2015 NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots Replace Darrelle Revis
By Cyrus Geller
‘Tis the season for mock drafts, and today I stumbled upon Rob Rang’s NFL mock draft over at CBS Sports. Xang provides a different perspective on where the Patriots may go, as he has Bill Belichick selecting cornerback Quinten Rollins out of Miami (Ohio).
"The Patriots are flying high as Super Bowl champions but maintaining the championship roster will prove difficult, especially with star cornerback Darrelle Revis due a staggering $20 million in base salary and bonuses. With only one season of college football under his belt, Rollins is unquestionably a gamble. He was a four-year standout on the RedHawks basketball team, however, and wowed with his instincts and agility after switching to the gridiron this past season. With seven interceptions, Rollins won MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. He was also the most impressive defensive back at the Senior Bowl."
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New England’s defensive backfield is in an interesting position as this offseason gets underway. If Darrelle Revis and Devin McCourty are retained, the Pats are set up to have the best overall secondary in the league once again in 2015. However if Revis walks, they instantly move from elite, to just average. Xang is right in that Revis has a $20 million option that will have to be picked up shortly, but many believe Revis and the Patriots are working on a long-term deal that will keep him in Foxboro for years to come.
Revis is undoubtedly the best cover corner in the game right now, and keeping him a Patriot is priority number one for Bill Belichick and company. I think Revis loved this past year in New England, and he wants to stay for longer. He has tasted victory, and as all great players do, he wants more.
As for the pick of Rollins, I think it would be a decent one if Revis left, but as I said, I believe we will have ‘Revis Island’ in Foxboro once again next year. And even if he does bolt, I’m not so sure spending a first round pick on replacing him is the way to go. The Patriots’ most pressing needs lie on the interior of the offensive and defensive lines, and they would be wise to dedicate their draft resources there.
What do you think, Pats fans? Sound off in the comments section below!