2011 NFL Draft Team Needs: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots consistently have had one of the best teams in the NFL over the last decade. A major reason for that has been their consistency in the draft, and the fact that they don’t miss on a lot of their valuable picks. The Patriots also seem to have a good eye for late-round talent, as is evidenced by their MVP quarterback Tom Brady, who was a sixth round pick.

There are not many Tom Brady’s that fall through the cracks, but the Patriots frequently have a very deep roster, and Bill Belicheck has a front office that knows how to utilize draft assets.

The Patriots build their team through the draft by acquiring picks in the future as well as maneuvering all over the place on draft night. Will they move around as much in the 2011 NFL Draft? With seven picks in the first four rounds, you can bet that the Patriots are going to be one of the more active teams come draft night. Here’s where their needs stand right now.

1. Defensive End

The Patriots have had a void at the defensive end position ever since they traded Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders. Luckily for them, the pick they acquired for Seymour could turn out to be a very valuable asset on draft day in terms of adding talent to the DE position. A guy like J.J. Watt would be an ideal fit for the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme, and brings to the table the kind of versatility and blue-collar mentality that their coaching staff loves.

2. Wide Receiver

This is not a critical need, but if Jonathan Baldwin is still their with the Patriots’ second first round pick, they should think long and hard about taking him. He is a huge target with great athleticism, and the Patriots lack that prototypical “number one” receiver. If not Baldwin there are other guys they could look to in the 2nd/3rd rounds, particularly a guy I like for their scheme is Miami receiver Leonard Hankerson.

3.  Rush Linebacker

The Patriots found a couple of gems at the inside linebacker position in Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes, and now they need to find the same on the outside. Jermaine Cunningham should have a bright future at one spot, but the other is yet to be determined. There are plenty of hybrid linebacker prospects in this draft that could be great fits in New England.