By and large, the Patriots’ roster is pretty much set for 2019, but there will still be a few tweaks here and there before training camp opens in July.
Even following the draft, there appear to be a few needs, especially at tight end and wide receiver.
Here are five players still available that the Patriots could be interested in.
WR Michael Crabtree — The 31-year-old is the best wide out still available and if he’s still a free agent in the coming weeks, maybe the Patriots should make a call. Last year was a good example of how you can never have too many receivers going into training camp and right now there are a lot of uncertainties at the position for the team. In 16 games with the Ravens last year, Crabtree had 54 receptions for 607 yards and three touchdowns.
TE Lee Smith — Oakland released the veteran tight end on Thursday, who is viewed as one of the best blockers at his position in the league. The 31-year-old has spent the last four years with the Raiders, but had only 36 catches. It appears the Patriots are going to more of a run-heavy attack, so an extra blocker would be nice.
TE Levine Toilolo — There aren’t many tight ends left, but the 27-year-old may be one of the better ones available. Following the first five years of his career in Atlanta, he spent last season with the Lions where he had 21 catches on 24 targets for 261 yards and a touchdown. He’s never missed a game in his career, so could be a good player to have.
OT Jared Veldheer — The 31-year-old swing tackle has a great deal of experience, starting 113 career games. With Isaiah Wynn missing all of last season, it may be a good idea to have a veteran insurance policy behind him. Veldheer reportedly visited the team earlier in the week.
DL Muhammad Wilkerson — It seems like a bit of a long-shot, but the Patriots have looked to sign former first-round picks in recent years, and maybe Wilkerson could be the next. The 29-year-old spent his first seven years in the league with the Jets, but only played in three games with Green Bay last year due to a serious ankle injury. The Patriots could still be in the market for a big body up front.
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