New England Patriots: 2018 NFL Draft Targets
By Hal Bent
CORNERBACK:
New England last spent a high draft pick on a cornerback in 2016 when they selected Cyrus Jones out of Alabama with their second round draft pick. Like the last cornerback they took in the second round–Ras-I Dowling in 2011–Jones has contributed little as injuries and ineffectiveness have held him back.
With Malcolm Butler out the door, the Patriots already traded for Jason McCourty.
Top cornerbacks Denzel Ward from Ohio State and Joshua Jackson from Iowa will be long gone by when the Patriots are on the clock at number 23 overall. UCF’s Mike Hughes is a potential fit in a Malcolm Butler role covering in the slot and smaller receivers on the outside. LSU’s Donte Jackson fits that mold as well and should be around as a late first round/early second round pick.
In the second round the Patriots could go big at cornerback (sorry, Eric Rowe) and grab Auburn’s Carlton Davis or Colorado’s Isaiah Oliver. Both are long armed, aggressive press-man corners that would be a great fit across from Stephon Gilmore with some improved technique. Both would fit well in New England and be excellent value in the second round.