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5 Roster Cut Victims The New England Patriots Should Target
5 Roster Cut Victims The New England Patriots Should Target
Most players that get cut from NFL teams don't end up making other squads. They bounce around for a while, eventually ending up out of the league. Chances are, if they weren't good enough to make the team they were on in the summer, they're not good enough to find a home on another team.
But that's not the case for all the players who felt the sharp edge of the NFL ax this past weekend. Some of the players cut still have plenty to offer another team. They may have been released because the team was particularly deep at their position, they had a few bad preseason games or they just simply weren't a good fit.
Sometimes all a talented player needs is a change of scenery. We see it all the time. A good young player wears out his welcome on one team, just to reclaim his passion for the game when he winds up in a new city.
And it's not always the ultra-talented players who need that change of scenery. Sometimes, you have a good player who just gets caught up in the NFL numbers game. He may have looked good in preseason, he may have something to offer, but the team just doesn't have room for him.
In the end, the NFL always seems to find a way to put the most talented players on the field. Just because someone got cut doesn't mean they don't have something they can bring to the table.
These are the five guys who were cut by other teams that the New England Patriots should target.
Ben Sullivan is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bensullivan52, "Like" him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
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Ramses Barden, Wide Receiver
The Patriots came into training camp needing wide receivers. Their contingent of young wideouts has impressed in the preseason, but the jury is still out as to whether or not they've solved the problem. Bringing in Ramses Barden, a third-round pick in 2009, would give the Pats one more option at receiver.
Everette Brown, Defensive End
Everette Brown was supposed to be a force rushing the passer when he came out of Florida State in 2009. He hasn't lived up to that billing so far, but the talent is still there. He was impressive in preseason for the Philadelphia Eagles, racking up four sacks and a forced fumble. The Patriots have been trying to find a consistent pass rush for a few years now — Brown could be the answer.
Kevin Matthews, Center/Guard
The Patriots came into training camp needing to add depth to their offensive line. They brought in several young players to try out in camp, but they didn't make the team. Kevin Matthews, son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, impressed in preseason action for the Washington Redskins this summer.
Drayton Florence, Cornerback
When the Carolina Panthers signed Drayton Florence to a one-year, $1 million contract this March he was expected to start at cornerback. But Florence was a surprise cut for the Panthers. New England has had trouble for years finding quality corners. Florence and his 11 years of NFL experience could be just what the team needs.
Fernando Velasco, Center
Fernando Velasco started all 16 games at center for the Tennessee Titans last season. This year, the Titans tried to move him to guard and Velasco struggled at the new position, but the Patriots could move him back to center. The team now has Dan Connolly listed as the backup at both guard and center. Adding Velasco and his proven production would go a long way towards solidifying an offensive line that has issues with its depth.
Ben Sullivan is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bensullivan52, "Like" him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
Related Links:
New England Patriots Should Take A Chance On Safety Kenny Phillips
New England Patriots Rumors: Team Showing Interest In WR Josh Cribbs?
