Plenty has been talked about the Patriots’ ‘big three’ needs this offseason – quarterback, tackle, and wide receiver. Given the state of the offense last year, that’s understandable.
At the same time, the Patriots will almost certainly make more than three draft picks (they enter the draft scheduled to pick eight times), and will draft players from more than just three positions. What other positions should they be targeting?
—Patriots Mock Draft 3.0
—The Patriots are ‘open for business’ when it comes to draft trades
—Everything Eliot Wolf said about the Patriots’ biggest roster needs
While they’re not quite at the same level as the ‘big three’ spots, the Patriots draft needs do go beyond those three positions. In all three phases, the team has roles that need to be filled either in 2024 or beyond.
From fringe luxury needs to the big three, let’s take a look at the Patriots’ 11 biggest roster needs heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. It wouldn’t be surprising to see most, if not all of these needs addressed by the Patriots in the draft and through undrafted free agency.
11. Interior offensive line
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots guard Sidy Sow (62) on the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots should be good on the interior of the offensive line this year. They drafted a guard in Cole Strange in the first round two years ago, then last year took two guards (Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi) and a center (Jake Andrews) in the top 150.
10. Special teams coverage players
Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Brenden Schooler (41) runs down the field after a punt during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The new kickoff rules mean different kinds of skillsets will be needed in kickoff return and kickoff coverage. This was something Bill Belichick talked about during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show last week. On the return, more powerful impact blockers will be better fits, and in coverage speed will be deemphasized for block shedding ability and reliable open-field tackling.
Does this mean the Patriots – or other teams – will use the draft to completely overhaul their special teams units in the draft? No. But players who shine in those areas, especially on Day 3, should have an edge when viewed as depth picks over those who don’t.
On the topic of special teams, why isn’t kicker on this list? Adding a kicker in camp to compete with Chad Ryland would be a good move, but it makes more sense for that player to be a veteran free agent than a rookie. Since this is draft needs, we’re not including it.
9. Tight end
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Tight end Hunter Henry (85) of the New England Patriots catches a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 07, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Tight end looked like it was going to be an immediate need for the Patriots heading into the offseason. However the team brought back Hunter Henry on a multi-year deal then added Austin Hooper to back him up.
Where does that leave them at the position? The top of the depth chart is set but there are two additions that could be on the table. The first would be adding a true blocking tight end to complement the more pure receiving styles of Henry and Hooper. They could also look to add a raw, project tight end to try and develop as the next guy after Henry.
8. Defensive line
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 10: Matthew Judon #9 of the New England Patriots and Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots sack Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Coming into 2024 the Patriots have plenty of depth on the defensive line. Right now, that group is made up of Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise, Armon Watts, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, Trysten Hill, Keion White, and Sam Roberts.
However, all of those players but White and Roberts are on expiring contracts. While some could get extended or re-signed (hello, Christian Barmore) not all of them will be. The Patriots are set up to have to reset up front defensively over the next few years. It wouldn’t be surprising if they invest a Day 3 pick into getting ahead of that process this year.
7. Running back
Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
There’s two ways the Patriots could view running back as a need. It just depends on how much they want to invest in the position in the draft.
Right now, Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson sit at the top of the depth chart as a solid 1-2 punch. Behind them though there’s a question of depth. That may not seem very important, but for a Patriots team that has run into issues with running back depth in each of the last few seasons, identifying a reliable third back late on Day 3 wouldn’t be a bad idea.
If the team is looking further down the road, that would mean taking Stevenson’s expiring contract into account. In the past the Patriots rarely re-signed early-down backs. If that’s going to continue as the trend they could try and get a year ahead of finding his replacement, in a class that is deep at running back in the late Day 2 to early-mid Day 3 range.
6. Cornerback
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) prepares for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the warm-up period at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback is certainly a position of need. Once again though, how the Patriots view their current roster will ultimately decide what kind of need it is and how aggressive they want to be in filling it.
Christian Gonzalez returns as one boundary cornerback. Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, and Marco Wilson will likely compete for another outside role. With Myles Bryant gone Marcus Jones should be a factor in the slot. Shaun Wade will compete for a depth role in both spots. The wild card is Jonathan Jones, who was a slot cornerback in the past but has played on the boundary the past few years.
If the Patriots plan on putting Jones back on the boundary, adding a potential rotational or even starting slot cornerback would make the most sense. On the other hand, if Jones moves back inside the Patriots would need more depth on the boundary. With Jones in a contract year entering his age 31 season, adding players to fill both roles or another tweener cornerback could be in play.
5. EDGE rusher/outside linebacker
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 20: Josh Uche #55 of the New England Patriots celebrates during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Similar to their situation on the defensive line, the Patriots have most of their top outside linebackers playing on expiring contracts. Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, and Jahlani Tavai are all playing on deals set to expire at the end of the year, so edge rusher projects as a future need.
Unlike on the defensive line though, the Patriots don’t have the same kind of immediate depth on the edge. That could be especially relevant with Judon coming off of a significant injury and Uche coming off of a down year in 2023.
4. Free safety
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 01: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots celebrates an interception for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Last year, following the retirement of Devin McCourty, the Patriots were able to get by without having a true free safety on the roster. The way they were able to do that though was by having Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers handle more deep responsibilities than in the past. While both players were capable in that role, neither was as impactful as when playing in their natural position in the box, closer to the line of scrimmage.
Dugger and Peppers are two of the Patriots’ best playmakers on defense – with Dugger having just gotten a long-term contract extension. If the Patriots want to be able to maximize their talents, having a dedicated deep safety even just to play situationally would be a big help.
Because of the defensive systems dominating the college game, there have been fewer true deep safeties in the draft in recent years. This is a good year at the position though, especially in the 50-150 range. If the Patriots want to re-add that element to their toolbox, now would be a good time to take advantage.
3. Wide receiver
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: Demario Douglas #81 of the New England Patriots carries the ball during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
To be clear, there’s a huge gap between three and four here. But as we get into the ‘big three,’ wide receiver falls lowest on the list.
Why? A few reasons. First, it’s not like the Patriots have no capable wide receiver talent. DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, and Kendrick Bourne (assuming he’s fully healed from the torn ACL he suffered last year) have all proven to be capable complementary NFL wide receivers. Honestly, another player like that would just crowd the depth chart.
What the Patriots really need is a true coverage dictating wideout – specifically at the ‘X’ position – who will allow those other players to slot in properly behind him when it comes to coverage assignments. The Patriots may not be able to get that player outright in this draft (especially if they plan on taking a quarterback third overall), but they could get a player with that kind of upside.
The other reason this need is lower? Simple market economics. The wide receiver talent currently in the league and coming from the college level is as expansive as it has ever been. Whether it be trading for a player who is disgruntled with his current team and/or on an expiring contract, or using a top pick at the position in a future draft, the Patriots will have other chances to add a top receiver in the future. That doesn’t mean it won’t be expensive, but those chances will be there.
2. Left tackle
Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (76) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Keeping Mike Onwenu to play right tackle was a good first step for the Patriots this offseason as the work to re-build their offensive line. Now it’s time to take another key step – finding a long-term answer at left tackle.
While the left tackle position hasn’t always been as much of an issue as it was last season, it does feel like the Patriots have been year-to-year with the spot continuously since Nate Solder left after the 2017 season. After alternating between Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn, 2023 saw an outright revolving door protecting the blindside in New England.
Is this the year the Patriots put an end to that? For now, they’ve suggested the plan going into the season is to play free agent signing Chuks Okorafor at that spot. Okorafor has only played right tackle in six NFL seasons, and switching sides at the tackle position can be tough. While he may be serviceable, it’s hard to say that plan leaves the Patriots at least not needing a solid secondary option.
This tackle class is strong at the top, but not deep. If they want to find a left tackle of the future, their best bet is probably to do so in the first 50 picks.
1. Quarterback
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 24: Jacoby Brissett #12 of the Washington Commanders looks to pass during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
This one is easy. You’re not getting anywhere in the modern NFL without at least above average quarterback play. Even if the Patriots managed to scrape together 17 games between Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, and Nathan Rourke, none of the three present a long-term option in that regard. If anything, them playing a few decent games would only make it tougher for the Patriots to draft their quarterback of the future down the road.
Don’t overthink it. No rebuild can really start without some sort of plan at quarterback. Heading into the draft, the Patriots don’t have a player that would qualify as a plan in the long-term.
