So the inevitable happened and Samuel signed elsewhere. The best player from the Pats worst unit left. With #### a free agent as well the Pats cornerback situation looks like this: Hobbs CB1, Meriweather CB2. That is frightening as hell. If the Pats ignore the situation like they did with the receivers 2 years ago this team could be headed for disaster.

Lets look at their options for next year.

Free Agents

Ty Law should resign with the Pats. While not a burner anymore his ball skills could still net him 5 or so interceptions in the Pats blitzing zone defense.

Drayton Florence if they want to overpay which I am assuming they won't. He could cost as much as 2/3 of Samuel's price.

Trades

Pacman Jones the chances are virtually non existent. While the strip club revenues would increase 10 fold, he is a lock to do something stupid. However, the Pats have increased their thug count with Meriweather, whats one more. In terms of cost I think it would be very cheap for his talent. A 4th round pick probably would do it.

DeAngelo Hall is very talented and probably would fit in well on a team with leaders on defense like the Pats. However, the price tag would probably be way to high to aquire him. They would have to trade down in the draft and trade a lower 1st round pick to get him. Then they would only have him for a few years before he bolts for free agency like Samuel.

The Draft

1st Round The Pats shouldn't draft a CB here. Mckelvin, Talib, and Jenkins are good prospects, but the value for that pick would be poor for one of them. Gholston or a trade down is probably the better option.

2nd & 3rd Heres who they should target.

Brandon Flowers He is the most physical corner in the draft. His ball skills are tremendous. His height and speed are average, but what else is new with the Pats corners. He would be a great pickup via moving up in the 2nd or maybe he falls.

Antoine Cason He was a sensational college corner who some scouts think is too slow. He has good size and decent speed. He is an ideal #2 corner. They probably could net him with the 4th pick in the 3rd round

Solution

Bring back Randall #### and Ty Law. They should be able to hold down the fort for next year cheap. Draft 2 corners in the early rounds preferrably Flowers and Cason and ease them into the game. Whatever they decide to do they need to get Hobbs off the field. They can't afford him getting burned any more.