Wheatley analysis
ANALYSIS
In selecting Colorado CB Terrence Wheatley with their second-round pick, the Patriots add one of the fastest players at his position and someone who could also help on special teams as a returner. Wheatley also has had some medical issues (multiple wrist surgeries) of note.
Wheatley (5-9 1/2, 187 pounds) leaves Colorado third on the school's all-time interceptions list (14) and tied for seventh in pass deflections (29). He also has kickoff return experience, ranking second in Colorado history for kickoff return yards (1,350) and kickoff returns (56). He set single-season records in 2007 for the most kickoff returns (37) and yards (919).
Defensively, he joins a cornerback crop that includes the following players stop the depth chart:
Ellis Hobbs
Fernando Bryant
Lewis Sanders
Jason Webster
Mike Richardson, a 2007 sixth-round pick who spent last year on injured reserve, will also compete for a job. Last year's first-round pick, safety Brandon Meriweather, could also line up there if necessary.
Now that's 2 players with a history of injuries. Man, I hope they know something all the experts don't. I think we could have gotten them later on in the draft.
Could we get a bigger DB at some point as well?
Linebacker and cornerback, who says that the Patriots don't draft for need? Mel Kiper says that Wheatley is a 4th rounder, not sure that means much though. Speed at CB means alot. I hope the Pats stay with the D picks as we hit the 3rd round.
According to NFL combine report, Wheatley get compare to Ellis Hobbs. I like Hobbs, but he get burned allot.. so, not sure how I feel about it.. I hope Wheatley can cover better...
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/terrence-wheatley?id=328 Check Analysis section.
So much for the predraft visits being a smoke screen. 2/2 in day 1.
Oh boy the BB/SP draft legacy continues. An undersized LB and an undersized CB with medical issues. No wonder they choked in the SB.
"Eli Manning is a fluke":
Tedy Bruschi: 6'1" 247 lbs
Jerod Mayo: 6'1" 242 lbs
Asante Samuel: 5'10" 185 lbs
Terrence Wheatley 5'10 187 lbs
They 'choked' in the super bowl because they were overpowered by a defensive line that performed better than their offensive line. And were beaten by athleticism with 3 minutes left by a young offensive team. You had old LBs going up against a young offensive line, and an old safety going up against a young receiver that made a spectacular catch.
Secondly, football players get hurt, it's how they bounce from injuries that matter. Also those same injuries that limit their playtime are what makes these excellent players slide in draft boards. This gives smart teams like the Patriots the opportunity to select top rated talent at lower levels. This allows you to build depth, so in the case that an injury does occur (see Roosevelt Colvin/Richard Seymour, 2007 season) you have enough talent to continue winning.
The guy has a good vertical leap. That should help. I've read that he's smart too. Top cone times among cornerbacks too -- only 4.37 but accelerates faster.
I am a Colorado alum and this kid can play ball. I like the pick.
"only 4.37"
WHAT?
Well, it's not as fast as Randy Moss...
:)
4.37 is about what Champ Bailey was running back when he turned pro.
It's considerably better than Ellis Hobbs. - 4.55
BTW, the Pats didn't "choke" in the Super Bowl, they were simply beaten. Not every loss is a "choke" - unless you think that the Pats were clearly the superior team.
I'm a CU alum also and talked with a friend out in Boulder who's seen Wheatley play several times. According to my friend Wheatley's for real--an excellent player, maybe undersized, but flies around the field making plays.
Reading his quotes, and Mayos, they both seem very smart, articulate....BB likes his players to have brains doesnt he?
Wheatley certainly does.
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