Team Needs: New England Patriots

New England Patriots- The 2012 season saw the Patriots be, well, the Patriots we have come to know year in and year out. Yet, this season had something a little different, it had a rushing attack. Stevan Ridley and Shane Vareen provided a wealth of talent at the position last year. Tom Brady will continued to be one of the best QB's in the NFL even with both tight ends having durability issues and sub par performance from Brandon Lloyd.

Key Statistics 2012:
Total Offense: 1st
Passing Offense: 4th
Rushing Offense: 7th
Passing TD/INT (ranks): 34/9 (4th/29th)
Rushing TD: 1st
Sacks Allowed: T-27th
Total Defense: 25th
Passing Defense: 29th
Rushing Defense: 9th
Sacks/INT (ranks): 37/20 (T-15th/T-5th)

Free Agency:
Key Losses: WR Wes Welker, WR Brandon Lloyd, S Patrick Chung, RB Danny Woodhead

Key Additions: S Adrian Wilson, WR Danny Amendola, RB Leon Washington, DT Tommy Kelly

Draft Needs:
Wide Receiver: Bill Belichik has never drafted a wide receiver with the first round pick. I think the patriots draft a wide receiver but it'll be in the second or third round. I think Aaron Dobson is a great fit for them as a late second round pick. Losing Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd hurts but isn't a travesty. Tom Brady has been successful with far less talent at wide receiver and he'll continue to be successful.

Cornerback: The Patriots have really struggled drafting quality corners. The best corner they have drafted in the last 3 years now plays free safety. They have Talib and Arrington but Arrington has a tough time matching up against bigger wide receivers. I think they'll look for a physical corner with great size.

Outside Linebacker: They need a linebacker who can not only get after the quarterback but someone that can cover. This is mainly a depth issue but if they can find the right type of player they may strike earlier rather than later here.

Safety: They have to good safeties but if they can find the right strong safety to learn from Wilson or a starting free safety they could move McCourty back to his natural position.