What To Expect From CB Logan Ryan
May 3, 2013; Foxboro, MA USA; New England Patriots rookie Logan Ryan speaks to the media during rookie minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots at least pleased some fans by upgrading their corner backs and wide receivers during the draft. One thing we know for sure is that the Patriots need to slow down with drafting and signing all these players from The University Of Rutgers. I’m not saying it’s a bad talent pool or anything like that, but if we’re going to pick a bunch of players from a specific school let’s pick Alabama. The Corner-back position is a position that needs help both talent wise and depth wise. Ryan definitely does excel in specific areas, but just like anyone else he has some flaws.
Some of the things that he excels in are that he’s a solid tackler, plays exceptionally well in man-man coverage, and has very solid size and strength for his position. What can help him in this specific situation in New England? The fact that he played with fellow Patriot Devin McCourty for 1 season at Rutgers. That helps him with the fact that they will be playing together and for sure are already close. He’ll once again have the opportunity to learn from McCourty. It would a little odd to expect him to be a major part of the defense this season. He will almost certainly compete with Ras-I Dowling for the No.4 spot on the depth chart, but that’s all debatable since that means Dowling actually has to be healthy. Which seems to be a struggle for him.
You may not hear too much from Ryan this season due to some of the other corners, which are Aqib Talib and Alfonzo Dennard. We should all be well aware of the fact that the Aqib Talib is yet again on another 1 year deal with this team. If the Patriots end up not re-signing Talib next off-season, expect Ryan to have a bigger role on this defense. I believe a very smart move would be to try and re-sign him again but on a two-year deal.
Logan Ryan won’t have too much of an impact this season, but don’t forget his name because you’ll hear it quite often in the next few years.