2011 NFL Draft Needs: New England Patriots

by GarrettFalk on Feb 24, 2011 4:38 PM EST in Mocking the AFC East

The rich keep getting richer. That’s a saying Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are sporting as they head into the offseason loaded with draft picks. After finishing the 2010-11 regular season with an NFL best 14-2 record, the Patriots head into the draft with a total of nine draft picks, which includes two in each of the first three rounds.

Despite the great regular season success, the New York Jets were able to expose what few holes New England did have in the second round of the playoffs to send them to the golf course early. With the plethora of early draft picks, look for the Patriots to be able to add the necessary talent to be right back at the top next season.

Tom Brady led a rag-tag offensive group that thrived off the success of its passing game even with the loss of Randy Moss. With the emergences of rookie tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, Brady threw 36 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions and set a NFL record with 335 straight pass attempts without a pick. Deion Branch came in mid-season after being acquired by Seattle and provided Brady another viable target, but the Patriots still lacked a true deep threat after trading Moss.

Still fairly inexperienced, New England’s defense faced its fare share of struggles this past season. Devin McCourty and the secondary showed improvement, but the lack of a true pass rusher continues to plague them. Look for the defensive front seven to be a big target area of the Patriots this upcoming draft.

1. Pass rushing LB: New England finished the season with 36 sacks, which was right in the middle of the pack of the league. This is one area that needs to improve so the Patriots can keep their defense off the field. New England was dead last in the NFL in third down defense and if that doesn’t scream pass rusher I don’t know what does. Some hybrid type players to keep an eye on should include: J.J. Watt and Ryan Kerrigan. If they look at linebackers keep an eye on Akeem Ayers and Justin Houston.

Offensive line: Any depth New England can add to its offensive the line the better with several question marks heading into next season. Matt Light is a free agent and even though Logan Mankins was franchised his relationship with the team is on thin ice. After a series of shoulder injuries Stephen Neal is pondering retirement, which further puts a dent into the depth of the line. There is plenty of depth at offensive tackle in the draft and there are some good second round guard prospects. Danny Watkins and Stefen Wisniewski (also can play center) would be good fits for them.

Wide receiver: Wes Welker and Branch will continue to serve as great possession receivers for Brady, but the offense is lacking a game-changer. Brandon Tate has shown flashes as big-play guy, but don’t be surprised to see New England add a similar type of receiver. Some top speed guys include Torrey Smith and Titus Young. The Patriots might also look to add a bigger type receiver such as Jonathan Baldwin. Some might argue that running back is a bigger need, but I don’t see Belichick using a high pick on that position.

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Comments

J.J. Watt is waaaaaaaay to big to be a OLB.

RELEASE THE KRAKEN! (Greg Hardy)
"I'm going to kill you" - Greg Hardy

by RjTheMetalhead on Feb 24, 2011 4:44 PM EST reply actions

He's a 3-4 DE without a doubt.

"I bet that sex Bengals fan is really pissed now." -DT3428

by sexsalad on Feb 24, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry for double posting.

My internet is sucking right now.

"I bet that sex Bengals fan is really pissed now." -DT3428

by sexsalad on Feb 24, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

He's a DE if he goes to a 3-4 defense.

"I bet that sex Bengals fan is really pissed now." -DT3428

by sexsalad on Feb 24, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Im not sure that was his point

He just says they need to improve their passrush. A guy like Watt could be a 5T in base and kick inside in four man nickel fronts. I think the Chargers would like him at 18

IMO

by Foilhat on Feb 24, 2011 7:30 PM EST up reply actions

I so hate the Patriots :)

I so want to have what they have!

KC is working on it though

Just try to STOP US

by Steve_Chiefs on Feb 24, 2011 9:39 PM EST reply actions

you guys have so many picks

you wouldn’t mind helping us out by returning our pick?

by vitzeng on Feb 24, 2011 10:11 PM EST reply actions

I think you guys need to trade your picks to Washington for their #10 pick!

(Stop looking at my profile picture)… this is unbiassed! really!

by 1x1an on Feb 24, 2011 11:03 PM EST reply actions

they are going to do real damage to this list with their 6 picks in first three rounds

"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin

by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 25, 2011 3:35 AM EST reply actions

defensive end is big on there list as well

my dream patriot draft is this aldon smith at 17 and muhammed wilkerson at 28 then at 33 the best off tackle available sherrod costanzo etc. then at 60 i would like them to get 1 out of these 4 wr in this order torrey smith leonard hankerson randall cobb or greg little. but knowing BB none of this will happen he will find players i have never heard oand i will love it just the same.

by brady12mvp3 on Feb 25, 2011 7:51 AM EST reply actions