One Move: If I Was The New England Patriots’ GM for a Day
If I was in charge of the Patriots for one day, and I had the opportunity to make one move, it would not be spending $20 million to sign Darrelle Revis or trading Laurence Maroney for Adrian Peterson. Those would seem to be unreasonable expectations. No, I would make a much more subtle move.
I would sign Dre’ Bly.
He is an 11-year veteran, has not missed a game over his last 4 seasons, and still has the skill to make a difference on an NFL team.
Granted, Dre’ was cut by the Detroit Lions, so if he couldn’t make their roster then which team could he make. However, I think he would be a very interesting pick up for New England. A low-risk, high-reward signing, if you will.
Last year, Bly had three interceptions and 28 tackles. The year before, he had two picks and 54 tackles. He was recently cut by the Lions, but he could make an impact on the Patriots. Not exactly lights out numbers, but I would not be signing him to be the shutdown corner he once was.
I would bring him on board to be a consistent player who can mentor the younger corners on my team.
Remember the Patriots cornerbacks are extremely young:
- Jonathan Wilhite: 3rd year (Also should not play anywhere other than Nickel. Opposing QBs had a 115+ rating when throwing in his direction last year, and was constantly beat deep. He is physical enough to play on short routes against most wide receivers)
- Darius Butler: 2nd year
- Terrence Wheatley: 3rd year
- Devin McCourty: Rookie
- Leigh Bodden: 6th year…IR
A guy like Bly would not only help the Patriots on the field, but he would also help the younger players develop and give them tips against certain wide receivers or offenses, to quicken the learning curve.
Further, keep in mind that the entire Patriot defense is young. The only starter who has ten seasons of NFL experience is Gerard Warren, the newly acquired defensive lineman, who is entering his tenth season.
Last year, the entire unit struggled with leadership, and having veteran guys like Dre’ Bly to look up to may help the defense gel faster and more effectively.
Leigh Bodden previously had a similar role, both on and off the field, but now that he’s out for the season a veteran like Bly would really help the team.
I do think Damione Lewis may be picked up by the Patriots either later in the year or as the season is starting if the Pats start to get thin at defensive line, so he would be another veteran, but he isn’t currently with the team.
Dre’ Bly was an elite corner in his prime. He would help the younger corners on the field in terms of technique, and off the field in terms of conduct. Lastly, he would be an important veteran on a young defense, and a young overall team.
Liked this article? You may enjoy: The Ultimate Guide to the 2010-2011 New England Patriots
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