Jets Sign Ras-I Dowling to Practice Squad

The Jets have signed former Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling to their practice squad.

The Jets have signed CB Ras-I Dowling to the practice squad.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 23, 2013

Just two years ago, Dowling was the top pick of the second round by the Patriots so there is ability. He has good size and seems like he could be a good fit for a defense that asks its corners to be physical. The issue with Dowling has been durability. He only played in 9 games in 2 seasons with the Pats and ended both on IR. He also got hurt in training camp this year, and he missed major time in high school and college due to injuries.

I'd love to get excited about this, but Dowling hasn't shown any kind of ability to stay on the field. As tempting as it is to claim the Jets got a second round talent, there are probably reasons the Patriots cut him after such an unusually short tenure with the team for a second round pick and reasons he can't find a job on a real NFL roster all of these months later.

He's certainly worth a shot as a practice squad player, though. It's no risk and potentially high reward.