2009 Draft Preview: Cornerbacks

Overview

During the offseason, the Patriots worked hard to improve their secondary through the acquisitions of Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs.  However, Bodden comes on a one year contract, and Springs is 34.  Ellis Hobbs also enters the final year of his contract.  And while Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley still have bright futures, getting younger at this position is a need.  Interestingly, the Patriots have shown an interest in the top 4 cornerbacks in the draft: Darius Butler, Malcolm Jenkins, Alphonso Smith and Vontae Davis.

Current Grade: B+

Need: High

Current Roster

Ellis Hobbs

Jonathan Wilhite

Terrence Wheatley

Shawn Springs

Leigh Bodden

Mike Richardson

Patriots Draft Prospects

Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State

Vontae Davis, Illinois

Darius Butler, Connecticut

Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest

Victor “Macho” Harris, Virginia Tech

Joe Burnett, Central Florida

Kevin Barnes, Maryland

Tony Carter, Florida State

Gregory Toler, St. Paul’s

Terrail Lambert, Notre Dame