2011 NFL Draft: FS Rahim Moore Could Replace Patriots' Brandon Meriweather

When you take a look at the New England Patriots' free safety position over the past few seasons, you immediately think inconsistency.

If anyone actually feels that Brandon Meriweather is a good safety, you're fooling yourself. Don't let his two Pro Bowl appearances trick you—the Pro Bowl is a joke and Meriweather was only invited due to injuries to other players.

As the 2011 NFL draft approaches, Bill Belichick and company could be looking for a potential replacement for Meriweather as he hasn't really improved over his four year career. However, the draft is not necessarily "deep" with talent at the safety position. The lone option may be UCLA's Rahim Moore.

Moore is best suited for the free safety position and has had a colorful career at the college level. If New England is looking for a safety, which they tend to stockpile defensive backs, Moore would be a likely choice. 

Strengths

The most notable trait about Moore is his playmaking ability—something that New England's defense is lacking.

In 2009, Moore led the NCAA with 10 interceptions and added four tackles for a loss. Following his 10-interception performance in '09, Moore only had one interception in 2010.

Moore has plenty of experience and could very well be NFL ready. At UCLA, Moore started every single game and never suffered from an injury. He is extremely durable.

Unlike Meriweather, Moore is takes very good angles towards the ball and is great in pursuit. Also, Moore is one of the draft's top defensive backs in tackling—he is a great wrap up tackler.

One of the more intriguing traits about Moore is that he has amazing football instincts. Moore is great at play zone defense and can read the quarterbacks eyes. Also, once he diagnoses the run, he is one of the first players to rush up and make a play.  

Weaknesses

Moore will need to add a few more pounds in order to be a successful safety at the next level. He has a very small frame, but he is considerably fast. 

While playing mostly zone coverage in the free safety position at UCLA, Moore will need to develop some man-to-man coverage skills, as he isn't as strong as opposing wide receivers and may struggle at first. 

It's just a matter of gaining weight and putting on muscle for Moore. All of his weaknesses revolve around not being heavy enough—nothing too difficult to change. 

Conclusion

I really believe that Belichick will draft Moore in the late first round to the mid second round. 

Some scouts feel that Moore wont be drafted until the mid-to-late second round, but I am predicting that Belichick will surprise us all again—just like he did last year when he drafted Devin McCourty in the first round. 

Moore will be a definite upgrade from Meriweather, as Meriweather has shown no signs of improvement. Moore takes much better angles or pursuit to the ball and simply is a football player with a high football IQ. 

Also, not to mention, Moore has yet to be involved with any legal problems, unlike Meriweather.

Moore appears to have all the attributes to be a New England Patriot, and I'd say it's safe to say that Belichick has this guy ranked very high on his draft board. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @  TonySantorsa.