Atlanta Falcons Brent Grimes rehab going well

The New England Patriots have a possible dilemma at the cornerback position with Aqib Talib set to hit free agency, and that was still of some concern even before the verdict on Alfonzo Dennard. While Dennard will most likely not miss any games in 2013, the uncertainty regarding Talib is enough for Patriots fans to at least take a look at potential fits at CB.

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My two favorite guys to look at are Brent Grimes and Chris Houston for different reasons. I view Houston as a solid, albeit unspectacular No. 2 option who can get the job done, but I view Grimes as No. 1 corner whose price tag will come cheap due to the severe Achilles’ tear he sustained. Grimes’s injury concerns are very real, but I feel like injuries get exaggerated when dealing with top players; the talent with Grimes is enough for me to take a risk.

What makes Grimes such an appealing player is the fact that he seems like someone who would fit in perfectly with the Patriot Way. Grimes is a team player, he has great work ethic, he plays the run hard, and he is one of the best cover corners in the NFL. You would have to think the Patriots are at least kicking around the idea of closely looking at Grimes.

The important thing is whether or not the Atlanta Falcons corner’s rehab process is going well, and head coach Mike Smith said it is. Here is something from his transcript that I found on the AJC:

“Q: What is the rehab status of Brent Grimes and will you all franchise tag him?

A: Brent Grimes has been doing an outstanding job with our athletic performance department, working in the training room. He is progressing well. Again, that was a significant injury that took place in Kansas City on opening weekend. But he has not been out working outside. He’s still working in the training room, but he is progressing very well.”

Grimes has a nice chunk of time to rehab and prepare for the regular season, and I have a feeling that the Falcons will end up keeping him. Although he hasn’t been “working outside”, the fact that his workout is “progressing well” is enough for me to think that Grimes should be go to go. Maybe he isn’t his elite self (especially not at first), but this guy will still be a No. 1 CB. The Falcons could give him the franchise tag, and I doubt he signs elsewhere this offseason.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.