Patriots: Forecasting Cre’Von LeBlanc in 2016
This is the 12th installment in a 17-part series in which we are forecasting what 2016 holds in store for each member of the New England Patriots’ rookie class. Today, we’re forecasting former Florida Atlantic cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc.
The skinny: The Patriots nabbed LeBlanc to round out their undrafted cornerback haul along with V’Angelo Bentley and Jonathan Jones. Standing at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, LeBlanc is the most solidly built and tallest of the Patriots’ rookie corners (including Cyrus Jones) but ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash that killed any chance of him getting drafted. As a senior at Florida Atlantic, LeBlanc stood out by posting four picks, 11 passes defended and 43 tackles.
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Pessimistic forecast: The concerns regarding LeBlanc’s speed are confirmed when he gets burned early and often in training camp by just about every wideout he faces. From the outset, LeBlanc is on the bottom of the cornerback totem pole, and he doesn’t do much to change that. His lack of special teams potential (especially compared to fellow undrafted rookie Jones) makes him expendable for the first round of cuts.
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Optimistic forecast: LeBlanc puts to rest worries about his speed by showing up to camp in great shape. He excels in one-on-one battles, outperforming undrafted peers Bentley and Jones. LeBlanc even puts returning Patriots Darryl Roberts and Justin Coleman under pressure. He survives cuts and is a game-time decision for Week 1 depending on the matchups.
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Realistic forecast: LeBlanc survives the first round of decision-making, but there just isn’t enough room for him on this crowded cornerback depth chart. Look at it this way: Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan and Cyrus Jones are roster locks. That leaves only two spots (at most) on the 53-man roster for Coleman, Roberts, Biggers, Bentley and Jonathan Jones to fight for. LeBlanc will have to look for employment elsewhere.
Be sure to stop by Musket Fire tomorrow morning as we forecast undrafted tight end Steven Scheu.
Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition
What do you think 2016 has in store for LeBlanc?