With the Draft fast approaching, it's time to start looking at some potential players for the Patriots. I'm going to put profiles of 2 players a day- one offense, one defensive- and gain a better understanding of the players in the draft.
Wake Forest CB Brandon Ghee has the physical potential to be the next star cornerback in the NFL. However, coming from the ACC, he hasn't really had the opportunity to face top tier wide receiver talent. His one game against Georgia Tech's Demaryius Thomas was excellent as he shut him down- but there's little to show that Ghee will be a top performer in the NFL. He's a raw talent with phenomenal measurables and he is able to get a hand on every play. He is willing to step up and help against the run- something that the Patriots front office (who have already worked him out) is sure to love. However, he is still raw and is potentially a second round pick. Is he worth the bust risk?
His measurements and some quotes after the jump.
Height: 6-0. Weight: 191.
Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
Combine 40 Time: 4.37.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 15. Broad: 10-2.Player Comparison: Jonathan Joseph. Joseph, like Ghee, has the same size and athleticism coming out of college, but he was also a little raw. Now, he is one of the better corners in the AFC.
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03/30/2010 - PRO DAY RESULTS: Wake Forest CB Brandon Ghee (5-foot-11, 5/8, 191 pounds) is an explosive athlete, and his impressive workouts are catching the attention of teams. Ghee, who was a top performer for his position in the 40-yard dash, the broad jump, the three-cone drill, the short shuttle and the long shuttle, had another good performance at the Demon Deacons' pro day. He had a 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump and an incredible 3.98-second short shuttle. He kept the rest of his numbers from the combine. He has already had individual workouts with the Patriots and Browns, and is scheduled to visit the Cowboys, Jets, Steelers and Vikings. Ghee is far from the only notable player that participated in Wake Forest's pro day, which was held on March 26. In total, 15 Demon Deacons worked out, as well as 10 more prospects from smaller schools outdoors on FieldTurf in 65 degree temperatures. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com
03/19/2010 - TOP RATED NFL DRAFT SCOUT CORNERBACKS: Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest, 6-0, 192, 2: Ghee put on a show at the combine with a 40-yard time of 4.40 seconds and a vertical jump of 37 inches. But in games Ghee seemed to be most impressive against big receivers while struggling against smaller, quicker ones. He appeared to be more focused on making the wow hit than grabbing the interception. His production doesn't seem to match his physical ability, as evidenced by having no interceptions last season. He missed 2007 on academic suspension, was out of spring practices a year ago with a sprained knee and missed two games with a sprained ankle. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com/CBS Sports/USA TODAY
02/16/2010 - PRO POTENTIAL: CB Brandon Ghee - He's highly regarded as a coverage player and he has the willingness to play aggressive as well. But he doesn't always grade out well and his stock is fluctuating.
Ghee has good size and excellent speed for the position. He has the quickness and burst to be a solid coverage defender but lacks the foot agility, pad level and body positioning to be consistent in this area. Ghee has long arms and flashes the ability to jam and re-route receivers off the line of scrimmage but lets receivers get too much separation downfield too often. He is a willing run support defender but isn’t physical enough to make plays on larger ball carriers and receivers. Ghee needs to be more physical warding off blockers as well as wrapping up when tackling. Ghee has been a durable productive cornerback that has the size and athleticism to be a contributor at the next level but isn’t talented enough to impact a club as a rookie.
Strengths
Ghee has a terrific blend of size and athleticism with good height and overall speed. He’s a tough defensive back who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in on run support. Ghee’s a competitive cover-man capable of pressing receivers at the line. He’s been a productive performer during his time with the Demon Deacons.
Weaknesses
Ghee needs to watch his pad level, which gets a little high. He takes extra step to transition, must get more out of each stride. Needs to improve his open field tackling and can be caught out of position at times. Must do a better job using his good height and long arms when separating from blockers.
Verdict: Ghee has great potential and I would not be disappointed to grab him in the 3rd, if we trade down. While I like Alabama's Kareem Jackson for his NFL readiness, I think that Ghee has a much higher ceiling. With Leigh Bodden locking down the #1 spot and Darius Butler and Shawn Springs being two able-bodied players fighting for the #2 spot, Ghee would have the opportunity to learn the Patriots defense system. So if we could get Ghee in the third, he'd be a great project pick.