A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 25-27.

The Patriots already have close to $29 million invested at the safety position for 2019. That amount of cash is the second-most in positional spending in Foxboro behind the quarterback position.

The Patriots also have great depth with Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Obi Melifonwu, Nate Ebner, Terrence Brooks and A.J. Howard in the fold. So, why should they look to add another safety in the draft?

It’s simple — to plan for the future.

Both McCourty and Chung turn 32 this year. McCourty enters 2019 in the final year of his contract. Chung and Harmon are signed through 2020. Since McCourty contemplated retirement this offseason, it would be wise to invest more in this important position. After all, everyone after those three players are question marks.

It would help greatly if Melifonwu lived up to his potential, but the Patriots can’t count on that just yet. Also, Chung plays such a vital role in the team’s defense as a Swiss army knife — capable of playing safety, cornerback, slot cornerback and linebacker — that the Pats should look for an eventual replacement.

The Pats have tried before (remember Tavon Wilson and Jordan Richards?) but it didn’t work out. This year’s draft class has some intriguing options.

The Patriots currently hold 12 draft picks, in every round except the fifth. Here’s a look at some candidates:

First-round: Taylor Rapp, Washington

Rapp is a 6-foot tall versatile safety. He was very productive at Washington, finishing his three-year career with 168 tackles, six sacks and seven interceptions. He’s considered to have high football intelligence and the ability to play as a safety and in the box. He’s also a talented special teamer. The Patriots met with Rapp at the NFL Combine and at his Pro Day.

Second-round: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida

Gardner-Johnson is coming off a very productive career at Florida where he totaled 161 tackles, four sacks and nine interceptions in three seasons. He’s very versatile with the ability to cover receivers in the slot, play deep safety, support run defense and blitz. Gardner-Johnson played the nickel spot in Florida’s defense last year. Bill Belichick was at Florida’s Pro Day.

Third-round: Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State

A third-team All-American and first-team All-SEC, Abram finished strong at Mississippi State after starting his career at Georgia. He led the team last season with 99 tackles to go with three sacks and two interceptions. Abram is a talented tackler and heavy hitter. He has the ability to play strong safety and in the box at linebacker. Abram has a pre-draft visit lined up with the Patriots.

Fourth-round: Will Harris, Boston College

A captain and leader, Harris has started at Boston College since his true freshman season. He had 225 tackles and five interceptions over the last four seasons. Harris is 6-1 and has the versatility to play both safety positions. He has the ability to cover tight ends. Harris also profiles as a core special teams player. The Patriots were at Boston College’s Pro Day.

Sixth-round: Saquan Hampton, Rutgers

Hampton has good size at 6-1 and is also a team captain and leader. He broke out last season, finishing with 64 tackles, three interceptions and 13 pass deflections, which was third in the Big Ten. He’s big and athletic enough to cover tight ends. He has the versatility to play linebacker and was a special teams contributor. The Patriots were at Rutgers' Pro Day.

Seventh-round: Khari Willis, Michigan State

Willis is another team leader and captain, who’s been lauded for his work ethic. He made 196 tackles, four sacks, four interceptions and 16 pass breakups over the last four years. He’s a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Willis was named to third-team All-Big Ten last season, finishing with 84 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups. The Patriots were at Michigan State’s Pro Day.