As reported Thursday, the Patriots signed third round pick CB Jonathan Wilhite. most assume he will compete for either Assante Samuel's starting job or Randall Gay's third corner spot. Those positions will be up for grabs between Wilhite, second round pick Terrence Wheatley, second year Mike Richardson, and free agents Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, and Lewis Sanders.
Is it really as simple as plugging in the holes? It's very possible that Ellis Hobbs gets switched over from RCB to LCB. The left corner typically covers the opponent's primary receiver, the toughest assignment. I can't imagine that head coach Bill Belichick would start a rookie right out of training camp on the most dangerous receiver.
The idea of moving Hobbs to the primary target doesn't sound like the best idea considering his play last season. But remember he played much of last season through a sports hernia and a bad groin. Hobbs had surgery on both in he off-season so I expect his play will improve. More than that, Belichick would trust a veteran that has been with the team more than any new arrival.
While it's always a case of the best players play, Hobbs should be considered the favorite for LCB. That would make RCB and slot CB wide open competitions. Wilhite and Wheatley will have their work cut out for them to earn a place on the roster. The competition at corner will be the most competitive for the Patriots this Summer. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch.
