The New England Patriots have a handful of needs to fill as the draft quickly approaches. It is common knowledge that the Patriots rarely draft at a position of need out of desperation. There is always a contingency plan in place. The safety position is one in particular that should be garnering a lot of attention from the Patriots’ brass. Both Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung are on the back end of their careers, and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Here are a few players who could be a fit in Foxborough.
There are a number of other prospects that could interest the Patriots in later rounds but these four are considered some of the better options. The theme across all of them is their versatility to play in multiple positions on the defense. Bill Belichick loves versatility and each of these prospects would bring more opportunity to diversify the defense.
Taylor Rapp – University of Washington
The three-year starter was a versatile weapon on defense for the Huskies. Rapp finished the 2018 season with five sacks and two interceptions, along with 59 tackles and four passes broken up. Stats are not everything but they offer one way to view the impact a player had on the field. In an interview with Pro Football Focus, Rapp discussed his versatility and confidence playing multiple roles on defense. At 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, he has good size for the position and measured well at the combine despite a sub-par 40-yard dash time.
Expected draft position: Late first round or early second round
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – University of Florida
Gardner-Johnson is another player that would fit nicely with New England. He is a versatile weapon who has improved nicely over his three years in college. Inserting him into the secondary would provide speed and toughness to the veteran core. It would be interesting to see him paired with former Gators Duke Dawson and J.C. Jackson.
Expected draft position: late first round or early second round
Nasir Adderley – University of Delaware
Despite coming from a small conference school, Adderley is a player worth drafting early. He transitioned from cornerback to safety, but features the ability to both a high level. At 6-foot he brings good size to the position and strong athleticism. There are still some skills that need to be developed at the next level, but he could bring immediate impact to the team.
Expected draft position: late first round or early second round
Juan Thornhill – University of Virginia
Thornhill put on quite a show at the NFL combine earlier this Spring, displaying his athleticism and explosiveness across the board. The three-year starter plays with a strong motor and grittiness that would feel right at home in New England.
Expected draft position: third round
