Patriots 3 Biggest NFL Draft Needs Following Free Agency

The dominant New England Patriots' dynasty looks like it could have a crack in its armor. No matter which players came to town or left the team, it's practically been a given that the Patriots would win the AFC East and be a Super Bowl contender for more than the last decade. However, this season feels a bit different.

There has not been a question at quarterback for the past two decades, but with Tom Brady leaving for Tampa Bay, there will be a new passer under center in New England. It does look like fans are scrambling more than the actual team is, and it looks like they prepared for this by drafting Jarrett Stidham last April, so let's assume Bill Belichick knows what he is doing there.

Still, the Patriots have plenty of holes needed to be filled. These are the Patriots' three biggest NFL Draft needs following free agency.

Patriots Offseason Needs

1. Wide Receiver

Julian Edelman highlights a weak receiving corps. / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

The wide receiver position was an area of need last season, when the Brady-led offense struggled. Now, the Patriots lost Phillip Dorsett, who was the closest thing they had to a deep threat. They could use a big outside threat that is capable of stretching the defense, assuming players like N'Keal Harry don't take huge sophomore season jumps.

2. Edge Rusher

Kyle Van Noy left in free agency to join the Miami Dolphins. / Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

While the Patriots defense was absolutely dominant last season, they still could have used someone better on the edge. Now, they lost Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Danny Shelton inside, so this need will become more obvious.

3. Offensive Tackle

Mekhi Becton is a top offensive tackle prospect in a talent, deep class. / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

There were countless times where protection on the edge broke down last season, which is terrible when there is also a weakness at wide receiver. The weakness at tackle also hurt the running game, since they rarely were able to seal the edge and instead allowed penetration, disrupting both inside and outside run plays. If New England commits to going Stidham at quarterback for the foreseeable future, they need to give him protection and a chance to make the right plays.

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