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5 positions the Patriots must address this offseason
The New England Patriots enter the offseason on a sour note after falling to the Denver Broncos in the AFC title game. They're also behind the eight ball thanks to Deflategate, which took away their first-round pick in the draft. Despite their great season, there are several holes to fill on both sides of the ball, most notably along the offensive line.
These five positions must be addressed by the Patriots in the coming months.
1. Offensive tackle
The Patriots have to protect Tom Brady â plain and simple. He was hit 20 times in the AFC Championship game against the Broncos and the offensive line's inability to keep Denver away from Brady was a big reason why they lost that game. Left tackle Nate Solder, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the season could have helped, but depth at offensive tackle is still a question. Sebastian Vollmer didn't look comfortable and had a hard time limiting DeMarcus Ware. Marcus Cannon shared similar struggles on the other side against Von Miller. The interior of the offensive line has enough depth to hold up, but the offensive tackles need to be addressed.
2. Running back
Sunday's loss to the Broncos showed the Patriots' inability to run the football. They had just 14 rush attempts from running backs, none of which had any success at all. Failing to run the ball prevents the play-action pass from working, which is why the Patriots need an upgrade at running back. LeGarrette Blount will be a free agent, and a combination of Dion Lewis and James White clearly can't carry the load and be every-down backs. Adding a big, young running back in the draft or free agency will balance the offense in a big way.
3. Wide receiver
Brady had 27 completions against the Broncos on Sunday. Twelve of those completions were to wide receivers â seven to Julian Edelman and five to Danny Amendola. That's it. The Patriots don't have nearly enough depth or versatility at wide receiver and could definitely stand to add a few weapons on the outside. Amendola and Edelman are similar players who mainly play out of the slot, leaving a big hole at boundary receiver. Brandon LaFell doesn't appear to be the answer, either. New England needs a player that can draw attention away from Edelman and Gronkowski in the middle of the field.
4. Linebacker
What's strange about the linebacker position is the amount of talent they have at that spot. Jamie Collins is one of the best in the league, and Dont'a Hightower is a playmaker in the middle. Unfortunately, both players will be free agents after next season and deserve long-term deals. Additionally, Jerod Mayo will count $11.4 million against the cap if his option is picked up, which is way too high for his lack of effectiveness and availability. The Patriots will need to add a player at middle linebacker with the likelihood that Mayo won't be back in 2016. Chandler Jones, Hightower and Collins will all need contract extensions after next season, too, and keeping all three will be a challenge.
5. Cornerback
The consistent play from New England's cornerbacks was a pleasant surprise this season, led by Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan. However, there isn't much depth at all beyond those two guys. Devin McCourty was asked to play cornerback a few times because of the lack of talent behind Butler and Ryan, which is a sign that additions are needed. The NFL is a pass-first league, and having capable cornerbacks is a must. Adding another talented cornerback -- maybe a veteran free agent at the right price -- would work wonders on defense.
