The Patriots Needs Going In To 2020

There's a lot of talk about what the Patriots biggest needs are. Everyone has an opinion but this offseason has a little bit of uncertainty that makes it different. With that said, Let me give my opinion.

The first thing the Patriots need to address is the Quarterback situation. There is no guarantee Tom Brady is returning. The team could pay more for a free agent to come in and learn the system or go with Stidham. However, until they know what's what with Brady, it's their top need. If the team can resign Brady, the need drops to below offensive line. If they cannot get Brady, drafting a quarterback who will need to learn the system makes just as much sense as signing a free agent.

Tight end is the second most important area for the team to address. The team needs a second security blanket and someone that can help take pressure off of Edelman and James White in the passing game. They also need someone who can block. The loss of Gronkowski and the walking away of Austin Seferian-Jenkins really hurt the Patriots. Nick Caleb couldn't get any production out of his tight ends. If the team resigns Brady, this becomes the teams biggest need. With lack of production from the position, a new position coach might be helpful.

Linebacker is the teams third need. The Patriots had probably the best pass defense and it was due to the teams linebacking core. The 2019 defense was the best the team has looked since the last time they played a 34 defense base. The team must go out and get some linebackers so that they can continue to take away the staple of almost every offense in the league.

In fourth is the defensive line. This one was close but the need to address both the edge and interior is more important. If the rest of the defense is built to stop the pass, this part must be built to stop the run up the gut. The fact Shelton is likely gone means the team needs a new plug. Someone who can bull doze the center of the line. They also need an edge rusher, someone who can help set the edge, contain running quarterbacks and keep the running backs stuffed at the edge. With loss of the position coach, a new one is a must.

In fifth the team needs to address the offensive line. People have this as one of the top needs. However, they forget about Cajuste and Froholdt. With those two being labeled steals of the 2019 draft, the team must rely on them. So the team must get a replacement for Andrew's incase he can not come back healthy. They should also look to add an interior offensive linemen and swing tackle. With loss of the position coach, a new one is a must.

Sixth, the team must answer the Devin Mccourty situation. He refused to take a pay cut in 2019 and it stands to say he's gonna want near ten million in cash for 2020. With his brother also eat a lot of cap, bringing in two defensive backs makes too much sense.

In seventh, the team needs to address the kicker. The Team has Gostkowski coming off hip surgery and folk deserves a start in the league. The team needs to draft a kicker and I listed four kickers in an earlier article. The kicking game is one of the most important parts to a successful run at a seventh ring.

Eighth, the Patriots need to address special teams. Slater, Ebner, and Bethel are all free agents. The team will need to get gunners and return men. The team can bring in special teamers that can contribute on the offense and defense. Bringing in a back that could help compete with Bolden or a wideout that can contribute to the passing game, while being a special team ace would be huge. Making sure the right assistant is promoted to this coaching spot makes sense.

Lastly, I kinda touched upon this but the team needs a deep threat. A stretch receiver. The core they had is not good enough, even with the addition of one or two top tier tight ends. Judge could not teach separation but the lack of a deep threat allowed teams to play closer to the line and hurt the already wounded running game. If the team cannot bring in a burner via free agency, they must draft one. The Patriots need a position coach that can get production and separation out of his players. Maybe Troy Brown.

I have listed the players I think the Patriots should target in all three phases of the game in earlier blogs. The players I selected might not be the best players available but are the people I think are the best fits. The Patriots dont need to go get square pegs. We have seen them do that too much in the past. It's time Belichick got back to doing what he does best. Getting the person who best fits the team needs and giving them the ability to use all their abilities.