Florham Park – At today’s Jets practice, Ras-I Dowling was starting at cornerback opposite Dimitri Patterson.
Dowling was replacing Dee Milliner, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Dowling was a second round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2011 draft out of Virginia.
He was the 33rd pick overall, the first pick of the second round, which is clearly a premium draft choice.
The Patriots released Dowling after just two seasons, due to a myriad of injuries he suffered while in New England.
He was on the Jets’ practice squad last season, and Rex Ryan seems to really like him.
If you were to build a press corner in a lab, he would likely look like Dowling. The former Cavalier is 6-1, 210 pounds with a muscular frame, loose hips and 4.4 speed.
If Dowling can stay healthy, this signing could turn out to be a major steal for the Jets.
And the Pats might live to regret releasing him.
We will see.
Don’t forget to pick up the post-draft issue of Jets Confidential Magazine, on news stands and by subscription (1-800-932-4457). Page-after-page of the good stuff on Gang Green.
