Welcome to the Patriots, Ras-I Dowling

Another second-round pick, another cornerback.

With tons of speculation that New England would trade No. 33, the Patriots ended up selecting Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling.

While many thought Jabaal Sheard or Brooks Reed would be the top choice, Dowling isn’t a bad move at all.

The 6-foot-1, 198-pounder has great measurables and would have been a first-round pick if he hadn’t been injured his senior year.

At the combine, Dowling ran an impressive 4.40 forty and registered a 38-inch vertical jump.

Pairing Dowling with Pro Bowler Devin McCourty and returning veteran Leigh Bodden gives the Patriots some nice depth for the present and future at corner.

If he can stay healthy, Dowling and McCourty will be a great tandem.

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