The New England Patriots may be Super Bowl champions, but they still have needs on the roster. One area that could use improvement is the cornerback position. You don't lose Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency and assume everything is going to be okay. Another need is the defensive tackle spot. Vince Wilfork was already in decline last season when the Patriots struggled in short yardage situations. His departure still leaves a big hole as New England now lacks an anchor to its defensive line.
How will the Patriots address these positions? UCONN cornerback Byron Jones and Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips are solid options in the NFL Draft.
"After losing both starting cornerbacks in free agency, the Patriots will be heavy in the market to add a cornerback," Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc. wrote. "Jones has seen his stock on the rise in the pre-draft process and has elite size and tools for the position. In addition, he has the versatility to hold up both in press and off-man coverage, along with high character - two qualities head coach Bill Belichick covets on the defensive side of the ball."
Jones is an enticing prospect, which may actually work against the Patriots. He has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys in recent weeks. If he's gone, Phillips may remain as a viable pick.
"The Patriots need to infuse size on the interior front after losing Wilfork in free agency to the Texans," Weidl wrote. "Phillips needs to learn to play with more consistency in terms of pad level and assertiveness. However, at 6-foot-5 and 329 pounds, he is a massive space-eater with above-average athleticism who also has the versatility to both one- and two-gap. He is worth a look in the late first round."
The Patriots hold the 32nd overall pick. In 15 drafts, Bill Belichick has made 53 trades. He's a fan of moving around the draft board. Don't be surprised if the Pats move out of the first-round all together.
