Patriots cornerback Alfonso Dennard, who played very well as a rookie and is an important part of the team's plans for 2013, will not have his career interrupted by jail time for his assault on a Lincoln, Nebraska police officer last April.
Dennard was sentenced to jail time today but instead of the maximum sentence of five years, he will serve just 30-days starting on March 1, 2014. He will also have to perform 100-hours of "law enforcement related" community service.
There remains a possibility that the NFL could suspend Dennard under its personal conduct policy but considering the incident took place before Dennard was even drafted, it is unlikely that will happen. Of course, with Roger Goodell calling the shots, you can never be totally certain the league won't step in and take action against Dennard.
If Dennard escapes punishment from the NFL, the Patriots will be able to have him start opposite of Aqib Talib at cornerback, a tandem that was very successful in the final weeks of the 2012 season. It also keeps Kyle Arrington as the "nickel" corner covering the opponents slot receiver and Devin McCourty at safety. Arrington and McCourty both have performed better in those roles than as cornerbacks in recent seasons.
This decision also impacts the Patriots draft strategy. They face the possibility of having just first and second round picks (as well as two picks in the seventh round) if the Steelers refuse to match the offer sheet for Emmanuel Sanders and instead take the Patriots third round pick. Knowing that they will have Dennard for at least the majority of the 2013 season will allow Bill Belichick to draft the proverbial "best player available" instead of trying to fill a specific need. The Patriots could use more depth at cornerback but they also have need at receiver and offensive line so they will have the flexibility to address whatever need they feel they get the most value for at the end of the first round.
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