Free agency has passed and now the NFL world has shifted its focus to the draft, which will begin April 29.
The Patriots were one of the more active teams in the league during the last month or so, but there’s still work to be done with a few holes still left on the roster. Selecting No. 15 overall has also given the region some enthusiasm going into the draft, which hasn’t been there in quite some time.
Besides No. 15 overall, the Patriots have nine additional picks, so the ability is there for them to move all around the draft board.
Here are five positions of need for the Patriots as the draft approaches.
1. Quarterback
By now everyone knows this and it seems very likely the team will draft one at some point later this month. The biggest question is when? If they want one of the top five quarterbacks, it seems a trade up into the top 10 will be necessary. There is a huge drop off from that first tier to the second tier, so if they do not get one of the top players at the position, it seems like they will wait until the later rounds and that player would be more of a camp body. But, if the Patriots truly feel their QB of the future is in this draft, it does make a lot of sense for them to make a massive trade and get into the top 10, maybe even top five.
2. Wide receiver
The Patriots are still in need of a No. 1 receiver and with this being another terrific class, it could make sense for them to try again at the position, especially if a top two or three player at the position is available at No. 15 overall. Even beyond the first round, this position would still make a lot of sense as depth is still needed.
3. Offensive tackle
This is a sneaky need for the team, especially if they decide not to pick up the fifth-year option on Isaiah Wynn. It also is another position that is supposed to be one of the better ones in the draft, so it could make sense to target it at No. 15. Right now there’s just Trent Brown, Wynn, Yodny Cajuste and Korey Cunningham on the roster, so another player at this position would make some sense, especially when thinking about beyond 2021.
4. Cornerback
Like offensive tackle, this could quickly turn into a major need depending on what happens with Stephon Gilmore and JC Jackson. It’s also more of a need to think about beyond this season, but given how important of a position it is, the organization needs to take a long-term view of it. That is why it makes sense to add a skilled corner high in the draft.
5. Linebacker
Having a speedy, athletic linebacker can drastically change a defense and the Patriots should look to other teams around the league and take notice. The position needs some depth behind Dont’a Hightower, especially for the years to come. While this isn’t the biggest need the team has, if a highly skilled player is available to them with its first few picks, the Patriots absolutely should consider it.