Patriots discussion: Musket Fire Roundtable 5/26
Hal Bent – With the addition of veteran free agent EJ Biggers and the drafting of Alabama’s Cyrus Jones to last year’s camp star Darryl Roberts and free agent find Justin Coleman, many view the Patriots’ cornerback situation as set behind starters Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan. However, they boast a trio of interesting undrafted free agents at the position with Jonathan Jones (an undersized cornerback out of Auburn) Cre’von LeBlanc (a solidly built cornerback from Florida Atlantic) and V’Angelo Bentley (a special teams ace but undersized cornerback out of Illinois). Who of this trio of undrafted free agent cornerbacks is most likely to earn a roster spot?
Cyrus Geller – Obviously you never know with Bill Belichick, and if any of the three undrafted guys have a great training camp they could definitely steal a roster spot. But in my eyes, the cornerback position is set with Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Cyrus Jones, Justin Coleman and Darryl Roberts. Thanks to the excellent play of Butler, Ryan and Coleman, what was once a position of weakness is now a strength. Throw in Jones and Roberts, and I think the Pats will be fine at corner in 2016.
Jaydeen Allen – Have to agree with Cyrus here. There is quite a bit of depth here in terms of cornerbacks that could be on the active roster, so it might be a long shot for any of these guys to make the team. The Patriots were dangerously thin at the cornerback position last season, and luckily got by with it. With 6 CBs (Butler, Ryan, Coleman, Roberts, Jones, Biggers) that are likely locks, Belichick and Patricia may feel that they are good. However, if there is one player that may stick on the roster, it may be the one with special teams experience.
Kirk von Kreisler – The Patriots’ cornerback corps is solid for the season, but that doesn’t restrict Belichick from taking a hard look at the undrafted free agents they brought in. Of the three, the most likely to make the roster has to be Jonathan Jones from Auburn. While he is undersized, he’s just as big as Malcolm Butler and Cyrus Jones. In addition, he brings incredible speed as seen through his 4.33 forty yard dash. The Patriots must be committed to giving Jones the best opportunity possible after rewarding him with $35,000 guaranteed, the most they’ve ever given an undrafted free agent.
Connor Fulton – I’m keen on Jonathan Jones. As Kirk said, Jones is insanely fast; he claims to have run a sub-4.3 during a few times during college. And yes, that hefty sum of guaranteed money indicates the Patriots are serious about giving him a chance. Remember, last year the Patriots brought on undrafted Auburn defensive back Brandon King and he blossomed into a core special teamer. Jones could very well follow in the footsteps of his former college teammate who he is now reunited with in New England. For more reading on the cornerback competition, check out this power ranking of the five newcomer corners on the roster.
Next: Jay asks which impending 2017 FA is priority