It's almost become an annual ritual: the Patriots lose a starting cornerback and use free agency to sign an assortment of replacements, several of whom inevitably won't make it out of training camp.
This year is no different; Asante Samuel signed a big-money contract with the Eagles and New England inked Jason Webster, Lewis Sanders and Tank Williams. And last week, they added former Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant.
While this seems like more of the same for New England, Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli disagrees:
"When he comes out he'll know his job. He'll do what the coaches want him to do. He's physical. He'll tackle. He's very physical. He's a tough tackler. He will not shy away. I think you'll like that physical aspect of him." ...Marinelli liked Bryant so much, in fact, that he couldn't wait to cut him. Actually, the Lions let Bryant walk because of salary-cap considerations, not because of his on-field performance. And if Bryant is as good as Marinelli makes him out to be, it could mean the Patriots address other needs with their seventh-overall draft pick.
"He started the last couple of years for us. Boy, he's a pro," said Marinelli. "You're going to like him. As a person, wow. He's just a family guy, a good human being. Very productive player, very good. You're just going to like him."
After hearing Tony Dungy explain why he prefers front seven players to defensive backs, it makes me think New England shares a similar philosophy. Which could mean a defensive linemen or linebacker come draft day. Or, who knows, maybe even an offensive lineman.
