As Mike Felger pointed out during today’s Felger & Mazz Big Board segment, Bill Belichick loves safeties. Even with the depth currently on the roster, don’t rule out the Patriots adding at the position in the NFL Draft.

The guys picked five (Jaquan Brisker got picked twice) safeties to put on this year’s Big Board on Thursday. Here’s who was added to the list.

Jaquan Brisker, Penn State

Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jaquan Brisker (1) reacts to a defensive play against the Illinois Fighting Illini during overtime at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths:

–NFL safety size with huge hands
–Highly capable and tough as an add-on box defender.
–Forceful to square, strike and finish as tackler

Weaknesses:

–Stares down quarterback and loses feel for the route
–Drive angles on the throw are a little inconsistent
–Climbing blockers find him when maneuvering through the box

(Source: NFL.com)

Quentin Lake, UCLA

Oct 16, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Quentin Lake (37) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Huskies tight end Cade Otton (87) during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths:

–Possesses NFL bloodlines and size
–Gets wide in the hole to squeeze the runner
–Snaps up into the tackle with face-up delivery

Weaknesses:

–Doesn’t have juice to match and smother man routes
–Inconsistent to diagnose and respond to run quickly
–Occasionally loses tackle angles when running the alley

(Source: NFL.com)

JT Woods, Baylor

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 01: JT Woods #22 of the Baylor Bears breaks up a pass intended for Urriah Shephard #35 of the Mississippi Rebels during the first quarter in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 01, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Strengths:

–Former track star with sprinter’s speed
–Sticky hands grabbed nine interceptions in last two seasons
–Searches for punishing blows on pass-catchers

Weaknesses:

–Too much freestyle in his coverage and movements
–Can be a step behind to challenge throws due to indecisiveness
–Hurried angles create small margin for tackle error

(Source: NFL.com)

Jalen Pitre, Baylor

WACO, TX -NOVEMBER 27: Nove Jalen Pitre #8 of the Baylor Bears reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at McLane Stadium on mber 27, 2021 in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 27-24. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Strengths:

–Plays ‘Star’ position, requiring versatility and quick processing
–Highly proactive in run support
–Uses football IQ to make plays beyond the scheme

Weaknesses:

–Hips are sticky and tough to unlock
–Might not have enough pure speed as a safety
–Will struggle covering NFL receivers in space

(Source: NFL.com)

Juanyeh Thomas, Georgia Tech

Nov 6, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) slides in front of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Juanyeh Thomas (1) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths:

–Long-armed safety with NFL size
–No hesitation to slide in and fit up the run
–Superior talent on kick and punt cover teams

Weaknesses:

–Foot quickness is below average
–Can be isolated and exploited as a deep safety
–Has trouble seeing peripheral blocks inside the box

(Source: NFL.com)

Listen

Segment 1 begins at 23:40:

Segment 2 begins at 23:08: