It's hard to say that a reigning Super Bowl champion has glaring needs. The New England Patriots have no holes on the roster that threaten to derail next season. But even a Lombardi trophy won't stop Bill Belichick from improving this roster. As such, here are three of New England's biggest needs that Belichick may address in next month's NFL draft.
1. Guard
Dan Connolly, last year's starting left guard, remains unsigned on the free agent market. Ryan Wendell, who wasn't given the starting gig until Week 5 last year, is entering the final year of his contract. Guys like Josh Kline, Jordan Devey and Chris Baker are fine players but are all best suited for depth roles at this point.
The Pats finished last season 16th in QB hits allowed (82) 25th in yards-per-carry average (3.9). They need to beef up the interior of the line if they want to improve in those areas. Prospects such as Pittsburgh's T.J. Clemmings and Florida's D.J. Humphries could be considered, though both played the tackle position in college and both may be selected well before New England is on the clock.
2. Cornerback
You don't lose your top two corners in free agency and go about business as usual. Especially when one of those corners is Darrelle Revis. Guys like Malcolm Butler, Bradley Fletcher, Kyle Arrington and Logan Ryan can man the fort in the short-term. But six of New England's nine cornerbacks currently on the roster are not signed past the 2015 season. The Pats have a big long-term need for some young secondary help.
Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson is a possibility, though ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Dallas Cowboys to take him at No. 27.
3. Defensive Tackle
Alan Branch (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) and Sealver Siliga (6-2, 325) have the unenviable task of trying to replace Vince Wilfork in the middle of New England's defensive line. Siliga is still in a walking boot thanks to offseason surgery and Branch will turn 30 in December. If the Pats want to continue to stuff the run, a big-bodied defensive tackle needs to be added.
Iowa's Carl Davis could be the perfect fit in New England. Davis needs to work on his consistency, but overall he's shown the ability to take on multiple blockers and disrupt the pass a little bit. Belichick could do worse than this 6-foot4, 320 pound behemoth.
