Alfonzo

Dennard

An extremely physical press-man defensive back, Dennard had a horrible postseason. First, he struggled at the Senior Bowl when forced to play in the Vikings coaching staff’s Cover 2 scheme. Then Dennard was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer a week ago. On the field, Dennard latches onto receivers downfield but lacks critical makeup speed if he gets overextended. The Nebraska product was thrown out of his final game for punching South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery just after halftime. In New England, Bill Belichick will know how to put Dennard’s strengths to use. He should stand a good chance of making the final 53.

Dennard was allegedly fighting a man outside a bar around 2:15 AM, and “pushed and then punched one officer in the face” when police intervened. Per the police report, it took four officers to take Dennard into custody. He’s facing charges of third-degree assault on an officer and resisting. Considered a likely day-two pick, it’s quite possible Dennard just pushed himself to deep into day three, and perhaps even out of the draft altogether.

Two times in the 4.6s might have supported the theory that Dennard should move to safety, but he’s a physical, press-man cornerback and shouldn’t struggle to stay there now. While Dennard has had an up-and-down offseason, beginning with a shaky Senior Bowl, we fully expect him to be a top-50 selection overall.

It’s a tough end to a rough week for Dennard. There is at least one school of thought emerging that Dennard may headed for a switch to safety after being burned by lower-rated receivers in Mobile. Dennard was replaced on the Senior Bowl’s South roster by East-West Shrine standout Josh Norman.

Pauline allows that the suggestion may be “a bit premature,” but Dennard has struggled in all three practices so far, reportedly looking “stiff” and being beaten regularly by receivers “who are likely last-day picks.” Dennard goes 5-foot-10, 203, so he’s got a bit of a free safety build. Per Pauline, Dennard will leave Mobile “with a draft grade much lower than when he arrived.”

Dennard will be arraigned on May 30 on charges that he assaulted a police officer. “That isn’t who he is, that’s never been who he is, and that’s not going to be who he is in the future,” Dennard’s college coach said. The Patriots are probably more concerned about Dennard’s straight-line speed and relatively stiff hips, though he faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

He’ll now be arraigned on May 30 in Lancaster County, Neb. Dennard is accused of punching a police officer in the face as he attempted to break up a fight. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted. Provided he can move past his legal issues, Dennard is talented enough to crack the Patriots’ 53-man roster.

Dennard is versatile enough to play corner on the inside or outside and can help out at safety. He’ll spend training camp trying to beat out the likes of Will Allen, Sterling Moore, and Marquice Cole for a roster spot.

He also faces charges of resisting arrest. His next court date has not yet been set. The Patriots -- and the rest of the NFL -- were well aware of Dennard’s arrest before he was drafted. It shouldn’t affect his bid for a roster spot much.

A consensus first-round pick entering the 2011 season, Dennard’s draft stock plummeted after a rough Senior Bowl and questions that he would have to move to safety after a disappointing Combine performance. He’s talented enough to make the Patriots roster this season.