CURRENT SITUATION
On the roster: Kyle Dugger (2024), Jabrill Peppers (2025), Adrian Phillips (2025), Joshuah Bledsoe (2025), Brendan Schooler (2025), Cody Davis (2024).
Futures contracts: Brad Hawkins, Rodney Randle
Patriots Historical Drafting
Over the last 16 years, the Patriots have made 12 selections. Besides Kyle Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne), every one of them has come from a major conference. In that span, they used their first pick in the draft on a safety three times; Brandon Merriweather (Miami), Devin McCourty (Rutgers), Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne). The Patriots hit on five picks, McCourty, Dugger, Patrick Chung (Oregon), Logan Ryan (Rutgers), Duron Harmon (Rutgers) and Nate Ebner (Ohio St). Merriweather was a passable player, although he didn’t hit the ceiling, you’d hope from a first-rounder. Last year they made a strong PFA signing with Brenden Schooler (Texas) who is listed as a safety but he’s the special teams ace for the foreseeable future.
Draft Expectations for the Position
The safety class is well below average this year and I don’t think there is an elite guy in the class. There’s a large grouping in the middle rounds that could end up being good players but there isn’t any reason to stretch for them.
The trend has been about 2 safeties selected in the first round. Last year was a great class with 3 safeties being selected in the first round and another 4 in the second round. This year I only see 1 safety landing in the first-round, Brian Branch (Alabama) and truthfully, I see him more as a nickel CB. His speed (or lack thereof) may force him back to safety.
This feels like a position that should be addressed but may not be the year to do it. The Patriots have a glut of box safeties (Dugger, Peppers, Phillips, Hawkins) and even with Jalen Mills potentially moving to safety, there is no long-term answer for replacing Devin McCourty’s speed, coverage ability, playmaking ability, and communication skills. I expect a middle to late round selection. I also wouldn’t be surprised if they target a CB and adjust their position to safety at the next level (ex. Riley Moss, Kelee Ringo, etc.) to better fit their skillset.
Potential First-Rounders
S Brian Branch, Alabama (5-foot-11, 190 pounds): Versatility will be his staple. He’s not fast but he’s an excellent tackler which is why scouts feel he can make the move back to safety. He played the "Star" role in Alabama's defense (same as current Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick). The ideal comp (if you're picking him early) is current Texan Jalen Pitre. Consistent readers know I was stumping for Pitre early last year but didn't necessarily see him as a top 40 player (where he ultimately rose to). That's the ideal scenario for Branch and because of his size, tackling ability it's a decent comp. But Pitre was a better playmaker in college (turnovers, sacks, etc.) and that showed up in the pros (5 INTs this year). Branch was better this year with his ball skills but he's not elite in this area (at least yet). There’s reason to believe it could improve, as he earned his way on the field at Alabama as a freshman and his play experience shows up with a high level of intelligence. That said, his speed at the Combine (4.59) was disappointing and if he was wearing a different helmet, I think he’d be a Round 2 player.
POTENTIAL PATRIOT FITS BY ROUND
Round 1: Brian Branch.
I don’t think there is a safety worth picking at 14 and Branch is the only one I suspect will go in the first round.
Round 2: Jordan Battle, Alabama (6-1, 209).
He started all 4 years at Alabama and while he may not be elite, he’s a solid, well-rounded good player. He has average range but closes well on the ball with a willingness to be physical. Battle has good instincts, which isn’t a surprise given his wealth of experience within that program. His upside might be limited but he should be a steady player who can contribute year 1.
Round 3: Jammie Robinson, Florida St (5-11, 191)
I’ve been higher on Robinson than most and he was good at the Senior Bowl (practice player of the week). But he had poor testing numbers which may mean he’s a box safety and may disqualify him. Even at his size, he can stick and he’s a reliable tackler. He was a 4-year starter, and it translates to his FBI. I thought he played the ball well versus just the man.
Also watch out for Sydney Brown (Illinois) who is smaller than Robinson but faster. I think he’ll be a solid pro and the Illini are a program the Patriots are familiar with (Bret Bielema). I have both those guys in the same range.
Round 4: Marte Mapu, Sacramento St (6-3, 221).
He’s one of my favorite sleepers of this class and I was really impressed with him at the Senior Bowl. I think he would be a household name if he was able to test (tore his pectoral in February). This feels like cheating since I think his best position is to add weight and play in the box as a LB. He was a safety in college and was really effective (FCS All-American and Conference DPOY). Mapu is missile in the run game, he’s a long athlete with quick play recognition, and he could be a match-up asset for the Patriots.
Round 5: Daniel Scott, California (6-1, 208).
He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and he’s decent at stopping both the run and the pass. Some of the recent DBs drafted out of Cal have been more athletes than football players. I thought he was more of a football player and his testing surprised me (4.45 in the 40 and solid all around). He has a willingness to play special teams which is important at this point in the draft. I knocked him down a bit because he will be 25 years old as a rookie, but he was a team captain and well-regarded within the Bears program.
Round 6: Christopher Smith II, Georgia (5-10, 192).
I’ve been a fan of Smith’s for a couple of years now but there are some limitations to his game, primarily the size and speed (4.62) combo. I just don’t think it’s worth paying a premium for that. But he’s a good football player who is instinctive. He had over 30 starts for Georgia and they were always better with him in the lineup. He was the glue in their secondary and teammates gave him the nickname “Soldier” because of his toughness and leadership. He was good on ST in at the Senior Bowl and generally good in pass coverage (although a Robber role may be better than a post safety). He can chop some wood while tackling but needs to be better under control to eliminate missed tackles.
Jay Ward (LSU) is another player that fits their mold.
Round 7: Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa St (6-0, 205).
The former CB was a team captain who moved to safety this year and was second-team All-Big 12. He’ll need a redshirt year in the pros, but he has solid change of direction, and is a willing tackler. He has 40+ starts at corner which help his coverage skills on TEs. Known as a great teammate and competitor within the Cyclone program.
Rankings
Preseason Rankings
- Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
- Jordan Battle, Alabama
- Jammie Robinson, FSU
- Tyrique Stevenson, Miami (staying at CB)
- Jalen Catalon, Arkansas (returning to school)
Post Combine Rankings:
- Brian Branch, Alabama (had rated as nickel corner in preseason)
- Jordan Battle, Alabama
- Jammie Robinson, FSU
- Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
- Sydney Brown, Illinois