The 21st century dynasty that is New England Patriots football has had a couple of constants in terms of personnel and administration. The most obvious of these constants are the Hall of Fame quarterback-head coach combo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. An often overlooked part of the run of successful Patriots teams is home-grown elite talent at the cornerback spot.
From Ty Law to Asante Samuel right up to Malcom Butler, the Patriots have relied heavily on elite cornerback play during this magical run. And when Bill Belichick and Co. aren’t drafting and developing their own cornerback talent, they are bringing in talented free agents like Aqib Talib, Darelle Revis and Stephon Gilmore.
Suffice to say, the cornerback position is one of extreme importance to Belichick. As the 2019 NFL Draft approaches, here are five cornerbacks the Patriots should target at different times during the draft.
Greedy Williams, LSU
Williams is probably the best “lockdown” corner available in the draft. His combination of size (6’1″) and quickness allows him to play man coverage against both traditional big bodied No. 1 receivers as well as shifty slot receivers. Belichick loves to take certain opposing players out of the equation. That is Greedy Williams’ specialty.
Julian Love, Notre Dame
Love is a very smooth runner who specializes at knowing where the receiver is going to break before it happens. He is a high-IQ guy — perfect for a Patriot defense that changes its look from week to week based on scheme and matchups. In terms of run support, he’s a very good open-field tackler who knows how to wrap up and finish.
Chauncy Gardner-Johnson, Florida
Gardner-Johnson is projected at safety by most scouts, but his versatility and experience at corner — coupled with the muliple-receiver sets so common in today’s NFL — make him an interesting prospect at cornerback. He’s a ball hawk who might be better in zone than man-to-man, but can hold his own in either coverage. He’s also one of the better blitzers in this year’s defensive back class.
Montre Hartage, Northwestern
Hardage is a guy New England can target in the later rounds as someone who adds solid depth in the secondary. He’s extremely physical and can get opposing receivers to lose their composure with how handsy he gets — albeit legally. He’s also a outstanding tackler, which would help him get on the field on kickoffs and punts.
Hamp Cheevers, Boston College
If Cheevers was an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier, he’s probably a first-rounder. That said, he’s one of the more skilled corners, pound-for-pound, in the draft. He can run with anyone, but he’s best suited to cover backs and slot receivers. Belichick likes guys who do one thing well. I’m not sure anyone in this draft covers the slot better than Hamp Cheevers.
