2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams
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.
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.