2023 NFL Draft: Patriots should be weary of drafting a cornerback
After the departure of top ball-hawking cornerback J.C. Jackson last offseason, the New England Patriots could use a top cornerback. That notwithstanding, they shouldn’t try to fill the position high up in the upcoming April NFL Draft.
Why so ardently against a cornerback in the top rounds? But, it would be a prescription for disaster. The New England Patriots aren’t an astute drafting operation.
In addition, they tend to buck the prevailing consensus on players and draft some way higher than anyone else might have. They are called “reaches” and the team is an expert at that move.
Right, they know better? Wrong. They have been proven to be out-to-lunch with their way outside-the-box drafting for years and longer.
Their odd draft “strategy” if you can call it that, was finally outlined by a Patriots’ top reporter, Mike Reiss a while back. Regardless, the results haven’t been great and even New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft took a major swipe at their recent draft history.
So let’s discuss cornerbacks specifically and discuss why they should not draft one early.
New England Patriots record drafting cornerbacks is ugly
The latest draft flop at cornerback for the New England Patriots was Joejuan Williams. Williams was a corner from Vanderbilt selected in the second round in 2019. He lasted three uninspiring seasons and didn’t make the team last season.
In 2018 the cornerback bust was another second-rounder, Duke Dawson. He also flopped and in 2016 it was cornerback Cyrus Jones who made little impact, as well. The New England Patriots track record early on in the draft on cornerbacks has been abysmal.
Conversely, the 2022 draft brought some positives to the position a bit later on. Marcus Jones, a triple-threat player was an All-Pro punt returner. He was drafted out of Houston right where he was projected by the draft cognoscenti, in the third round. He was terrific.
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Also drafted in last season’s fourth round was Jack Jones. Jones was a very effective cornerback and showed great promise before reportedly being suspended for team rules infractions. Not a good optic for a player whose draft stock may have fallen for off-the-field issues.
We’ll see how the Jack Jones situation plays out. Marcus looks like a future star. But the lesson to be learned is, don’t take a corner too early.
Conversely, the Patriots have had great success bringing in Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) cornerbacks who can play. Look to Malcolm Butler, Jonathan Jones, and to a lesser extent Myles Bryant. Stick with that. It works.
New England Patriots have other more pressing needs
Another reason why the New England Patriots should opt out of drafting cornerback high in the draft is that they have other needs that are much more critical. First up is the offensive tackle position.
The position was neglected in 2022 much to the detriment of the on-field product. Starter Isaiah Wynn flopped and the depth was almost non-existent at least quality depth. The team needs two-three new talented offensive tackles to be sound.
Adding to the defensive tackle position is also a necessity. This position has been neglected of late and after Christian Barmore the talent level is low. Adding a big, young defensive tackle on the team’s second pick is a key to upping the defense’s already solid level.
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And, of course, as always, the team needs a No. one receiver. But, like cornerback that should be left to free agency and trades. At least don’t waste high picks on either a wide receiver or a cornerback. To do so invites draft disaster.
Do you think the New England Patriots should draft a cornerback high in the draft? We’d like to hear.