Dimitri Patterson visiting New York Jets
Dimitri Patterson (24) makes a catch during a scrimmage at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets are definitely in the market for an upgrade at the cornerback position after making previous No. 1 CB Antonio Cromartie a cap casualty and not finding anyone to replace him. All of the options out there, mainly Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, were deemed too expensive for cautious GM John Idzik, so the Jets are in a position to go after a second-tier option and draft a quality cornerback in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Pro Football Talk reports that former Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dimitri Patterson will visit the Jets today, and it looks like there’s a good chance he could be a key member of the team next year. Last year’s first-round pick Dee Milliner is locked in as a starter after improving down the stretch, but the Jets need a starter next to him. Patterson could be that guy, but I wouldn’t rule out the Jets signing him and still drafting somebody with a high pick this year. They have interest in Justin Gilbert and Bradley Roby, who would be excellent picks if they slip a bit so that the Jets could draft them in the first or second round, respectively.
Patterson played in just six games last season after a nagging groin injury that eventually caused him to hit the injured reserve in mid-December, but the 30-year-old was very good when he was healthy. He had something of a surprise six-games for the Dolphins with four interceptions, six passes defended, and 19 tackles, and he would be a solid signing for the Jets due to his affordable price tag.