After a day of speculation about trading out of the 33rd pick, the New England Patriots decided to keep the pick and select Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling.
Patriots keep 33rd pick, take Ras-I Dowling
Dowling is the latest cornerback for the Patriots to take. The team took Devin McCourty last season, and he looks like a promising player. The Patriots now may have themselves a pair of starters at cornerback for years. That is, if Dowling can stay healthy.
Following the 2010 season, Dowling looked like a solid first-round pick. He was more regarded than Vikings second-round pick Chris Cook and budding Cavaliers star Chase Minniefield. Other than his injury history, Dowling has the look of a top-level cornerback. Staying healthy, though, has been such an issue that it's hard to think too highly of him.











