New England Patriots: 53-man Roster Projection
By Hal Bent
CORNERBACK:
Oct 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling (21) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Soriano:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Ras-I Dowling, Logan Ryan (5)
Since Devin McCourty can play CB at a high level in a pinch, I’ll leave it at five cornerbacks even with Alfonzo Dennard’s suspension still looming and Ras-I Dowling’s injury history.
Matt Wincherauk:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Ras-I Dowling (5)
The cornerback position has been one of great flux in recent years, but it has a little more stability. Talib could be a true number one guy, and Dennard is actually going to be on the team with his legal troubles not as bad as it seems. Arrington will fit back in the slot, and Ryan has had an awesome preseason. Ras-I Dowling is the last man in, and if he is ever healthy could be big, but that’s about as big an if you’ll ever see.
Gary Wolff:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Justin Green (5)
The secondary is looking very good. Talib’s ability to cover raises the level of play of the entire secondary. Justin Green got burned badly for a touchdown in Detroit, but it wasn’t due to his physical ability. He has done well and is a very good tackler. The roster spot he’s taking is that of Ras-I Dowling. Sadly, the talented corner just can’t stay healthy. This has been the case since his collegiate years, and its time to move on.
Chris Martin:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Ras-I Dowling, Logan Ryan, (5)
I wanted to keep Cole on the roster for depth, but the roster is starting to look thin.
Chris Simoneau:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Ras-I Dowling, Marquise Cole (6)
The best group of cornerbacks the Patriots have had in almost a decade. The key to this group is health; Ras-I Dowling, if he stays healthy, could end up being a huge surprise. Logan Ryan has had ups and downs in camp to date, but he’ll be ok. Marquise Cole is a solid backup and is also good on special teams. One issue to keep in mind- Dennard is most likely facing a suspension.
Cyrus Gellar:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Justin Green, Marquise Cole (6)
I have been a big fan of rookie Justin Green this whole preseason, and because fellow cornerback Ras-I Dowling’s injury problems, I think Green deserves the roster spot more than Dowling does. Logan Ryan has also made a good impression on me throughout the preseason, and I am confident that he will play well for the Pats this regular season.
Celia Westbrook:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Marquice Cole (5)
Marquice Cole has the edge against Ras-I Dowling just because he can’t stay healthy.
Chris Field:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Marquice Cole (5)
You know, maybe, MAYBE, Ras-I Dowling can make the 53-man roster, but what good would it do? It looks like his best case scenario is landing on PUP. Marquice Cole is at least serviceable as a dime corner.
Hal Bent:
Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Marquice Cole (5)
Much as it pains to see happen again, Ras-I Dowling is not healthy and playing and therefore is likely to land on injured reserve, IR designated to return or start the year on the PUP list. Marquice Cole is likely to lose out as odd man out when Dowling returns (though he should stay close as Dowling could be done for the year after a couple snaps!). Logan Ryan has a lot of talent and just needs playing time. Arrington has looked worthy of his big offseason contract so far, and should contribute, especially if they keep him in the slot coverage. Dennard needs to keep his nose clean. Talib is playing for a contract again, so expect a full year of good behavior from him.