New England Patriots 2008 NFL Draft and
Free Agency Team Needs The top needs for every NFL team to fill
in the upcoming draft and free agency.
Surprisingly for the first time in a long time the
Patriots actually have some needs to fill in the draft.
Linebacker: Tedy
Bruschi resigned, but Junior Seau is still a free agent and could retire.
Rosevelt Colvin was cut as he was due a $7.6 million cap number in 2008.
None of the team's younger linebackers are in line to earn significant roles
moving forward. Youth and athleticism is clearly needed at a spot that does
still include Mike Vrabel and '07 free-agent prize Adalius Thomas, but the
Patriots need to draft a large but quick and fast punishing inside
linebacker who can cover.
Cornerback: Asante
Samuel could get offers approaching $100 million on the open market, numbers
that are likely way too rich for New England's blood. Nickel man Randall Gay
is a free agent as well. Ellis Hobbs did not improve in his third season and
got toasted in the Super Bowl. If the Patriots somehow re-sign Samuel, depth
is needed. If not, there will be a huge hole to fill in the secondary
Safety: Rodney Harrison says he's coming
back, but he's 35. Eugene Wilson is as good as gone. First-round pick
Brandon Meriweather played more late in the year, but is still very much
unproven. Harrison stayed healthy last fall for the first time in three
years, and it's hard to count on the same happening moving forward so depth
could be an issue
Offensive Tackle:
Matt Light is solid at left tackle but certainly not special while Nick
Kaczur has been just a marginal starter in the NFL and was exposed at times
throughout the season and playoffs
Running
Back: This is not a huge need for the Patriots, but they may choose to
draft a future replacement for Kevin Faulk and if McFadden lasts to #7 it is
going to be really hard to pass on him.
