New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft: A reset of draft needs post-Tom Brady

Resetting the New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft priorities now that Tom Brady is no longer walking through that door.

The departure of 20-year quarterback fixture Tom Brady for Tampa Bay (ugh) makes it mandatory to reset the New England Patriots draft priorities for next month’s 2020 draft.

Brady’s departure has turned the 2020 draft on its head, while making every Patriots fans’ heads spin at the same time. One man’s departure can change the entire nature of an offseason. Brady’s has. And in this case, it’s changed the entire face and features of the franchise.

Previously, I’d strongly advocated for an offensive lineman, especially an offensive left tackle in the first round of the draft. I’d still not be disappointed if Mehki Becton arrived at Gillette Stadium in late April as the Patriots first round pick. Not in the least.

Becton’s Trent Brown-like size (almost) and ability would resolve the 2nd most important position on the team for a decade or more.

Due to Brady’s departure,  I’ve had to rearrange my own wish list for the Patriots in the April draft. Perhaps, and I say that guardedly, perhaps they may also adjust their goals, as well. It would seem that those priorities have to change. Tom Brady is gone – and in my view, all earlier draft bets are off.

So, here is my priority list for the positions that the New England Patriots should address in the first three rounds of the draft post-Brady.

The New England Patriots have four total picks in those rounds: one in the first round,  No. 23 overall, and three late in the third round.

And yes, I do hope they keep all those picks, use them for a change and refrain from all the meaningless maneuvering all over the draft board for whatever reason.