Patriots by position: S

If the Patriots are going to use higher-round draft picks to select anything other than a linebacker or defensive end, it should be at this position. Youngster Brandon Meriweather is showing promise at this position, and James Sanders is a serviceable partner for him in the secondary. Tank Williams, who spent most of 2008 on IR along with many of his brethren in the secondary, could be a wild card here.

But until they find his replacement - not discounting the idea it may be Meriweather - they have a big, Rodney-Harrison-shaped hole in their roster.

It won't be quick or easy to replace Harrison's veteran leadership (this may be where Tank Williams comes in), but the Patriots can keep their eye out for someone who can at least replace his tough hits and aggressive attitude - James Sanders just ain't cuttin' it for me in that department, and neither is special-teamer Raymond Ventrone. I would love to see the Patriots pick up a hungry young draft pick at this position like Jerod Mayo.

Some safeties have been in the mix during the combine and pre-draft workouts for the Patriots. Patrick Chung of Oregon, William Moore of Missouri, and Louis Delmas of Western Michigan have gotten pre-draft workouts. Chung is said to be intense and competitive, and can also serve as a punt returner. Delmas played as a free safety and is said to be a hungry, aggressive young player with good leadership skills.

Also among the top safety prospects this year is Alabama's Rashad Johnson. Scouting reports on him are tantalizing; Patriots Football Weekly writer Erik Scalavino says Johnson "Reminds me of Brandon Meriweather with better hands."

Who knows what kind of gamesmanship it might mean coming from Belichick and Co., but from the mix of players that have been worked out, the impression seems to be the team would like to draft at this position around the second round. Moore, Johnson and Delmas are all expected to be available between the second and third rounds, and it's likely the Patriots will snap one of them up with their 34th pick.

Comments

[bagwell368]

several of the really good safties will be on the board at #47, why chew up #34 when the needs at DL, OT, or OLB (whatever wasn't taken at #23) looms over '10, and will be much harder to fill then a S. A good S could also be had at #89.

[Brent]

I see CB/OLB or OLB/OG with the first two picks.

After #34, the Pats can still grab a S/DL/ILB as the range of players at those positions are similiar over the rest of the first day.

I would like to see the Pats grab a safety as well in the 2/3rd range. Johnson would add leadership which will be missed with Rodney gone. Not sure if he has the fire or hitting power the likes of Chung and Delmas, where we will also miss Rodney....

IN BILL WE TRUST!!

[Beth]

Why can't we just clone Rodney? No, seriously! :)

[Jamie]

I'm skeptical about the Pats using a day one pick on a safety. They just re-signed James Sanders to a long-term deal, they have Brandon Meriweather who seems to be coming on, and they also signed Tank Williams to a 1-year deal, continuing the hybrid safety/linebacker experiment that started last training camp. That hybrid role was something Rodney was doing before he got hurt, so perhaps the Pats think they have Rodney's replacement in Tank. We'll know very shortly, but out the draft prospect bunch, I think Chung is the most intriguing for the Patriots.

[John Connors]

Chung and Rashad Johnson are too small-5'11", 6' respectfully for ss . Moore big enough but does have that toughness and agressiveness that BB requires? Delmas looks good for fs .