Continuing the Draft Info

Last week I picked some possible targets for the Pats should they decide to pick an outside linebacker. This week we'll take a look at some possibilities at Cornerback. Once again, this is as inexact as it gets, so please feel free to suggest a cornerback I may have excluded. Here they are in no particular order:

Ashton Youboty Ohio State 6'1 188.
Youboty is leaving OSU afterhis junior season. Watching him play, he's a big play type of corner that likes to make a gamble on anINT and could get burned because of it. Here's what the 'experts' say: ...excellent size...solid athelete..good footwork and fluid hips...physical, solid tackler...good ball skills...lots of upside. Youboty more than likely will be gone by the time the Pats pick.

Richard Marshall Fresno State 5'11 190
Fresno State seems to be the newest pipeline to the Patriots based on last years' draft and the relationship between the head coach and Belichick. Naturally, the Pats will know everything they need to know about this kid, which is predominantly why I included him here. He is also skipping his senior year for the NFL and is projected to go 2-3 round. The experts...Excellent athelete with good speed...fluid hips and changes direction well...aggressive in run support...delivers the big blow...game changing plays.

Cedric Griffin Texas 6'2 193
I put him in here for a couple of reasons. First, he's a late 3rd round pick that could be a steal and that's what the Pats do. Second, I do believe he's a little underrated or unnoticed because of the great players he plays with in the Texas secondary. On with the experts...very physical and aggressive...strong and tough...smart and instinctive...versatile and has experience at safety. Sounds like a LOT of things the Pats like in a player.

Tye Hill Clemson 5'10 180
I'd never heard of this guy until I looked at the mock drafts, then I HAD to find out more about him. There were about 5-6 mock drafts that had the Pats taking him with their 1st round pick. Here's what the experts say:...one of the fastest players in the draft (uh oh)...explosive athelete...solid build for his size...plays the ball well in the air...tough and physical...great hips...tremendous leaper...has gotten better every year. He is projected , like the mock drafts indicated, to go in the first round. Keep in mind that this kid is a great, fast athelete, he was also used as a kick retruner.

Antonio Cromartie Florida State 6'3 210
I personally like this guy's ability. I didn't watch a lot of FSU games, but everytime I did this kid made an impact play, whether it be and INT, a big hit or a game changing kick/punt return. He is another Junior coming out early and the scouts are saying he'd be a top 5 overall pick if he stayed in school for his senior year. As it stands he will probablly be there when the Pats pick inthe 1st round. The experts...Outstanding size and long arms...tremendous athelete...great hands and ball skills...fluid hips...pure cover corner...will support the run...threat to score everytime he gets his hands on the ball...proved to be a game cahnger...hasn't even begun to reach his vast potential.

So there you have it, my best guesses to try to get you some info on some guys the Pats may be selecting on draft day. Next week I hope to preview inside line backers.