We continue the Patriots biggest needs series highlighting the safety position. With Devin McCourty retiring on Friday, safety now becomes a priority position in free agency and the draft.

Replacing McCourty is virtually impossible but the Patriots are well positioned to address the position in both free agency and the the draft. They have $32 million dollars in cap space and the 14th and 46th pick in the first two rounds of the draft.

In terms of players on the roster who can step up and fill the void, Joshuah Bledsoe is going into his third season and primed to take on a bigger role now that he is healthy. He is a natural free safety from a skill standpoint. The Patriots do not use free or strong safeties in their defense per say.

Assuming the Patriots decide to address the position in free agency, they could re-sign Jabrill Peppers who fit well into the Patriots scheme last season. Other free agent targets include: Jordan Poyer, Von Bell, Jonathan Abram, Jimmie Ward and Adrian Amos.

If the Patriots opt to use the draft to upgrade the position, Alabama’s Brian Branch could be a possible target in the first round. His teammate Jordan Battle, Illinois safety Sydney Brown, Florida State’s Jammie Robinson and Georgia’s Christopher Smith are all possible day two options if the Patriots decide to wait.

The safety position is vitally important in the Patriots scheme so expect it to be a priority this off-season as the team tries to fortify the position.