Ellis

Hobbs

Hobbs has never officially announced his retirement, but he didn’t play at all in 2011. Neck injuries and a series of concussions forced Hobbs to walk away from the game late in the 2010 season. He admits that long-term risks associated with concussions and brain injuries “frighten” him, especially in light of Junior Seau’s suicide.

Hanson has been solid while playing exclusively in the nickel over the last few seasons. There’s a chance Macho Harris could shift from safety into that role, leaving Hanson to compete with Ellis Hobbs for the RCB gig. Hobbs would enter camp as the favorite, but it could be a battle to watch.

Hobbs probably won’t be cleared to face contact until some point in training camp, but he’s being counted on for a major role coming off neck surgery. If the Eagles have a noticeable weakness on defense, RCB is probably it.

The Patriots secondary is in worse shape than they have ever been. Look for Troy Brown to get some defensive snaps this weeks. That’s if Brown is healthy enough to play.

The smallish cornerback from Iowa State makes up for his size with pure desire. He’s a Bill Belichick type of guy. This leaves first-round pick Logan Mankins as the Patriots only unsigned draft pick.

The team has Ellis Hobbs, their best corner, working on the right side, while Randall Gay practices on the left. If the Patriots truly thought Samuel would miss time, he writes, they would have Hobbs learning to adjust to the left side, where the opposing team’s top WR usually lines up.

Both had been coming back from surgeries the previous offseason. With Brandon Meriweather likely to play a lot right away, Wilson and Hobbs could be used together at cornerback until Asante Samuel ends his holdout.