What whisperings have their been about Grimes’ character?

I have never had anyone question Brent’s character, so where is this coming from?

Why are there whispers about Brent’s character and when has he been a malcontent in the clubhouse (smh)? Have you ever met Brent?

There were rumors that Grimes sat out the wild card game because he didn’t want to risk aggravating his knee injury prior to hitting free agency. They believe he could have played, but that he was more worried about his market than that game.

Scizandor, you say there were rumors about Brent not wanting to injure his already injured knee, if you had surgery and it was hurt by playing too soon, what would you have done? Believe me he wanted to play and I should know, so critics need to leave him alone #enoughsaid

The number one priority for the patriots as far as i’m concerned; elite corner or corners. Top flight corners will more than compensate for a top pass rush. Certainly pats would be helped by a pass rusher, particularly while we find out what they’re gonna do with Carter, but the defense showed it could hurry qbs and pressure qbs from time to time. Get back to top corner play, deflection and interceptions on d!          Deossie, never forget.

It’s not worth mentioning that Stanford Routt is also a Free Agent?

I dont know how they would compare in terms of salary demands, but all things being equal, I would lean toward Finnegan simply because that dude is nasty, and it would be nice to see the Pats defensive backs play like that.  Having a defensive back field like the early 2000′s would be wonderful to see.  Once the Colts (Polian) started crying about the physical play (and a new “emphasis” on calling penalties for contact) the Pats went away from physical corners, and seemed more interested in finesse players…  The caveat is that I am less familiar with Grimes, perhaps he is similar to Finnegan in that respect, those of you who know more than me, feel free to let enlighten me

Honestly, guys is to short … 5-10 CB going against 6-3 WR is just a recipe for disaster… They need big physical guys … Move on from this guys, he isn’t what this team needs. 

Though I agree with your logic, that the simple math doesnt add up, I have to disagree with your over all point.  A very tall receiver, with long arms has a huge advantage over a short defensive back, true.  However, look around the league at the CB’s.  The top players are always in the 5’9″ – 6’0″ range.  There are always exceptions to the rule, Charles Woodson has been “elite” his entire career and he is 6’1″.  Most would argue Revis is the best in football right now, he is 5’11″.  Champ Bailey has been outstanding for 10 years and he is 6’0″…

My point is, and this is simply my understanding, I could be completely wrong, but the taller, longer, lankier players cant cover.  The DB is always at a disadvantage.  The rules are against him for one, and the offensive player always knows where he is going, so the DB needs to be able to read and react.  So my understanding is that the taller players cant react as quickly physically.  Momentum works against them.  When they are back peddling, and a receiver makes a cut, it takes a split second longer for the bigger DB’s to change direction and transfer from moving backwards, to then closing in on where the receiver is going.  In the NFL, a split second can be the difference between a completion and an incompletion/interception.

Now, with that being said, if the Pats can find a 6’2″ Corner with long arms that can stick to his man like Revis or Bailey, I am would be all over that…

Grimes would be a real nice addition.Mock Draft 6.0  1)   Mark Barron S Alabama 1)Stephon Gilmore CB S Carolina 2)Jared Crick DE Nebraska 2)Marvin McNutt WR Iowa 3)Marcus Fortson DT Miami Fla
4)Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M.

I would be shocked to see the Pats take a safety in the 1st round.  I think they go O and D line, and build the WR and Def backfield though FA.  They need a new young center and there are a couple available this draft.  Also, this is a young defense the Pats have and they will get better.  If they add a few good veteran players to it I think it could end up being a very good defense. 

 Nice post.

corner corner corner! there’s gonna be alot of them available this off season and that’s job1, followed closely by wide out, and rusher.

I hear what you’re saying, but if they can get impact players on either line then they have to take those players.  If you have a strong front 7 it makes your backfield look good, and if they get one good corner through FA they should be in good shape.  Get a huge presence to put next to Wilfork and it will change they whole defense.  I can’t see them passing one of those guys up if they get a chance to draft one.  They also need a center, and the good ones don’t grow on trees.

Ok, i’m willing to concede to your arguments as long they get ONE good corner that makes a qb less willing to go to that side. This past season there was no such constraint on any qb. I’ve got at  least one good analyst on eei who advocates for corners as a top priority, so i know i’m in good company. There is going to be a whole lot available this offseason, so not to shore up at that position considering the difficulties mcourtney had is inexcusable.