New England Patriots: An early look at top 2021 NFL Draft needs
Defensive line
Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Adam Butler and John Simon will all be free agents this offseason and it is unlikely that they will all be back in New England. The Pats certainly have some interesting young talent up front, but the defensive line will likely be an obvious position of need for this team in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Do not be surprised to see the New England Patriots take at least one interior defensive line and one edge rusher next April.
Offensive line
The Patriots certainly have some solid pieces on the offensive line but they do lack impact depth. Injuries have killed them up front in recent years and they must work to improve their depth across the offensive line. Plus, with both Joe Thuney and David Andrews hitting free agency this offseason, the Patriots may have a major need for legitimate offensive line starters. Make no mistake about it, the Patriots could use help at interior offensive line and offensive tackle.
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Running back
While it is a more minor need, I would like to see the Pats target a running back at some point in the 2021 NFL Draft. Sony Michel looks like a huge bust, and both James White and Rex Burkhead will hit free agency this offseason. While it seems like they have found something in Damien Harris, they will need to build some depth at the running back position this offseason.