4 biggest needs the Patriots must prioritize in 2024 NFL Draft

Next up for the New England Patriots, offensive tackle

Bill Belichick and his personnel team wrecked the 2023 season before it began by not adequately addressing the offensive tackle situation in last year's off-season. This was primarily responsible for Belichick's losing his job in Foxborough. No offensive tackles, no offense, it's as simple as that. And that's the case whether or not you have a top quarterback and the other essential pieces.

The Patriots need to go early and often for offensive tackles in this draft. The suggestion here is at least two of their top four picks should be used there. No bonafide NFL tackle is under contract for the 2024 season, an indefensible situation that once again contributed largely to Belichick's ouster.

The second-round pick has to be used on the best tackle available at that point in the draft, and probably the same situation with the fourth-round selection. Should the caretaker or general manager (s) eschew remedying (or at least attempting) to remedy this situation, they will share Belichick's fate sooner or later.

In addition, the team should sign one or two of the best free-agent tackles available in free agency. You can't stress enough how important this is to the team's future success. Suffice it to say, "No O-line, no nuthin" on offense. Next up, wide receiver.