Pre-Draft Needs: WR, TE, OLB
Players Added
Round 1-Devin McCourty/CB - Cornerback wasn't a position of need, but McCourty's
versatility probably became an attraction for New England. They now are really
deep at the position.
Round 2-Rob Gronkowski/TE - Had he not had a low medical grade (back),
Gronkowski probably would have been a first-round pick. He's easily one of the
best tight end prospects available for the draft in the past few seasons.
Round 2-Jermaine Cunningham/LB - He should be able to make the successful
transition from playing standing up at the collegiate level. Cunningham has a
legitimate shot to start as a rookie.
Round 2-Brandon Spikes/LB - While he's known as a two-down linebacker, Spikes
should be able to challenge for a starting job this season against ILB Gary Guyton.
Round 3-Taylor Price/WR - New England really needed to add one or two talented
receivers in this draft. They added one with Price, who should have a chance to
get into the top 4-5 of the rotation at this position.
Round 4-Aaron Hernandez/TE - Had he not had an off-the-field issue, Hernandez
would have been selected in the second round. He'll give New England badly
needed athleticism at this position.
Round 5-Zoltan Mesko/P - Mesko was the best available punter for this year's
draft. He'll compete for the starting job against fellow undrafted free agent
David King.
Round 6-Ted Larsen/C - Starting C Dan Koppen's contract expires after the 2011
season, so Larsen could have a chance to start down the line. This season, he'll
compete for a job as Koppen's backup.
Round 7-Thomas Welch/OT - Welch could help his cause to make the final roster
coming out of the preseason because he can play right or left tackle.
Round 7-Brandon Deaderick/DE - New England could probably have used one more
developmental defensive end, so Deaderick fills that bill.
Round 7-Kade Weston/DL - The developmental defensive lineman figures to land a
spot on New England's practice squad this season.
Round 7-Zac Robinson/QB - Robinson will compete for the No. 3 quarterback role
this season.
Post-Draft Needs
Wide Receiver - Despite adding Price, New England probably needs to add
one more developmental receiver. That position was a major weakness last season.
Outside Linebacker - The Patriots have no proven pass rushers left on their
roster, so they probably need to add at least one to two more of them.