The New England Patriots are ramping up their preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft. While the front office did well in free agency, there are still several areas of need that must be addressed in the draft. One of the spots is the safety position, where New England is currently lacking depth.
While the Pats managed to sign All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million contract in free agency, they also lost Jaylinn Hawkins to the Baltimore Ravens. Another developmental prospect could be used to work behind Byard and fellow starter Craig Woodson, and according to reports, it sounds like the team is taking a close look at West Virginia Mountaineers safety Justin Harrington.
"The Patriots have met with and expressed interest in West Virginia safety Justin Harrington, per source," Ethan Hurwitz of Sports Illustrated reported in a post on X.
Harrington didn't play much in college, as he bounced around with three different schools. Injuries certainly didn't help him, as he finished with just seven tackles in eight games with West Virginia. Still, he has an eye-catching physical profile and experience working with former Patriots coaches Jedd Fisch and Steve Belichick.
There's no guarantee that Harrington will be selected in the draft, so if he ends up becoming an undrafted free agent, this connection could give New England the inside track when it comes to bringing him to town. Harrington isn't a flashy prospect, but he could very well find his way to the Patriots when all is said and done.
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