The New England Patriots have made a number of moves to improve their 2017 roster, but some holes still remain. They should target these positions in the NFL Draft and for the rest of free agency.
The New England Patriots have been more active in the 2017 offseason than they have ever been before. They made a splash with Stephon Gilmore and have added depth with a number of trades for Kony Ealy, Brandin Cooks, and Dwayne Allen.
The defense has improved, but some uncertainty (Malcolm Butler) still exists. The offense has added new weapons for Tom Brady to roll with. The team is set to make a run at another Super Bowl title but the offseason isn’t over yet.
Before the season begins, however, the team should address some of the holes that remain on the roster.
These five position groups are missing a few pieces and the New England Patriots can find a fit in either the NFL Draft or with remaining available free agents. Draft targets and possible free agents will be addressed, and hopefully, a few of these players end up in Foxboro.
Draft targets and possible free agents will be addressed, and hopefully, a few of these players end up in Foxboro. The Patriots are limited on early draft picks (for now) but of course, Bill Belichick can always find a way to move up or down the board. In hopes that he moves up into at least the second round, some second round talent will be highlighted as a potential fit for the Patriots.
In hopes that he moves up into at least the second round, some second round talent will be highlighted as a potential fit for the Patriots.
5. Tight End
The New England Patriots have the greatest tight end in the game in Rob Gronkowski. They’ve traded for Dwayne Allen to be his backup. Each though has a past riddled with injuries. Gronk will aim to play in every Patriots game this season, but that hasn’t gone well most of the time. The Patriots can land a solid tight end in either the second, third, or fourth round of the NFL Draft. Matt Lengel is the teams #3 TE, but the team should bring in some competition in hopes of developing a future star.
Free Agents
- None
There really are no solid tight ends left in free agency. New England’s best bet is to add a TE in the draft.
NFL Draft Targets
- Adam Shaheen, Ashland
- Gerald Everett, South Alabama
- Jake Butt, Michigan
- Jordan Leggett, Clemson
Adam Shaheen has been on my short list of tight ends for quite some time now. He’ll likely go in the second round, though, so if the Patriots want him they’ll need to move up. Jake Butt or Jordan Leggett will be available later on, and each has potential to break out with the proper coaching.
Expect a pick to be used on a tight end this April, and for that player to make the roster as the team’s depth insurance. Any of the tight ends listed above should be welcomed with open arms to New England, but I’m partial to Shaheen or Everett. The small school tight ends have the greatest potential of all.
4. Running Back
LeGarrette Blount is still available, and the Patriots have yet to sign a big back. Dion Lewis, James White, and Rex Burkhead now make up the core of New England’s rushing attack. No offense to any of them, but no one in that group has power. Each is tremendous at what they do. Lewis and White are fantastic pass catchers and are superb in open space. New England needs their 3rd-and-1 runner, though.
Free Agents
- LeGarrette Blount
- Jamal Charles
- Adrian Peterson
Sign Blount. The market is clearly not there for what he is seeking, so he should return with a team friendly deal to New England. The Patriots can use his power in short yardage and goal line situations once again. Jamal Charles and Adrian Peterson are also available, though I’d be shocked if either wound up in New England. The Patriots’ best bet is to re-sign Blount to a one or two year deal.
NFL Draft Targets
- Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
- Wayne Gallman, Clemson
- D’Onta Foreman, Texas
- Brian Hill, Wyoming
The Patriots may also look to add a running back in the NFL Draft. They’ll likely look for a power back, and there are some options projected to go at various points. Joe Mixon and Wayne Gallman should go in the third round, while D’Onta Foreman should be available in the fourth.
The Patriots are in need of a big back, and without Blount being re-signed the draft is the only option. Mixon brings off the field issues but Bill Belichick can shut those problems down in New England.
3. Offensive Tackle
Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming will each be free agents next season. New England will aim to re-sign one, if not both, of the tackles but they’ll still need to add depth and find a replacement if necessary.
Free Agents
- Ryan Clady
Ryan Clady has been riddled by injuries throughout his career. He likely wants more money and a larger role than what New England would be willing to offer, but maybe not. Offensive line depth is always key to an NFL team’s success, and though brought in as a backup Clady could find himself into a starting role for a few games.
NFL Draft Targets
- Roderick Johnson, Florida State
- Conor McDermott, UCLA
- Jerry Ugokwe, William & Mary
Offensive tackle is not an immediate priority for the Patriots in this year’s NFL Draft but there are a few options that may present themselves. Roderick Johnson is a fantastic player that is projected to go in the second or third round. The Florida State prospect is 6’7″ and nearly 300lbs. He needs some work, but the Patriots staff his highly skilled along the offensive front. UCLA’s Conor McDermott will be available into the fifth round, while Jerry Ogokwe from William & Mary will be a seventh rounder.
Hard work and patience could see these players turn into starting offensive tackles in the NFL. New England should take a chance on one or two of them, adding depth for the 2017 season if needed.
And Patriots fans, don’t boo an offensive line pick please!
2. Cornerback
The New England Patriots and their fans need to prepare for a future without Malcolm Butler. The New Orleans Saints are interested, but they’d need to give the Patriots their 11th overall pick this year to get him. It’s possible but unlikely. Even if Butler plays in New England in 2017, he’s probably gone next year. He seems to want out and the Patriots have given Stephon Gilmore #1 corner money. A Patriots defense without Butler is coming soon.
Free Agents
- Nickell Robey-Coleman
- Brandon Flowers
- Sterling Moore
- Darrelle Revis
There are still a few options in free agency that the Patriots could consider. Nickell Robey-Coleman could reunite with former Buffalo Bills teammate Gilmore in New England. Brandon Flowers and Sterling Moore are also available.
Of course, Darrelle Revis has also been linked to New England. Some think he could come back for another shot at a ring. Things aren’t that simple, though. Revis is set to make $6 million from the New York Jets in 2017, whether he plays or not. So he likely won’t take less than $6 million from any time, even the Patriots. I don’t see the Patriots paying him that much at this point in his career.
NFL Draft Targets
- Teez Tabor, Florida
- Cameron Sutton, Tennessee
- Damontae Kazee, San Diego State
- Shaquill Griffin, Central Florida
The Patriots offense is set so defense will likely be the focus for the draft. They could jump at the talent of Tabor or Sutton in the second or third rounds, or they could wait for a project player like Kazee or Griffin.
Personally, I think that Shaquill Griffin from UCF will be in a Patriots uniform next season, competing for playing time with Eric Rowe, Cyrus Jones, and Justin Coleman.
1. Defensive End
The New England Patriots have added Kony Ealy to go along with Trey Flowers and Rob Ninkovich on the edge. They still need more. Ealy and Ninkovich are on the last year of their deals, and Flowers has just two remaining.
I’d expect the Patriots to give Flowers a long-term deal as he’s emerged as a pure pass rusher. The team will look to add depth and a future starter in this year’s draft.
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Free Agents
- Devin Taylor
- Ricky Jean-Francois
Former Lions DE Devin Taylor and former Redskins DE Ricky Jean Francois are the top remaining free agents at the position. Taylor was a 16 game starter for the first time last season, but he may have taken a step back. He recorded just 4.5 sacks last season but had 7.0 in 2015.
Jean-Francois was released by Washington last Wednesday as a cap casualty. He has 57 tackles and 3.5 sacks over the last two seasons. Neither of these players excites me, so I’d take my chances in the draft.
NFL Draft Targets
- DeMarcus Walker, Florida State
- Josh Carraway, TCU
- Bryan Cox, Florida
The Patriots could land one of the top-10 defensive ends in the draft in Florida State’s DeMarcus Walker. He’s projected as a third rounder. Redshirt seniors Josh Carraway and Bryan Cox will be available even later on in the draft. Cox’s father Bryan was a linebacker on the Patriots 2001 Super Bowl winning squad, and he’s now the defensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
Next: The Patriots Have Won Free Agency
The Patriots have far fewer weaknesses and holes than other NFL teams but there are still holes. Free agents and NFL Draft targets should help them strengthen the squad.