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Each day leading up to the NFL Draft on April 28, the Herald will introduce prospects the Patriots are likely targeting position by position. The Pats have eight picks this year, starting at 21st overall, the first domino to fall in another crucial draft. As for their other selections, the Patriots could pad their depth virtually anywhere, having plugged some roster holes in free agency and via trade.

Below is a breakdown of the Patriots’ best prospect fits at safety:

Scouting report: If anyone from this year’s draft can replace Devin McCourty in the coming years, it’s Hill.

As McCourty once was, Hill is regarded as a versatile, high-floor prospect with excellent speed and high football IQ. Because of those traits, and his superb quickness, Hill can patrol the back end as a deep safety or cover the slot. Hill led Michigan with two interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season, often playing a step ahead of opponents because of his anticipation.

He would likely play a hybrid corner/safety role as a rookie, before transitioning to full-time safety in the future, when he might be the next bedrock of Bill Belichick’s secondary.

Scouting report: Senior Bowl standout? Check. Film junkie? Check. Strong tackler? Check.

Sufficient size, speed and special teams impact? Check, check and check.

Joseph is as ready-made a Patriot as there is in this safety class. Under former Pats assistant Bret Bielema, now Illinois’ head coach, Joseph snatched five interceptions last season and finished with more than 400 career special teams snaps played, per The Athletic. The only knocks on Joseph are his lack of experience — he’s a one-year college starter — and playing strength, both issues that can be remedied in the NFL.

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Scouting report: Perhaps the most athletic prospect on this list, Cross ranked among the safety leaders in the 40-yard dash times, vertical jump and broad jump, and that's all before he clocked an impressing 6.85 in the 3-cone at his Pro Day. He can cover sideline-to-sideline and packs enough punch as a tackler. Cross is also a turnover machine, averaging three per season for the Terps.

Arguably the best part of Cross' profile is his untapped potential. He won't turn 21 until September and only started playing football in high school.

Scouting report: Another four-down player with elite speed and quickness, Anderson played deep safety and nickelback in college. He continued to play multiple positions at the Senior Bowl, where Joseph outshined him but scouts surely appreciated his versatility and reputed strong intangibles. Anderson may start his career as a core special teamer before he ever develops into an impact defender.

Scouting report: Another small-school prospect, Butler is seen as a developmental player with sufficient tools (4.36 in the 40-yard dash). Not to be overlooked is his special teams talent.

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Butler recorded 25 tackles on coverage units over his career and blocked one punt last season. He started three years at safety and doubled as a gunner on the punt return team. Defensively, experts view Butler as a boom-or-bust prospect who trusts his instincts perhaps too much. If he lands in New England, he should find a home under the wing of longtime captain Matthew Slater, a former late-round pick himself.

Scouting report: Corker attended the Senior Bowl but didn't quite shine like others on this list. No matter.

If he comes off the board to the Patriots, it means they're trusting his leadership (two-time team captain), versatility and toughness to carry him to the Week 1 roster or practice squad. Corker is regarded as a mature prospect with an all-around, low-ceiling game that nonetheless appeals to scouts because he should squeeze everything out of his unspectacular traits. Corker would likely fight for a roster spot with 2021 sixth-rounder Joshuah Bledsoe, who didn't play as a rookie.

Scouting report: Before landing at Texas, Schooler failed to stick at Oregon or Arizona or decide whether he fit best as a wide receiver or safety. In the meantime, he honed his skills on special teams, which, you guessed it, is why he could fit in New England. Schooler flies with 4.4 speed and played with an unmistakable physicality over seven defensive starts last year, while he remaining an impact player on kick and punt coverage units.

Furthermore, according to NESN, Patriots special teams coaches Cam Achord and Joe Houston recently worked out Longhorns cornerback Josh Thompson, another projected late-round pick or UDFA. No doubt they got a good look at his speedy running mate in the secondary, too.

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