The New England Patriots are continuing their preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft and are reportedly interested in adding defensive depth. One player on their radar is Justin Harrington, a safety from West Virginia Mountaineers football.
New England has been evaluating several defensive backs during the pre-draft process, and Harrington is one of the prospects the team has already met with.
Patriots Meet With Justin Harrington
Reports indicate that the Patriots held discussions with Harrington during pre-draft workouts and meetings. Several NFL teams have been in contact with the safety, but New England is among the organizations showing clear interest.
The Patriots have met with and expressed interest in West Virginia safety Justin Harrington, per source. pic.twitter.com/h22IIYomQl
— Ethan Hurwitz (@HurwitzSports) March 29, 2026
The Patriots are looking to strengthen their secondary depth, especially behind veteran safety Kevin Byard and rising defensive back Craig Woodson.
Adding another physical safety could help improve competition and flexibility in the defensive backfield.
Justin Harrington Player Profile
Justin Harrington brings size and versatility to the safety position. He has experience playing both inside coverage and deep safety roles.
Player Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Justin Harrington |
| Position | Safety |
| College | West Virginia |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 215 lbs |
| Class | Redshirt Senior |
Harrington describes himself as a physical and aggressive defender who enjoys playing man-to-man coverage. His size and length allow him to match up with different types of receivers.
He also says he can cover opponents both on the outside and in the slot, which makes him a flexible defensive option.
Unique College Journey
Harrington’s path to the NFL Draft has included stops at multiple programs.
He started his college career at Bakersfield Community College, before moving through several major programs including:
- Oklahoma Sooners football
- Washington Huskies football
- West Virginia Mountaineers football
This experience helped him develop against different offensive systems and competition levels.
Interestingly, Harrington began his football career as a high school wide receiver, which helped him develop strong ball skills and coverage awareness.
Justin Harrington College Production
At the FBS level, Harrington produced modest but steady defensive numbers.
College Defensive Stats
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 35 |
| Tackles | 39 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Pass Breakups | 2 |
While the numbers are not huge, scouts value his size, movement ability and versatility in coverage.
NFL Connections and Mentors
Harrington has also spent time learning from players who have reached the NFL.
He developed a close relationship with Billy Bowman, now a safety for the Atlanta Falcons, after playing together for three seasons at Oklahoma.
He also observed and learned from former Oklahoma edge rusher Nik Bonitto, gaining insight into professional-level preparation.
In addition, Harrington spent one season at Washington under coach Jedd Fisch and defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, both of whom have connections to the Patriots coaching system.
Read more: Patriots Mock Draft 2026: Edge Rushers, Offensive Line Depth and New Playmakers Added
Patriots Safety Depth Chart Situation
New England strengthened its defense last season by signing All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, but depth behind the starters remains a concern.
Patriots Current Safety Options
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Kevin Byard | Starting veteran safety |
| Craig Woodson | Key defensive contributor |
| Dell Pettus | Depth option |
| Mike Brown | Backup safety |
| John Saunders Jr. | Development player |
| Brenden Schooler | Special teams specialist |
Because of this depth situation, adding another young safety through the draft could make sense for the Patriots.
Harrington’s Mindset and Opportunity
Harrington has expressed that he is ready to take any opportunity that comes his way at the professional level.
He believes his ability to play multiple defensive roles and contribute in different packages could help him earn playing time quickly.
Beyond his on-field ability, he also emphasized his desire to be a team-first player in the locker room and do whatever is needed to help his team win.
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Justin Harrington may not have the most eye-catching college statistics, but his size, versatility and experience across multiple programs make him an intriguing draft prospect.
For the Patriots, he represents a potential developmental safety who could strengthen depth in the secondary while providing physical coverage ability. If selected, Harrington could compete for a role in New England’s defensive rotation as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
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