Patriots QB Tom Brady

Coming off an extremely disappointing season, the New England Patriots will look to upgrade in many areas for the 2010 season.  Boston-area fans will be happy to know that the Pats have 4 selections in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, and because of the 2010 uncapped season, they could break the bank for a big-time free agent acquisition.  There are many holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  Here are the team’s most dire needs as the 2010 offseason kicks off.

Pass Rushing DE/OLB

The Patriots inability to pressure the quarterback last season was a major reason for their losses vs. the Colts, Broncos, and Saints last season.  Both leading pass-rushers from last year Tully Banta-Cain (9.5 sacks) and Derrick Burgess (5 sacks) are free-agents in 2010.  The Patriots will be almost forced to keep at last one of them, with the smart money on Banta-Cain, who knows Bill Belichick’s system more thoroughly than Burgess.  Look for the Pats to upgrade with a free-agent signing like the Cardinals’ OLB Karlos Dansby, or to address this early in the draft with a player like Michigan’s Brandon Graham or Texas’ Sergio Kindle. 

Wide Receiver/Tight End

With Wes Welker’s status up in the air for 2010, the need for another legitimate target for Tom Brady has become all the more pressing.  Tight End Ben Watson also figures to leave in free agency.  There are a slew of restricted free-agents available such as Dallas’ Miles Austin, San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, and Denver’s Brandon Marshall.  However, signing one of these receivers will cost both a 1^st and 3^rd round pick, so the Patriots would more likely go in the direction of an unrestricted free agent like Kevin Walter or Derrick Mason.  They will also need some help via the draft.  Notre Dame’s Golden Tate and USC’s Damian Williams come to mind for second-round options.  Some mock drafts have the Patriots selecting Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham in the 1^st, which could be unlikely due to more pressing needs. 

Running Back

The Patriots have not had a 1,000 yard rusher since Corey Dillon in 2004.  While last years’ signing of Fred Taylor looked like a steal, the fact is that he’s not getting any younger, and can’t stay on the field.  Laurence Maroney may have finally fumbled his way out of town after numerous chances to impress.  There will be free agents available such as Larry Johnson, and possibly LaDainian Tomlinson, but they have also hit the dreaded age of 30 for backs.  With 3 second round picks, expect one of them to be invested in a possible solution, but don’t be surprised if they spend a 1^st-rounder on some one like Clemson’s C.J. Spiller or California’s Jahvid Best to take the pressure off the passing game.