2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
20 of 31
Next
Nov 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots

Key Draft Needs: OL, LB, WR/TE

Record: 12-2

Offensive Line – New England’s offensive line does not give up many sacks, just 23 after week 15 this year. They will have a decision to make with Sebastian Vollmer going into free agency at age 32, and may need to make a decision regarding Michael Cannon and Nate Solder. Rookie Joe Thuney has filled in at left guard, and a long-term starter at center could be looked into.

Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels celebrate a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker – Jaime Collins was too rich for Bill Belichick’s liking, resulting in him heading to the Browns. Dont’a Hightower will be a free agent, and Belichick could refuse to overpay him knowing how he operates. Spending their first round pick on an inside linebacker would not be an outrageous move.

Wide Receiver/Tight End – While Gronk comes across as a superhuman, multiple back and leg injuries are not something to look past. Martellus Bennett being a free agent could force the Patriots hand towards looking at a receiving tight end to either pair with a healthy Gronk or start. New England seems to find wide receivers out of nowhere, evident of Julian Edelman and Malcolm Mitchell’s success. Finding a big receiver Tom Brady can just throw the ball up to might be worth the day-two pick at the end of the day.