Went to the official site and the CBs changed numbers... Ray Mickens gets #24 from Andre Dyson Andre Dyson gets #21 from Derrick Strait, the number he wore at Seattle. And Strait changes to #20...2nd time he changed his number, 1st time was giving up #27 to Terrell Buckley... Maybe a number change can get him his 1st career INT
I don't even think Strait will see signif. time on the field this year. Out of the current corps, I would rank them as follows: 1) Dyson 2) Barrett 3) Miller 4) Mickens 5) Strait 6) Guy who holds the footballs and turns the first down marker Granted, there will certainly be some flux, Miller could certainly shoot over Barrett at some point in the season, and Mickens could see spot duty at NB. Regardless, either Miller or Mickens will see Dime action Strait is the odd man out. Unlike other guys (Cotchery for one), Strait has had the opportunity to prove himself as worthy of seeing time on the field. He has failed to do so. I'm ready to label him another Bradway blunder. Thoughts?
The one thing which concerns me is his lack of closing speed. The guy was burned terribly on more than a few plays last year, though I'm having trouble remembering whether this was while playing NB or filling in at one of the corner positions. I remember one play in particular down the sidelines where he was toasted.
He has very good zone skills, much like a donnie abraham. I would not put him on an island with a small quick receiver but i think he could excel at covering the larger slot guys, though there isn't many. On the other hand you have justin miller who may be the most gifted athlete on the team. He has terrific ball skills and closing speed. This guy will be the starter by week 5 easily.
That also wad the one knock on him coming out, and probably why he slipped. But if im not mistaken he won the thorpe award that year.
Yep he did win the Thorpe- believe me, I want for him to make it, but if it's between him and Mickens, an already very competent NB before the injury, it's anyone's guess as to who lands the job after TC.
In a Cover-2(Tampa,Chicago,Indianapolis) Strait could thrive I think... I mean, look at Nathan Vasher, he is wonderful for the Cover-2 defense...And with Strait, thats where I think he could thrive, most would agree...Yes he did have the opportunity with Herm's Cover-2 but injuries plagued him, but he did have a good AFC Divisional Game at Pittsburgh...
Strait is a perfect zone cornerback in what the Patriots have been running, assuming Mangini brings it over. Cover about the 5-12 yard marker in a zone and break on routes. That's exactly what won him the Thorpe Award at Oklahoma.
