Off Season Moves; Getting Defensive, Patriots Need to Upgrade Defensive Backfield

It seemed like a calamity of errors in the Patriots defensive backfield in 2011. Just about the only thing that went right for the Patriots last season was Sterling Moore's defensed pass on Lee Evans in the AFC championship that helped propel then to their 5th AFC title in the past 11 seasons.

The Patriots had a case of Murphy's Law last year; What could go wrong, did! And did it ever. First their top defensive pick, Ras I. Dowling went down with a hip injury that landed him on IR. Then, the move to a 4 - 3 seemed to help give first year Pro Bowl standout Devin McCourty a case of the Sophomore Jinx that saw him get burnt left and right along with preventing him from getting his first interception until very late in the season (He ended with only 2 as opposed to 7 the previous year). To make matters even worse, injuries and ineffective play forced special teams players like James Ihedibo and unknown or undrafted players like Malcom Williams, Sterling Moore, and Antuan Molden into heavy action. It was pathetic to say the least. And clearly, it was the Patriots Achilles heel despite two solid performances in that area the last two games of 2011.

So just for arguments sake let's assume Patrick Chung stays healthy next season. Let's also hedge our bets and say that Devin McCourty will be somewhere in the middle of both his rookie and sophomore season bringing him at least 3 to 4 interceptions at either safety or defensive back. So who will fill the other roles necessary to make the defensive backfield competent in 2012? Could Sterling Moore play the slot? Maybe. Could Ras I, Dowling stay healthy and become what the Patriots envisioned when they drafted him with the 33rd pick in the 2011 draft? Hopefully. But regardless of all these maybes, let's take look ahead to the upcoming draft to take a look at multiple big time potential and actual play makers who could end up helping the Patriots become a standout unit in 2012.

Chase Minnifield is certainly not the first defensive back that comes to mind when thinking about an upgrade. But then again, that has seemed to be the Patriots M.O. over the past few seasons, going for guys a little off the radar. Particularly, when they are projected to be second round picks, which we know Belichick loves to use on DBs (See Ras i. Dowling and Darius Butler).Although, we also know past performance is no indication of future action by Belichick the GM.

His 6 foot height and 185 pound frame make him much larger than most players at his position in the NFL. This could be a benefit to the Patriots, who need both size and speed as well as good hands at the position.

The Senior corner back who formerly played for the Virginia Cavaliers could certainly start in week 1 of the 2012 NFL season. He would also most certainly provide an upgrade at the position. He is definitely a person of interest for Patriots fans and of course Belichick the GM to consider.

Jamell Flemming's senior bowl performance really stood out. His press skills were impressive, and yes that was meant to be a pun. He was a standout player for Oklahoma, a big time program and displayed the size and skills to be an instant impact player in the NFL. With all the needs for other teams, he could fall to the Patriots late in the first round with the 27th pick formerly owned by New Orleans. He is definitely a person of interest for New England.

First and foremost, yes, I had to steal a line from Eminem for the title of this portion of this article. It was so fitting. Now on the important stuff.

D'Andre Kirkpatrick, also known as "Dre" was a standout cornerback for the Crimson Tide last season. This is especially important when considering one of Belichick's favorite moves, drafting players from programs that have head coaches that he knows well and respects (See Logan Mankins and Pat Hill. See Aaron Hernandez, Jermain Cunningham, Brandon Spikes and Urban Meyer). Now with that in mind, who does he respect more than most? Yup, that's right, Alabama's head coach, Nick Saban.

Now, while it is true that Kirkpatrick was recently arrested on drug charges, specifically marijuana, within the past 30 days. In all fairness, the charges were dropped at the beginning of this month, February 6th to be exact. That has to be a good sign on that front. Further, it is not like the Patriots have been scared away from marijuana rumors in the past (See Aaron Hernandez).

Dre's 6 foot 2 inch, 190 pound frame could prove crucial in the Patriots backfield. This is especially true when considering the types of receivers they often face both inside and out of the division, such as Brandon Marshall for example.

Kirkpatrick, reminds many of Antonio Cromartie. He could provide a great help to the Patriots corner back corps, just as Cromartie helped the rival Jets sure up their defensive backfield a few years back after coming over from San Diego. He is another name to consider, when thinking about an upgrade. However, he is not the only name still remaining.

Claiborne is considered by many as the best corner back in this year's draft, which is why the Patriots probably won't get their hands on him. Yet, this article is not about what they will most likely do, but rather on who could really help them next season. Not to mention, stranger things have happened. Also, they do possess multiple first and second round picks and could trade up if they feel their superstar is on the board. Although, it is unlikely. Let's take a look at Claiborne anyway.

The former LSU Junior standout measures in at 6 feet and 185 pounds. He along with other larger corner backs could provide the best draft in terms of taller DBs in a long time, if ever. Claiborne is the cream of the crop and could easily become a Pro Bowl mainstay over the next decade, which is something the Patriots could definitely use to say the least.

Now that we have looked at many of the defensive backs that could help the Patriots defensive backfield in 2012, let's take a look at some free agents who might fit the bill and make their backfield a frightening prospect next season.

While certainly any or all of these players could not end up in the Patriots defensive backfield next season, they are definitely intriguing prospects, both literally and metaphorically. Any of these players would certainly be a instant upgrade to the poor play seen by New England fans during 2011. Therefore, just about anything would help and I'm sure both Bill Belichick the coach and the GM are well aware of this fact. No more time for projects, it's time to act.