Everyone Assumes But We Know Nothing About The Patriots Needs Or Draft Strategy.

When people talk about the Patriots's needs, they act as if the Patriots still play a base 3-4. If the Patriots are going to play that as a base scheme, they have a lot of holes on their defense then people realize. And fans should be concerned. 

For starters they need either a true nose tackle or a hybrid tackle that can play end. Either a Wilfork or a Barmore. They need an outside linebacker that can set the edge while being able to cover. They need a middle linebacker. A safety and a corner. That's five players minimum they need for a 3-4 scheme.

If the Patriots stay in a base Nickle they have less holes. The Patriots play a 3-3-5 or a 4-2-5 and have a defensive back assist in front seven duty, typically a safety. For this formation, the Patriots need a linebacker that can play both in and outside. They need a nose tackle, a safety. And at least one cornerback. They need at least four defensive players for this formation to work.

If the Patriots decide to play a three down dime and go with six defensive backs, the minimum number they need drops. In order to make this scheme work they need an athletic hybrid defensive tackle, a box safety with coverage ability, and at least one corner back.

After Peppers signed, he talked about the Patriots running three or more tight end sets. That's not a traditional 3-4 or 4-3 defense. And people need to remember the Patriots base scheme for the longest time has been nickle. On top of that, the team has guys returning from the injured reserve. The edge and linebacker positions must be re-evaluated.

The Patriots may very well believe they are only three players away on defense. Having nine draft picks that changes team building and draft strategy. It doesn't matter what outsiders think. We know they have needs on offense but it doesn't matter what we think. It doesn't matter what the media thinks either. The Patriots may believe they have the cushion to go after low risk high reward project players. We just don't know. And the only position that should be a certainty in this draft on defense is corner.

So relax, take a breathe and just wait to see what the team does. That's all we can do. Understand that the media has a job to do and getting fans worked up is part of it. Especially when there is nothing really going on in football at the moment until the draft on Thursday. The more anxious the media makes us, the more likely we will be to turn into the draft. And the more likely we will be to turn into them for insight. It's basic sports entertainment 101.