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The New England Patriots had a disappointing season in their first year without Tom Brady. Meanwhile, Brady went on to win the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was clear they didn't have enough talent on the offensive side of the ball as they finished 27th in the league in both yards and points per game. The lack of talent at receiver and tight end was evident throughout the season.
Head coach Bill Belichick and the Pats had money in free agency and they made sure to use it. They re-signed quarterback Cam Newton while giving him weapons with a pair of tight ends, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, to create a great two tight end set. They made many other great additions and signings such as Matthew Judon, Kyle Van Noy, David Andrews, and many others. The Patriots look ready to get back in the playoffs next season but still need to execute in the draft.
Belichick and the Patriots have always been good at finding talent in the draft and this year should be no different. With a talented draft class, the Patriots are set up for a successful off-season. If they hit on their selections, the future in New England will be bright.
3. Patriots take a receiver in round two
New England may have added Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor in free agency but they will need more at receiver if they hope to compete. Players they would likely consider taking are Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore, Florida's Kadarius Toney, or North Carolina's Dyami Brown. Moore would be a Julian Edelman type player which is something they need after he retired this offseason. Toney is an electrifying player who makes something happen whenever he touches the ball while Brown is great at getting down the field.
2. Patriots take cornerback on day two
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It may come as a surprise, but the Patriots need cornerback depth. While they still have Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, and Jonathon Jones, they still need to add one, especially with uncertainty on Gilmore's future. Gilmore has been in trade rumors since the trade deadline last season but nothing came to fruition. Either through a trade-up or a third-round selection, the Patriots would likely be looking at taking Ifeatu Melifonwu from Syracuse or Aaron Robinson from UCF.
1. Patriots trade up in the first round to draft Justin Fields
It's no secret that Cam Newton isn't the player he used to be and New England needs to draft their quarterback for the future. In a very talented quarterback class, the Patriots trading up to snag the 8th pick from the Panthers to draft Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields would be a great move. Fields draft stock seems to be dropping and the Patriots should take advantage of this. Fields wouldn't have pressure to start right away as he could sit behind Cam Newton and learn the offense. He is a very talented passer and with his mobility and athleticism, he is a threat on the run as well. If the Patriots take Fields, they are set up for the future.
If the Patriots make these moves, they will be set up for playoff contention next season and Belichick and company can aim to make a return to the playoffs.
