Patriots Draft Options: S Matt Elam (Florida)

It's no surprise that Bill Belichick loves Florida players.  It's also no surprise that Safety is a serious position of need for the Pats heading into next season.  Pat Chung will likely be gone after never living up to expectations, and Steve Gregory should never be anything more than a situational DB.  Matt Elam is a junior safety who had a solid season for the Gators.  He finished with 76 tackles and 4 INT's while recording a season high 11 tackles in Florida's bowl game against Louisville.  If you're not familiar with Elam, just watch some highlights from Florida's games.  He has a knack for making big plays in crucial situations.  He's quick, has great instincts, and is a big hitter.  At 5-10 205 he could tack on a few extra lbs but there's no reason to nit pick.  Drafting Elam would be a big pickup for the Pats, especially if they sign Ed Reed, who has been strongly linked to the Pats if the Ravens decide to let him go.  The thought of Elam learning the safety position from one of the best to ever play it gives me a little Flying Elvis in my pants.  Now you may be thinking "Well, what about McCourty? He's been a great safety!" True. But cornerback is his natural position, and with legit safety's playing behind him, there wouldn't be so much pressure on McCourty to lock down a reciever.

But even if the Pats didn't sign Reed, I still think Elam would be a good draft choice.  He's got too much promise and football instincts for the Pats to turn down.  And who knows, Tavon Wilson could progress into a legit starting safety and suddenly the Pats have some serious depth at the safety position.

With all this said, I'm sure if Belichick does draft a safety it'll be someone nobody has ever heard of out of the South Dakota School for the Blind or something.  It's ok, though...because Belichick can do no wrong!

Pretty sweet Elam Highlight Reel below: