Bill Belichick’s affinity for defensive backs may prove to be an unquenchable thirst. In ESPN’s 2020 NFL mock draft, analyst Todd McShay has the Patriots picking LSU safety Grand Delpit.
While the Patriots have picked five cornerbacks in the last four drafts (including three in the second round), New England actually hasn’t picked a safety since Jordan Richards in 2015. Patrick Chung is 32, Devin McCourty (a pending free agent) is 32 and Duron Harmon is 29.
“New England is a little more accustomed to picking at No. 31 or 32, but the bright side of not playing in the Super Bowl for the first time in four years is the opportunity to add a quality prospect with an earlier selection. Some might lean toward Tom Brady ‘s heir — maybe (Utah State QB Jordan) Love. Some might think about shoring up the offensive line in case Joe Thuney leaves Foxborough. But I’m going with the rangy Delpit, especially with Devin McCourty not a lock to be back. Delpit didn’t have the best season at LSU, but Bill Belichick and the Patriots would get the most out of him. The Pats need to keep that defense strong.”
Delpit is the type of savvy player and explosive athlete who would have little issues starting on day one. And that could be necessary: Harmon isn’t quite as versatile as McCourty. Chung is, perhaps, the most versatile player on the defense, but his coverage wasn’t the same caliber as McCourty’s in 2019. If he departed in free agency, New England would need a new big-play-stopper at the back end of the defense. Delpit proved trustworthy in that role at LSU. Belichick could trust him to do the same in New England.
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