New England Patriots: Top first-round targets in 2020 NFL Draft
By Ian Higgins
With the imminent departure of living legend Tom Brady, a new era will begin for the New England Patriots in the 2020 NFL draft. Which rookies will begin the new age in Foxborough?
After a bitterly disappointing season from the perennial super bowl contenders, New England Patriots legend Tom Brady likely looks to leave for greener pastures in the twilight of his historical career. The 2020 NFL draft holds plenty of promise for teams looking to retool/rebuild for the future, with a first-round filled with top-end talent and a collection of promising prospects deep into the middle rounds.
With a historically dominant defense, much of New England’s struggles were a product of the offensive side of the ball. A lack of legitimate receiving threats outside of Julian Edelman & James White made life increasingly difficult for Brady. The previously productive running game led by Sony Michel in the past season ceased to live up to the previously set standards, and only piled more pressure onto the 42-year-old quarterback.
Defensively, there is plenty of depth across all units (especially in the linebacking and corners), but a handful of key free agents (Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy, Devin McCourty) will push this team into the cap underworld if they are somehow willing to pay all three defensive stars.
Drafting high-end talent is best for replacing current departures, but Bill Belichick knows better than any other coach in the NFL that the early rounds are for day one rookies, whereas mid-round selections from prior years and replace lost production once they are developed (Duron Harmon & Ja’Whaun Bentley).
The 2020 NFL draft is a chance for rebirth in New England, although a rebuilding year will likely be needed in 2020. There are few franchises throughout NFL history that have had the opportunity to successfully complete a one-year rebuild, redefining their franchise. If anyone is capable of doing it, Bill Belichick and the already strong 2020 New England Patriots roster can accomplish it.