of the line.
Most NFL analysts believe he is a move zone coverage guy, but with his size and speed, I would not be opposed to seeing him in a Patriots uniform. I would be overjoyed if they landed him in the second round.
#5: Tyrann Mathieu (5' 8 3/4" 186 lbs.)
The ultimate wildcard. He has a tremendous array of talents, but his off the field drug issues pose a major concern. He is also under-sized for a pro cornerback, with a style of play that could mean a short career in the NFL. His instincts are unmatched, and he could double as a primetime punt and kick returner.
I am naturally drawn to players like Mathieu who have ridiculous amounts of talent and potential but have the absolute worst personalities. I root for him, and I would love to see the Patriots work that potential out of him, even if it means a second round pick up who turns into Devin Hester.
The Patriots are in less of a dire situation than expected in the secondary after re-signing Aqib Talib and Kyle Arrington, signing Adrian Wilson, and hearing that Alfonzo Dennard will not miss any games because of his jail time. Their major needs lie in the defensive line and wide receiver positions, but the number of top of the line wide receivers worth going after in the first two rounds is less than overwhelming, thus why Mel Kiper picked a defensive back for the Patriots in his most recent mock draft. I reference Kiper's draft board a lot, so here is the hyperlink to that if you have ESPN Insider.
Here is a comprehensive list of the top ten cornerbacks (listed subjectively based on skill) available in this draft:
1. Dee Milliner
2. Xavier Rhodes
3. Desmond Trufant
4. Jamar Taylor
5. DJ Hayden*
6. Jonathan Banks
7. Logan Ryan
8. Blidi Wreh-Wilson
9. David Amerson
10. Dwayne Gratz
Therefore, I will eliminate Dee Milliner from the list of cornerbacks available to the Patriots. That leaves my top five in the following order with their pros and cons attached from various sources in the first paragraph, followed by personal narrative and how the Patriots could use each of them, respectively.
*Quick note: Mike Mayock recently changed his top cornerback prospect from Dee Milliner to DJ Hayden; however, since he is of the minority opinion who believes that Hayden will go no later than pick #21 to the Bengals, I will keep him in the mix.
Patriots Reach Prospects:
Reach in this case means that the Patriots would need to trade up in the draft to acquire them.
#1: Desmond Trufant (5' 11 5/8" 190 lbs.)
ESPN Insider lists Trufant at #2 at CB behind Milliner, and his rankings indicate why. He is rated exceptionally in "Intangibles," "Durability," "Height, Weight and Speed," "Instincts," and "Cover Skills." His only concerns are his small hands (lack of interception productivity) and run support abilities, both of which were rated at average on ESPN Insider.
The Patriots are unlikely to get Trufant, although Dane Brugler of CBS Sports does have Trufant falling to the Patriots at pick #29. Conversely, Kiper, Todd McShay, and everyone else on CBS Sports has Trufant going anywhere from #13 (Buccaneers) to #20 (Bears) to #24 (Colts). The Patriots could use a cornerback with great intangibles and durability to balance out Dennard's and Talib's off-field issues and Ras-I's injury problems, although it does not seem likely that they would spring for him. I would say pass.
#2: DJ Hayden (5' 11" 191 lbs.)
There is less information on DJ because of his recent surge to the top of the board; nevertheless, it is evident that NFL prognosticators are impressed with his foot speed, instincts, and run support. The obvious worry for most NFL suitors is his durability seeing as he just recovered from an injury that for most would have meant death.His size is status quo for most cornerbacks in the league, but his athleticism and ball skills are considered above average. An interesting statistic is that he returned two of his four interceptions in 2012 back for touchdowns, showing how dangerous he can be when he does get the ball in his hands. His prospect momentum is coming at the exact right time because of the how close the draft is.
DJ Hayden's draft stock has risen on many draft boards, but the only two that have him going in the first round prior to the Patriots pick is Todd McShay going to Indy at #24 and Mike Mayock who I mentioned prior. I listed him as a reach because of the publicity he has gotten in the past couple of days, and I think the Colts or Broncos will mostly likely go after him. His size and speed are similar to Trufant, except Hayden almost died last year. Thus, I say the Patriots stay back and allow him to go if it seems like he will go early.
#3: Xavier Rhodes (6' 1" 210 lbs.)
An unusually large cornerback with great top-end speed and long arms, Xavier Rhodes would be a great fit in press-man coverage. Mel Kiper believes he has true shut down cornerback ability; however, he was originally recruited as a wide receiver and his instincts at cornerback have not fully developed. Thus, ESPN Insider has Rhodes's "Instincts" at slightly below average. NFL teams become apprehensive about Rhodes when they look at his injury history, lack of urgency when playing out of man coverage, and missed tackles (although when he does connect he has the ability to de-cleat).
To me, Rhodes just screams Ras-I Dowling. The same guy who has not played a snap since 2011, but also has a large build, good speed, and long arms. I am so enticed by his high ceiling for potential, but I also am reluctant to go for such an injury prone player. If he is there, I believe they should absolutely draft him because he did play a healthy senior season at FSU.
Patriots Realistic Prospects:
#1: Jamar Taylor (5' 10 5/8" 192 lbs.)
A little under-sized, but his speed and cover skills makes up for his height and arm length deficiencies. Mel Kiper has him going to the Patriots in his most recent mock draft, but states that fans will not be excited because the top two wide receivers on the board were gone and Xavier Rhodes went to Denver the pick prior. His size makes him average when it comes to run stopping, although he does not shy from contact.
I agree with Kiper in that I would be indifferent if Taylor landed with the Patriots, and I would expect the same product like most corners drafted by New England in past years - mediocrity. My prediction would be a Darius Butler type, except better in man coverage.
#2: Jonathan Banks (6' 2" 185 lbs.)
Banks has a massive build, played every game in college, and great hands. The major knock on Banks is that his speed is below average, thus his cover skills take a hit. NFL.com compares him to Talib, but he plays more off-coverage and is consistently opening his hips to avoid getting beat deep. Kiper compliments his awareness and defensive intelligence, and has Banks going in the early third round.
His draft stock is labeled anywhere from late-first round to early third round. He seems like a guy you would love to have on the practice field and in the locker room because of his competitiveness and hard working attitude; therefore, I would love to see him drop to the Patriots in the second round if they do not draft a corner in the first round. That is unlikely though.
#3: Logan Ryan (5' 11" 191 lbs.)
He is not incredibly fast, and he has an above average build for a pro cornerback. He has average cover skills and instincts, but he makes up for it with intangibles and durability (both given an exceptional rating by ESPN Insider).
The word I saw a lot when looking at Ryan's draft analysis was raw, but that was accompanied by hard-working. If the Patriots had a guy like Champ Bailey or a great veteran in the secondary, I would say they could hope to get him later and coach him up, but this secondary does not have the age nor experience to do that. I say pass.
#4: Blidi Wreh-Wilson (6' 1" 195 lbs.)
Mel Kiper predicts Blidi to go in the mid-second round, but his frame, speed, and leadership could make him a more desired candidate for many teams. He bites on play-fakes, and is susceptible to succumbing to double moves because of his height. His tackling is average, but he has great arm length for extension against receivers off of the line.
Most NFL analysts believe he is a move zone coverage guy, but with his size and speed, I would not be opposed to seeing him in a Patriots uniform. I would be overjoyed if they landed him in the second round.
#5: Tyrann Mathieu (5' 8 3/4" 186 lbs.)The ultimate wildcard. He has a tremendous array of talents, but his off the field drug issues pose a major concern. He is also under-sized for a pro cornerback, with a style of play that could mean a short career in the NFL. His instincts are unmatched, and he could double as a primetime punt and kick returner.
I am naturally drawn to players like Mathieu who have ridiculous amounts of talent and potential but have the absolute worst personalities. I root for him, and I would love to see the Patriots work that potential out of him, even if it means a second round pick up who turns into Devin Hester.
