FanPost

2019 Off Season Needs

The New England Patriots have several concerns after the season ends with what direction they need to go in as far as positions are concerned. I have no idea how Coach Belichick sees his team and the things that he feels like that need to be addressed. But based on what I have seen this is my view on what areas they could address or strengthen following the finish of the playoffs.

1.) DT/NT- The up and down play of the run defense actually goes back to the 2017 season. When Alan Branch stopped playing at a high level, the Patriots have never really replaced him. Danny Shelton has played well the last 2 games. But he is in a contract year. Along with Malcolm Brown. And it is unclear if the team will retain the services of either player. Brown is a good player, but he isn't a Nose Tackle. One of the most important aspects of the Patriots' defense is stopping the run.

2.) DE- Tre Flowers is really the only true defensive end on the Patriots' defense. He gets moved around in sub packages based on the game plan. But Tre is another talented player in a contract year. With hope the Patriots can re-sign him. But even so most of the other ends are role players. Lawrence Guy is very talented as a run stuffer. He is another player that has multiple roles on defense. I just don't view him as a traditional 3-4 end. Keionta Davis, Derek Rivers, Deatrich Wise, Adrian Clayborn, and John Simon round out the position.

3.) WR- The Patriots have 3 wide outs who are in contract seasons. Chris Hogan, Philip Dorsett, and Cordarrelle Patterson. There has been a huge turnover at the position since the start of training camp. The team traded for the talented but troubled Josh Gordon. Who gave the team something to work with for a while. But Josh's demons affected him again. Possibly ending his football days for good. And Julian Edelman is going to be 33 this next season. The Patriots have struggled developing WRs. They need an outside presence for when teams sit 8 in the middle of the field and dare them to throw the ball outside the numbers.

4.) T- Trent Brown was acquired in a trade with the San Fransisco 49ers. He was moved to the Left Tackle position and has been a solid contributor there this season. His contract ends after this season. Marcus Cannon is a very strong RT. Marcus has had minor troubles with his health. Isaiah Wynn was drafted in the first round, but lost to a torn Achilles in the preseason. LaAdrian Waddle is swing tackle who is serviceable, but not much more.

5.) TE- Rob Gronkowski has not been his usual self this year. With injuries sapping his ability. A lot of talk in the media is that he may be done after this season. And I REALLY don't agree with that. Since no one can measure the heart and competitive nature of another human being, I just have a feeling that Gronk will be back next season. And I think he will be better. Dwayne Allen is a free agent following this year. He is a tremendous blocker in the running game. Jacob Hollister plays special teams and shows up on offense on occasion. The injury bug has affected Jacob's playing at times during his career. Ryan Izzo was drafted because he is a sound blocking prospect. But he was felled by an injury during the preseason and placed on Injured Reserve.

6.) S- Devin McCourty will be 32 next season. He plays multiple roles for the Patriots. And is a good tackler. Patrick Chung will also be 32 next season. Patrick has been tasked with covering the opposing TE. There have been times where he has been sound in doing so. Then there have been times where he hasn't been that strong. Duron Harmon has quietly been one of the best draft picks by Coach Belichick on defense. Playing the Centerfielder role well for NE. I believe he is one of the best players Patriots' fans take for granted. Obi Melifonwu is a tall and long defender who has yet to cut his teeth in the NFL. He offers a lot of promise.

7.) LB- The Patriots have a mix of youth and experience in the LBs. Ja'Whaun Bentley shows a lot of potential but his season was cut short with a torn biceps. Fellow draft pick, Christian Sam suffered an injury and was shelved for the season. Those two round out the youth of the group. Where as Dont'a Hightower, Elandon Roberts, and Kyle Van Noy represent the veterans. Hightower only missed one game this year. Roberts is still spotty in his duties. But it seems that he has given more good plays this season. Kyle has been the best of the group this year. He is another player who lines up all over the defensive front. And the results have been worthwhile. Ramon Humber, Albert McClellin, and Brandon King are Special Teams players.

8.) RB- The Patriots drafted Sony Michel in the first round. Drawing much ire and criticism because according to the top analyst, RBs are disposable and can be found anywhere. The team stuck to their guns and drafted a good looking player who has helped to take the pressure off of Tom Brady. But after being bent awkwardly in the Bears game, Sony missed 3 games with a sprained MCL in his knee. Rex Burkhead is a nice match up piece. But Rex has had troubles with staying healthy. James White led the team in receptions and touchdown catches.

The Patriots could use a bit more depth in some of these cases. And they need cost controlled starters or contributors at others. WR was my number 1 need going into the season. But as the things have progressed, DT became that position.

By the looks of the coming draft, the Quarterback position will have a few teams on the move for seeing if some of the veterans around the league can be had. The draft class of 2019 supposedly isn't automatic. Especially at the top.

The Patriots have had to be creative in finding talent to add to their roster over the last few years. A lot of that being due to teams running similar schemes, using diverse players, or having personnel men who used to be in the New England organization. But General Manager Belichich usually finds worth while players for his team.

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