nate solder

Here’s what I had on Ras-I on my big board:

28. Ras-I Dowling (DB, 6-02, 205, Virginia): tall, playmaker, could project to FS eventually, projected as high round pick before battling injuries in 2010. NFL.com: A monster of a cornerback who seeks out contact in run support and is a sound tackler. He really excels in zone coverage with terrific instincts and has the ball skills to make plays on underneath routes.

And the description in my Patriots only mock where I had him going at the 74th slot… only 41 spots off!

74. Ras-I Dowling (CB/FS): Dowling was considered a top corner prospect before battling injuries in 2010. He immediately would add a potential presence in the slot and could eventually move to Free Safety which will most likely be a major area of need for the Patriots in 2011. The value of getting Dowling in this spot is huge, filling a future need is just icing on the cake. Robert Sands could be another similar option.

Welp, I said earlier today that the Pats could take a DB early today and that’s just what they did. And yes I had both Solder and Dowling on my Patriots only mock, granted much lower.

Dowling is another great value pick, before having an injury plagued 2010 he was the top corner on many draft boards. So I’m sure some Pats fans are beating their heads against the wall right now, but it’s exactly the kind of pick the Pats make. Still plenty of picks to address OLB and interior offensive line.