The New England Patriots need to sure up on the outside part of the field. I'm referring to both offense and defense, but I'm more focused on defense. Aqib Talib is very adequate at what he does. Not much can be said for others on the defense who roam the outside numbers. Alfonso Dennard, yea he has some skills and has had some good games. Let's face it though, with Hernandez already looking at life, and Dennard frequently running into the law. Seems best to part ways when the contracts up. The story of trying to rehabilitate a troubled athlete, doesn't always turn into an ESPY's award. Just ask the multiple NFL franchises that took on Lawrence Phillips. This brings me to TCU cornerback Jason Verrett.
The native of Fairfield, CA is a valued prospect in this years draft in my opinion. He's seasoned coming out of the Big 12 after completing his senior year. This year he picked Texas off for his sixth interception of the season. That pick, put him in the top five nationally.
Jason Verrett is a player. After watching some clips of him online. He has the ability to cover and limit receivers at the next level. He has great feet that allow him to plant and hop inside receivers on breaks. Excellent instincts in locating the ball and challenging receivers for loose balls. Perhaps you have a notion that great he can cover, but can he come up and support the run. Just take a look at his game film from the Buffalo Wild Wings bowl game against Michigan State. No better competition to test your run game support against then the bruising Spartans. He makes several stops on the run. Some are inside the box coming down in support and some are on the outside one on one.
I've seen some mock drafts that have the Patriots taking defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt from Notre Dame, or Jace Amaro tight end from Texas Tech in the first round. Those to me are not pressing needs, this league predominantly has become a seven on seven league. Taking a DT seems silly, when quarterbacks are getting rid of the ball within seconds routinely. Jace Amaro who is an excellent football player, also seems like a little over valued here. He doesn't have elite speed and his athleticism will not "WOW" scouts. Verrett, who is the number three cornerback on the big board, seems like a synch with the 29th pick. I know nothing is a synch when it comes to Belichick. For all I know he's going to take a offensive guard from Appalachian State, but that's Belichick.
Verrett fits a serious need for the Patriots. They need someone who can complement Talib, if he continues to be employed by New England. If they part ways with Aqib, well someone needs to fill that void. From what I've seen on Verrett, he might just be that guy.
