The New England Patriots face significant roster challenges this offseason, needing to prioritize key positions for improvement.
New England: The Patriots have a lot on their plate this offseason. They need to make some serious upgrades to a roster that’s lacking in talent across the board.
Luckily, they’ve got some great assets to work with. The No. 4 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft is a big deal, plus they have two third-round picks and a total of nine selections. On top of that, they’re looking at around $120 million in salary cap space, which is the most in the league. That gives them plenty of room to maneuver in trades and free agency.
So, what positions should they focus on? Let’s break it down.
First up, offensive tackle. This is crucial for protecting their young quarterback. They need a solid left tackle, whether through free agency or the draft. New head coach Mike Vrabel emphasized how important a strong offensive line is for controlling the game.
Next, wide receiver. The Patriots have struggled here for a while. They haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. They drafted a couple of guys last year, but they’re not looking like stars. They could go for Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan with that No. 4 pick or snag a top receiver in free agency.
Then there’s edge rusher. The pass rush was pretty weak last season, ranking dead last in sacks. They need to find some talent here, and luckily, the draft and free agency have some good options. Penn State’s Abdul Carter could be a great pick if he’s available.
Cornerback is another area of need. They’ve got Christian Gonzalez, who’s solid, but they need more depth. The draft has some promising players, and there are free agents out there who could help.
Defensive tackle is also on the list. Christian Barmore has potential but has had health issues. They should look for some solid options in the draft.
As for the interior offensive line, they need to think about who will replace David Andrews. They might need to invest in a center or guard in the draft.
Safety is another position to consider. Kyle Dugger hasn’t been at his best, and they could use some veteran depth here.
Linebacker is a bit of a mixed bag. They lost Ja’Whaun Bentley early last season, and getting him back would help. But they need more standout players in this group.
Running back is also a concern. Rhamondre Stevenson has had his ups and downs, and they might want to draft someone if Antonio Gibson doesn’t return.
Finally, tight end. Hunter Henry has been reliable, but they need to think about re-signing Austin Hooper.
And let’s not forget about quarterback. Drake Maye has potential, but he needs more talent around him to really shine.