After last season, it was quite apparent some of the biggest needs for the Patriots are at the wide receiver and tight end position.
While they may not address either of those positions at No. 15 overall, it does seem likely they will at least try via the draft no matter what happens in free agency.
Speaking on a video conference with reporters earlier in the week, NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah gave a few players at each of those positions who could make sense for the Patriots.
"I think when you look at the tight end position is pretty interesting," he said. "To me like there's certain guys you watch -- I do this every year when you're kind of watching players, like, oh, this is a Patriots player, and I did that when I was looking at the tight end position this year with a couple guys.
"Hunter Long from Boston College, who probably factors in the second-round range, who can play in line, you can move him around. He's a real physical kid, lots of contested catches. He's got size, highly intelligent. He kind of fits that mold there. And then Tommy Tremble from Notre Dame who's the best blocking tight end in the draft who also is really, really explosive and dynamic and has some upside as a receiver.
"Just didn't get a lot of targets, didn't get a lot of balls. But really, really explosive. Some inconsistent hands, but New England going to shop at Boston College and Notre Dame seems about right at the tight end position.
"So those would be a couple guys that I think make sense. And then if you're looking at the wide receiver position, it hasn't been something they've really gone after a ton high in the draft over the years, and I think there's a couple players that can win in the middle of the field that kind of fit.
"When the Patriots are rolling, they have that guy that can really separate and make plays inside, and I think adding somebody to their group like an Elijah Moore from Ole Miss who you could use in the backfield, you can do a lot of creative stuff with him, he's fun.
"And then I would also keep an eye and look at a guy like a Rondale Moore from Purdue. Even though he is undersized, you've got a lot of value, you can do a lot of different things, and really win with quickness."
Including the two compensatory picks, the Patriots will have nine total selections in the draft.
