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2016 NFL Draft: Patriots should target Maurice Canady

By Connor Fulton

Oct 24, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) is tackled by Virginia Cavaliers safety Quin Blanding (3) and cornerback Maurice Canady (26) in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) is tackled by Virginia Cavaliers safety Quin Blanding (3) and cornerback Maurice Canady (26) in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 2016 NFL Draft right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking seriously about who the New England Patriots should target. Virginia cornerback Maurice Canady comes to mind as a prospect that would bolster cornerback depth and add size to the secondary.

Expectations of fifth-year Patriots players

Given the Patriots’ past interest in Virginia defensive backs, it only makes sense that Bill Belichick mulls over the prospect of draft Canady. Hopefully, Canady would pan out better in New England than fellow Virginia alum Ras-I Dowling, who flamed out with the Patriots.

A lengthy corner, Canady has drawn comparisons to Richard Sherman during the pre-draft process. He’s rangy and sticky in coverage.

Reviewing Tom Brady’s career history against the NFC West

In addition to his cover skills, Canady offers ability in the punt return game. So if injuries hindered Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, Canady could step up and assume punt return duties. You know that Bill Belichick likes that versatility, and it also indicates that Canady is a capable open-field ball carrier after an interception.

Expectations of fourth-year Patriots players

As it stands right now, the Patriots’ cornerback group is pretty deep. There’s Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan occupying the top two spots, and then E.J. Biggers, Darryl Roberts, Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin will be contending for the depth positions. But why not throw Canady, who stands taller than all of those guys, into the competition?

Expectations of third-year Patriots players

Projected as a middle round selection, Canady could be drafted with one of the Patriots’ two third round selection. It’s unlikely he would last until the sixth round, where the Pats have four picks, but he would be a sensible third round choice. No one in New England would complain with the addition of a lengthy, sizable cornerback at that juncture.

Next: Revisiting and grading Patriots’ 2015 NFL Draft picks

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

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