A quiet Patriots draft plan could reshape their secondary sooner than expected

Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsWhile the New England Patriots solved an immediate need by signing All-Pro safety Kevin Byard III to a one-year, $9 million deal this offseason, inking the soon-to-be 33-year-old defensive back to a short-term deal also raised questions about the future of the position.

The franchise looks to be exploring the possibility of addressing safety in the early rounds of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, as it is reportedly set to host a pair of highly touted prospects on top-30 visits, Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Penn State's Zakee Wheatley.

Both players are expected to be off the board by the end of Day 2, so here's an idea…