Potential 'Replacements' For Darrelle Revis
BOSTON (CBS) -- Let's just start by saying there is no real way to replace Darrelle Revis.
So we'll use the word "replace" rather loosely -- we're shooting more for "how to bandage the void left by Darrelle Revis."
It's an almost insurmountable task for Bill Belichick and the Patriots brass, but that's where they find themselves Wednesday morning with Darrelle Revis now a member of the New York Jets.
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With Revis, and likely Brandon Browner, departed, the Patriots secondary will have a whole new look to it in 2015. Devin McCourty will be back, but a new crop of young -- and unproven -- faces will be called upon to fill the Revis void.
At least that is what it's looking like at the moment, with limited options on the free agent market. There are a handful of good corners available in the draft, but none will be able to step in and produce even a smidge of what Revis brought to the table.
But that won't stop us from exploring those options. Here are a few names that the Patriots could call upon to help fill the Revis void:
Free Agents
Tramon Williams
The veteran corner spent the last eight seasons in Green Bay after going undrafted out of Louisiana Tech, and has put together a solid NFL career.
After fighting for a roster spot in 2007, Williams was the Packers' starting corner alongside Charles Woodson by 2009. He made the Pro Bowl in 2010, a season where he was a big part of the Packers' run to a Super Bowl title. Williams had a career-high six interceptions during the regular season, adding three more in the playoffs. Two of those came in Green Bay's divisional round win over the Atlanta Falcons, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Williams had three interceptions in 2014, and has picked off 28 passes over his career.
Antonio Cromartie
The veteran corner is better known for his big family than big plays on the field, but he could help a young New England secondary.
Cromartie had a solid season for the Arizona Cardinals in 2014, picking off three passes, but it's likely that he ends up back on the Jets with his old pal Revis.
Chris Culliver
The former 49ers corner may be the best defensive back left on the free agent market.
He's only 26 years old and pulled down a career-high four interceptions last season, allowing 37 receptions on 73 targets. The Jets and Minnesota Vikings are also reportedly interested in Culliver, so his price tag may be too high for the Patriots in the end.
NFL Draft
Marcus Peters, Washington
Peters is projected to go well before the Patriots select at No. 32 in the upcoming draft, but some off-the-field issues (he was kicked off Washington in November) could scare teams away. The 6-foot, 197-pound Peters would fit Bill Belichick's system given his athleticism and ability to press opposing receivers. He put up solid numbers in his three years at Washington, picking off 11 passes in his 35 games played.
Marcus Peters CBS Sports Draft Bio
Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
There is a good chance Johnson is still on the board when the Patriots select in the first round. He's said to have great cover skills and speed, and sounds like a pretty smart player from his scouting report:
Johnson is aggressive and will bait quarterbacks, showing a terrific burst back to the ball.
Kevin Johnson CBS Sports Draft Bio
Byron Jones, UConn
The Patriots didn't have great success with the last UConn corner they drafted (see: Darius Butler), but Jones is of a different breed. He hauled in eight receptions during his four years with the Huskies, and could have had more had a shoulder injury not ended his senior year early.
Jones is said to be a very smart player in the secondary, and he can also jump really, really well. He set a world record in the broad jump at the combine, propelling himself 12-feet, 3-inches. His vertical jump was pretty impressive too at 44.5 inches -- just a half-inch off another world record.
Bryon Jones CBS Sports Draft Bio
Ronald Darby, Florida State
It's all about potential with Darby, who the Patriots could likely select on Day 2 of the upcoming draft. And while Jones had the hops at the combine, Darby showed off his wheels.