The Patriots continue to churn through their pre-draft visits in Foxborough, including many with early-round prospects.
According to multiple reports one of those visits this week is with All-American Washington State safety Deone (pronounced DAY-own) Bucannon.
New England has a clear need for a strong safety type next to Devin McCourty in the back-end of the retooled secondary that added man corners Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to the mix this spring.
Bucannon certainly has the potential to fill that void. He has pretty ideal measurables at 6-1, 211 pounds and having run an impressive 4.49 40 at February's NFL Combine. But he also as the production to go with it, including 109 tackles, three forced fumbles and six interceptions last season.
Through 43 college starts he showed the ability to hit and lay the lumber in the box, but his impressive 78-inch wing span and speed also make him an option in coverage with 15 career interceptions.
Bucannon is rated by many as a second-round prospect, although his stock has been seen as rising in recent weeks to the point where some place him as a potential surprise first-round pick.
Bucannon is one of my favorite potential Patriots prospects in this year's draft class given the team's needs in the back end, and it appears that New England is at least doing its full homework on the All-American talent.
Looking for Draft video? Check out highlight videos of all the top college prospects entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
OFFENSE: Quarterback | Running Back | Tight End | Wide Receiver | Offensive Line
DEFENSE: Defensive Back | Defensive Line | Linebacker
SPECIALISTS: Kickers/Punters/Returners
