FOXBORO, Mass. — Confidence is key for NFL cornerbacks, and Rashaan Melvin, acquired Wednesday by the New England Patriots, has plenty of it.
The former Baltimore Ravens defensive back was asked what skills he brings to the football field.
“I think I’m a very talented guy,” Melvin said. “I’m confident. I play with a lot of confidence. I believe in myself, I trust in my abilities on and off the field. I’m a highly confident guy, I play with a high motor. Overall, I have a positive attitude.”
Melvin was claimed off waivers from the Ravens after being cut Tuesday. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound cornerback started four games for the Ravens last season, including their divisional-round playoff game against the Patriots.
“Just excited to be here, excited for the opportunity and play football,” Melvin said. “Right now, I’ve got a lot to learn, a lot to catch up on, so I’m kind of focused on that right now. I’m excited to be a Patriot.”
Melvin impressed leading up to the Ravens’ second-round playoff game, but he was targeted heavily by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in that game, when he gave up 12 catches on 15 targets for 224 yards and two touchdowns. He wasn’t interested in talking about that performance.
“Honestly, I’m not concerned with that,” Melvin said. “I’m trying to focus on learning the playbook and trying to compete for a job here and take advantage of my opportunities.”
Melvin, who bounced around with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins before catching on with the Ravens, is looking to stick around in New England for a while.
“It’s a journey. There’s going to be good times, there’s going to be bad times,” Melvin said. “Just gotta make the most of the opportunities you do have, and I’m looking forward to move on and make this a home for my career.”
He’ll have some help catching on with the Patriots from a former teammate and two training partners. He played with Patriots practice-squad cornerback Brandon Dixon with the Bucs, and he worked out with linebacker Darius Fleming and safety Tavon Wilson at EFT in Chicago.
“The transition shouldn’t be hard because I have those guys to look out for me and show me the ropes,” Melvin said.
The Patriots might need Melvin to catch on quickly. Tarell Brown was absent from practice Thursday, and if he misses Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, Melvin likely would have to be active alongside fellow cornerbacks Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan and Justin Coleman.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
