Five for the 2019 Draft: Safeties – Early, middle and late prospects that fit what the Patriots are looking for

As we count down to the 2019 NFL draft, we’ll take the measure of the Patriots by position and offer up five prospects at each spot on the field that should be available early (first round), middle (second day) and late (third day). Now, let’s check out the safeties.

THE SKINNY

The Patriots have to get younger at safety. It’s that simple. The trio of Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon continue to be very good, but they are all long in the tooth, and unless you believe youngster Obi Melifonwu is the answer (the jury is still out there, frankly), this is a sneaky-important position of need for New England this spring.

POSITIONAL PREVIEWS

Offense

Quarterbacks
Running backs
Tight ends
Receivers
Tackles
Guards/centers

Defense

Edge
Interior
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Defensive tackles
Special teams

POSSIBLE EARLY TARGETS

Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State



Patriots scheme fit: Box/hybrid safety, undersized linebacker
Why he makes sense: The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder is arguably the best safety in this draft, and is capable of doing a little bit of everything. Last year, he led the Bulldogs with 99 tackles (nine tackles for loss), five pass breakups, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Known as a big hitter, if you’re New England, this is one guy who might be worth surprising people with if he’s still there at No. 32.

Juan Thornhill, Virginia

Patriots scheme fit: Deep safety with cornerback skills
Why he makes sense: You look at Thornhill, and you can pick out small comparisons to Devin McCourty in that he's a defensive back who brings some transferrable skills from one position to another (13 picks in three-plus college years from the safety position), as well as an ability to hit when needed (team-leading 98 tackles in 2018, including 4.5 for loss). A smart player with a nose for the ball and some rally good positional versaility, he’s a Day 2 possibility.

POSSIBLE MIDDLE TARGETS

Amari Hooker, Iowa

Patriots scheme fit: Hybrid safety, special teams
Why he makes sense: Like Abram, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound Hooker is a hybrid safety who fits in that big nickel mold as someone who has a nice size/speed combination. Love the fact the Iowa coaches basically carved out a new position for Hooker in the defense last year. That decision certainly paid off, as he earned Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award after finishing with up 65 tackles, 3.5 for loss, four interceptions, seven pass breakups and a safety in 13 starts. Considered a guy with an excellent football IQ, a nose for the ball (six picks in two years), and a Patriots-type of skill set (including a sub 7-second 3-cone time), he could be on New England’s radar as a late Day 1 or early Day 2 choice.

POSSIBLE LATE TARGETS

Marvell Tell, USC

Patriots scheme fit: Deep safety with some cornerback tendencies
Why he makes sense: This 6-foot-2, 198-pounder has terrific measurable, including one of the fastest 3-cone times at the combine this past March (6.63). Last year for the Trojans, he had 57 tackles, one interception and five pass breakups in 10 starts. While he flashed good cover skills over the course of his career, he’s a little undersized, which leads to an occasional lack of physicality. (Maybe he ends up transitioning to corner at the next level?) Regardless, his speed and quick-change ability likely put him on New England’s radar as a Day 3 possibility.

Will Harris, Boston College

Patriots scheme fit: Backup at either safety spot, special teams
Why he makes sense: This 6-foot-1, 207-pounder did a lot with the Eagles the last few years, and that level of versatility — as well as a willingness to get dirty on special teams — could endear himself to New England. (Not to mention an sub-7 second time in the 3-cone drill.) He played both safety positions, but according to those who really watched him, he’s probably more suited as a box safety. He started 12 games last season for Boston College and finished the year with 75 tackles and one interception, finishing the year with third-team All-ACC honors. Its also worth noting his father, Will, played receiver at Mississippi State from 1989 to 1992 and was drafted in the seventh round by Buffalo in 1993. A solid Day 3 choice who could make noise on special teams as a rookie with the potential to build from there.