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E.J. Biggers: Forecasting 2016 production

By Connor Fulton

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back E.J. Biggers (38) reacts to breaking up a pass play to Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive back E.J. Biggers (38) reacts to breaking up a pass play to Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to our eighth installment in a 12-part series in which we are forecasting the 2016 production of each of the New England Patriots’ offseason veteran additions. Today, we’re projecting the debut season of cornerback E.J. Biggers in a Patriots uniform.

In case you missed them, here are three recent installments in the series:

Forecasting Donald Brown’s 2016 production

Forecasting Terrance Knighton’s 2016 production

Forecasting Shea McClellin’s 2016 production

The skinny: Biggers was signed to a one-year veteran’s minimum to inject experience into a Patriots’ cornerback group whose oldest member is three-year pro Logan Ryan. A veteran of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles, Biggers is on the roster bubble entering a heated training camp competition at the position.

Revisiting and grading Patriots’ 2015 draft picks

Pessimistic forecast: Biggers fails to differentiate himself in training camp, and he sweats in the August sun as sophomore pros Darryl Roberts and Justin Coleman overtake him on the depth chart. Biggers ought to be able to hold off Rashaan Melvin and Brock Vereen, but if a promising draft pick or undrafted free agent arises, he will get the chop.

Pessimistic stats projection: Cut in training camp

Way too early prediction of top 5 AFC teams for 2016

Optimistic forecast: Biggers not only holds off Roberts and Coleman for the No. 3 job, but he also ascends into the elite of the NFL’s community of slot cornerbacks. He builds off a career 2015 season in Philly and makes the Patriots look more than sly for acquiring him on a veteran’s minimum. Biggers’ six-foot frame allows the Patriots to plug him on athletic and lengthy tight ends, and his quickness in tight spaces makes for good coverage of shifty slot wideouts.

Optimistic stats projection: 45 combined tackles, 10 passes defended, 4 interceptions, pick-six

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Realistic forecast: Biggers safely makes the team, but he rotates with Roberts and Coleman for playing time at the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. When injuries hit the secondary, Biggers’ snap count increases and he plays decently, about as well as he did in Philly last season.

Realistic stats projection: 29 combined tackles, 6 passes defended, interception

Next: 6 Reasons why Pats fans should be excited for 2016 NFL Draft

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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