NFL free agency officially gets underway Wednesday afternoon when the new league year begins, but the legal tampering period began on Monday.
Perhaps equally as important for the Patriots this offseason will be the draft, as unlike in past years they need to draft several impact players for 2018.
Of course a lot can change between now and the draft, but here's what a few of the draft experts predict the Patriots will do with their first-round pick, No. 31 overall as we enter free agency.
ESPN's Todd McShay: Lorenzo Carter, OLB GeorgiaNFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah: Harold Landry, DE, Boston CollegeNFL Media's Chad Reuter: Josh Jackson, CB, IowaNFL Media's Lance Zierlein: Josh Jackson, CB, IowaNFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang: Josh Jackson, CB, IowaPatriots.com's Don Banks: Sam Hubbard, DE Ohio StateCBS Sports' Will Brinson: Isaiah Oliver, CB, ColoradoCBS Sports' Chris Trapasso: Mike Hughes, CB, Central FloridaCBS Sports' Ryan Wilson: Jaire Alexander, CB LouisvilleGood Morning Football's Peter Schrager: Sony Michel, RB, GeorgiaPro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
