Mike Vrabel
Getty
Mike Vrabel could go with a defensive pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2025 season was one of the best for New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins‘ career. The starting safety logged 4 interceptions (career best), 6 pass deflections (tied for career best), 71 tackles (second most in a season) under head coach Mike Vrabel and with interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr — the safety also had 1.5 sacks.
Pro Football Focus graded Hawkins as the fifth-best safety in the league, with an 82.4 overall grade.
But when free agency came around, Hawkins signed with the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year, $10 million deal. This leaves a gap in the Patriots’ secondary after having a promising group this season.
But one NFL draft analyst predicts the Patriots can fill the void left by Hawkins with the upcoming draft.
Adding Safety In the Draft
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
GettyThe Patriots can replace Jaylinn Hawkins in the draft
Zak Kuhr has been promoted to the full-time defensive coordinator job and will now get the opportunity to mold the team he wants.
New England has added notable defenders to the squad, such as Dre’Mont Jones in free agency, but could add some younger guys for the future.
Pro Football Sports Network’s Ian Cummings revealed his seven-round mock draft and has the Patriots selecting safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from the University of Toledo with the 31st overall pick.
“After losing safety Jaylinn Hawkins in free agency, the Patriots have a pressing need at the safety position opposite safety Craig Woodson. They proved with Woodson that they can rely on rookie talent when needed, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is another who can step in right away,” Cummings wrote.
“At 6-foot-3 1/2 and 201 pounds, McNeil-Warren will draw misconceptions of being a box-only safety, but he’s much more multifaceted than that. He’s extremely fluid and efficient on his pedal in two-high looks, he’s intelligent in monitoring route combos, and he triggers fast on the attack.”
McNeil-Warren was graded as the second-best safety in the country by PFF, with an overall grade of 92.1. The safety earned a coverage grade of 91.8 and a run-defense grade of 86.5 in the 2025 season.
The defender recorded 77 tackles, 2 interceptions (one for a pick-six) and 5 pass deflections for Toledo in his final collegiate season.
“McNeil-Warren is most valuable when playing near the line of scrimmage or in robber positioning. He anticipates well in coverage and is quick to close on receivers,” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote about McNeil-Warren.
“He’s urgent in run support and has a feel for slipping blocks/meeting runners early in the carry. He’s a rangy tackler, but needs to quiet his feet when diagnosing and flowing downhill to tackle. McNeil-Warren might be pigeon-holed schematically, but he’s good at his job.”
Patriots Add All-Pro Safety on $9 Million Deal
Kevin Byard
GettyThe Pats added a former All-Pro to the defense
Adding Emmanuel McNeil-Warren gives the New England Patriots a long-term option at safety, but the Pats may have a short-term option instead.
New England signed three-time first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million deal, reuniting with Mike Vrabel, under whom he played during their time with the Tennessee Titans.
Byard has played at the strong and free safety spot in his career, bringing both All-Pro and playoff experience to the Patriots roster.
The safety will be 33 years old by the start of the 2026 season, but continues to play at a high level, earning a Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod in the 2025 season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
If the Pats were to select Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the first round of the upcoming draft, he would have a strong mentor to show him the ropes.