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How to Fix the 2020 New England Patriots

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Patriots 2021 Notable Free agents:

· Joe Thuney, Trade/let walk

· Cam Newton, Let walk

· Jason McCourty, Re-sign/Retire

· Lawrence Guy, Re-sign

· James White, Re-sign

· Rex Burkhead, Let walk

· David Andrews, Re-sign

· Adam Butler, Re-sign

· John Simon, Re-sign

· Deatrich Wise, Re-sign

· Jermaine Eluemunor, Re-sign

· Justin Bethel, Re-sign

· Terrence Brooks, Let walk

· Damiere Byrd, Re-sign

· Shillique Calhoun, Let Walk

· Brian Hoyer, Let walk if they don't plan on drafting a QB*

· J.J. Taylor, Re-sign

· Nick Folk, Re-sign/Retire

· J.C. Jackson, Re-sign

Young Corner Stones

· Damien Harris, Running back

· Kyle Dugger, Safety/Linebacker

· Chase Winovich, Edge

· Michael Onwenu, Offensive tackle/guard

· Josh Uche, Edge

· J.C. Jackson, Cornerback

Biggest Needs:

· Speed on offense and defense

· Quarterback

· Linebacker

· Pass rusher

· Tight end

· Wide Receiver

· Nose tackle/Defensive tackle

Free Agents to Target:

· Corey Davis, Wide receiver

· Kendrick Bourne, Wide receiver

· Hunter Henry, Tight end

· Gerald Everett, Tight end

· Curtis Samuel, Wide receiver

· Allen Robinson, Wide receiver

· Shelby Harris, Defensive Tackle

· Denzel Perryman, Linebacker

· Haason Reddick, Edge defender

· Aldon Smith, Edge defender

· Derek Wolfe, Defensive end

· Marcus Maye, Safety

· Malik Hooker, Safety

· Dak Prescott, Quarterback

Draft Prospects to Target:

· Zach Wilson, Quarterback (BYU)

· Kyle Trask, Quarterback (Florida)

· Kyle Pitts, Tight end (Florida)

· Devonta Smith, Wide receiver (Alabama)

· Ja'Marr Chase, Wide receiver (LSU)

· Tyler Shelvin, Defensive tackle (LSU)

· Kwity Paye, Edge,(Michigan)

· Gregory Rousseau, Edge (Miami)

· Micha Parsons, Linebacker (Penn)

· Dylan Mosses, Linebacker (Alabama)

Breakdown:

The Patriots' 2020 season has been up and down. This season many young players have emerged as key players for this team. Chase Winovich and Josh Uche will be a dynamic pass-rushing duo for years to come. J.C. Jackson and Kyle Dugger will be able to hold down the Patriots secondary if Stephon Gilmore is traded and Devin McCourty retires. Damien Harris has been one of the best running backs in the league this season while facing stacked boxes and an offense that poses no threat in the passing game. The main goal this offseason should be to find the quarterback of the future and get younger and faster on both sides of the ball. The linebacking corps is in need of an overhaul. With Dont'a Hightower opting out this season and getting up there in age, it's time to find a speedy linebacker that can defend sideline to sideline against teams like the Chiefs and Seahawks. Adding a linebacker will also help with the run defense. Still, Belichick needs to find a bigger run stopper to anchor the defensive interior and keep the 2nd level of the defense clean. Adding another young pass rusher to pair with Winovich and Uche could make this defensive front dangerous for the next 4-5 years. On the offensive side of the ball, it's time to find the quarterback of the future. Cam Newton has been a solid bridge quarterback despite the lack of offensive firepower. Still, it's clear that he's not the long-term answer. Since the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots haven't got any production from the tight end position. They can look to free agency or to the draft to fill this hole in the roster. The receiving corps is the position group that needs the most attention this offseason. Julian Edelman will be 35 years old next season and appears to be slowing down, but it seems they may have found his replacement in Jakobi Meyers. N'Keal Harry has yet to live up to his 1st round pedigree, but he has shown flashes as a red zone threat this season. If the Patriots want their offense to have any production next season, they need to get more explosive at the receiver position. When they can stretch the field, they have the offensive line to open lanes in the running game to help out Damien Harris. In 2020 the Patriots still fielded a competitive roster that could go toe to toe with the Seahawks, Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens. With an infusion of speed and explosiveness, they have a solid chance to be in the playoff mix next season.


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