New England Patriots: 2018 NFL Draft Targets

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots walks off the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

2018 DRAFT TARGETS:

Based on the history of Bill Belichick’s drafting profile, unless it is an outlier season, he is likely focusing on the defensive line and front seven on defense and offensive line. They have needs for another edge rusher despite adding Adrian Clayborn in free agency and having picked Rivers and Wise recently. Losing Nate Solder in free agency screams for more tackle help on the offensive line with Garcia having missed all of last season and presumptive starters Marcus Cannon and LaAdrian Waddle both coming off an injury-filled 2017 season.

New England traded away promising back-up quarterback last season to San Francisco. This opens up the need for a developmental quarterback with Tom Brady turning 41 years old in training camp. The Patriots lost running back Dion Lewis to free agency and have yet to adequately address the depth and talent at the edge rusher position after Rob Ninkovich retired and Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard left in free agency prior to the 2017 season.

Although New England traded for cornerback Jason McCourty to replace Malcolm Butler, with 2016 second round draft pick Cyrus Jones and Jonathan Jones both coming back from injury there is a need for quality depth. With inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower again having an injury-plagued season in 2017, the need for depth at inside linebacker is a must.

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