6 safety fits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft

Patriots NFL Draft fits at safety

**Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo):** Potentially the best player available when the Patriots are on the clock in the first-round, McNeil-Warren’s versatility would make him a fun pair with Byard and Woodson. He showcased solid range at Toledo but has the physicality and ball skills — including a dominant peanut punch — to thrive near the line of scrimmage. He’ll be a do-it all chess piece any defensive coordinator would like on their side. New England hosted EMW on a pre-draft visit. | *Consensus ranking: 23* **Bud Clark (TCU):** Clark can do everything the Patriots ask in their safeties, from covering the deep area of the field to matching receivers and coming downhill in run support. He also proved to have a nose for the football with 15 career interceptions. | *Consensus ranking: 89* **Zakee Wheatley (Penn State):** A tall safety who has plenty of range overtop, Wheatley also isn’t shy of lowering his shoulder into ball carries. He is best suited over top of the defense and did see his ball production dip last season, but Wheatley is reliable free safety who did not commit a penalty throughout his entire collegiate career. Wheatley visited the Patriots. | *Consensus ranking: 94* **Genesis Smith (Arizona):** A 21-year old early declare, Smith is a natural center fielder with his athletic ability to easily cover ground. While he forced five fumbles the last two years, he is not a physical player and must become a better tackler, however, after ending his Wildcat career with a 20.1% missed tackle rate (39 total). | *Consensus ranking: 108* **VJ Payne (Kansas State):** Payne offers incredible size and length at the safety position with a wingspan close to 81 inches. That allows him to matchup against tight ends in the passing game while his 4.4 speed also sees him make rangy cover plays. His versatility will continue to be tapped into but he can improve as a tackler and use his length better at times. | *Consensus ranking: 121* **Jalen Huskey (Maryland):** A big-time playmaker with 11 interceptions over his three seasons as a starter, Huskey can also come down hill in coverage and as a run defender. He is a bit undersized and features an average athletic profile, but has versatility across the secondary. New England held a private meeting with him. | *Consensus ranking: 198* Elsewhere, Dillion Thieneman (Oregon) is largely expected to be gone before New England’s first selection but would be a seamless fit in the secondary and likely best player available on the board. Other options include: A.J. Haulcy (LSU), Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina), Jakobe Thomas (Miami), Robert Spears-Jennings (Oklahoma), and Malik Spencer (Michigan State).