Cornerback is arguably the Patriots’ biggest roster need heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. After the departure of J.C. Jackson, the team lacks a clear starter on the outside as well as rotational depth.
Not only would it make sense for the Patriots to draft a cornerback, but also do invest a high pick at the position. On Tuesday, the Felger & Mazz Big Board picked three projected top-60 players at the position. Will any of these players be future Patriots?
A Spider 🕷, Patty Cake Corner and Joejuan Williams 2.0 - Day 7 @FelgerAndMazz BIG BOARD RECAP from @RealAlexBarth - CB’s
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) April 27, 2022
FULL BIG BOARD COVERAGE: https://t.co/QYBVodNBFr pic.twitter.com/PEZw1B0qkXKaiir Elam, Florida
Florida Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) in coverage against Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Je’Quan Burton (82) during a game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville Fla. Sept. 4, 2021. (Brad McClenny/The Gainesville Sun via Imagn Content Services)
Strengths:
–Desired size, length and strength for press man
–Able to swivel hips and pursue with fluidity
–Squeezes deep sideline routes with physicalityWeaknesses:
–Loses his leverage unnecessarily
–Needs better open-and-sprint timing when squatting underneath
–Inconsistent digesting route combinations(Source: NFL.com)
Martin Emerson, Mississippi State
Dec 31, 2020; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Martin Emerson (1) breaks up a pass intended for Tulsa Golden Hurricane wide receiver Sam Crawford Jr. (9) during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
–Uncoils relatively stiff punch to slow the release
–Closes and crowds when the route tracks deep
–Punt and kick cover talentWeaknesses:
–Too content to bat it away instead of taking it away
–Not very competitive taking on blocks
–Premature dives at ankles(Source: NFL.com)
Kyler Gordon, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 26: Kyler Gordon #2 of the Washington Huskies reacts after a stop against the Washington State Cougars during the first quarter at Husky Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Strengths:
–Well-equipped to play cornerback or nickel
–Fluidity buoyed by harmony of hips and feet
–Plant-and-drive juice is on a different levelWeaknesses:
–Coverage can get a little too cute at times
–Doesn’t fully trust his eyes just yet
–Will need to balance urgency with patience(Source: NFL.com)
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