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Patriots bring another safety in for a pre-draft visit
TL;DR
The New England Patriots hosted Michigan State safety Malik Spencer for a pre-draft visit, marking him as the third safety to meet with the team. Spencer had a notable college career with 173 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks over 38 games.
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 21: Michigan State Spartans defensive back Malik Spencer (43) during the college football game between Michigan State Spartans and Boston College Eagles on September 21, 2024, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, MA. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After already welcoming projected early-round picks Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) and Zakee Wheatley (Penn State) to Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots hosted another safety on pre-draft visit on Tuesday. Michigan State’s Malik Spencer was in town as the third reported player at the position to visit with the team.
Spending his entire four-year college career with the Spartans, Spencer appeared in 38 games with 29 starts. He finished his career in East Lansing with 173 tackles as well as two interceptions and sacks each. He also forced a pair of fumbles and broke up 13 passes.
The 6-foot-0, 197-pounder played all over the place for the Spartans, aligning deep, in the box and in the slot. He also saw some action on special teams, but as a defensive starter was primarily employed on that side of the ball.
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Spencer projects as either a late-round selection in this year’s draft or a free agent. In the pre-draft process, he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, 7.21-second three-cone drill and 4.38-second short shuttle, and had vertical and broad jumps of 32 inches and 10 foot, 3 inches, respectively. He posted a 5.76 Relative Athletic Score.
The Patriots are entering the draft with Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson atop their safety depth chart, but questions further below. Dell Pettus projects as the current No. 3 with Brenden Schooler, Mike Brown and John Saunders Jr. rounding out the depth chart. In addition, Byard will turn 33 in training camp and is on a one-year deal.
Q&A
What are Malik Spencer's college football statistics?
Malik Spencer recorded 173 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks, forced two fumbles, and broke up 13 passes during his college career at Michigan State.
Which other safeties have the Patriots met with before the draft?
The Patriots previously welcomed projected early-round picks Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo and Zakee Wheatley from Penn State for pre-draft visits.
What positions did Malik Spencer play at Michigan State?
Malik Spencer played various positions in the defensive backfield, including deep safety, in-the-box safety, and slot cornerback, while also contributing on special teams.
