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New England Patriots’ 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2015 NFL Combine

New England Patriots' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2015 NFL Combine

Bill Belichick New England Patriots
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Super Bowl XLIX confetti has fallen and been cleaned up. It’s time to start thinking about what the offseason holds for the New England Patriots. In anticipation of the 2015 NFL Combine, here are the Pats’ five biggest draft needs.

5. Wide Receiver

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. Wide Receiver

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots were blessed with three healthy contributors at wide receiver in Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola for just about all of 2014. After those guys, the Patriots are thin at the position. Brian Tyms looked promising in very, very limited action this season, but Aaron Dobson will likely be on his way out before Week 1. The Pats should take a flyer on a big body in the draft — Michigan’s Devin Funchess comes to mind.

4. Free Safety

Devin McCourty New England Patriots
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

4. Free Safety

Devin McCourty New England Patriots
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Even if free agent Devin McCourty remains in New England, the Patriots could use an upgrade over Tavon Wilson in the backup role. In the event that McCourty does depart, they will probably use a high draft to fill that void. No matter how you slice it, the Pats need some insurance at free safety.

3. Running Back

Shane Vereen New England Patriots
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Running Back

Shane Vereen New England Patriots
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen both about to embark on free agency, the Pats need a contingency plan, as it would be surprising if both backs returned. Certainly, there are several moving parts on the current running back depth chart; LeGarrette Blount ought to stick around, and Jonas Gray and James White also factor into this conversation. That being said, there is room for a rookie to vie for a roster spot and potential playing time.

2. Guard

Dan Connolly New England Patriots
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2. Guard

Dan Connolly New England Patriots
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Connolly could very well use free agency to his monetary advantage this offseason — in which case the Patriots will be left in dire need of a starting left guard. It’s always a good idea to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the offensive line, so even if Connolly’s future weren’t in doubt it would be wise to draft a guard. The Pats could use a very high pick on an offensive lineman, as Tom Brady's health is paramount.

1. Pass Rusher

Chandler Jones New England Patriots
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. Pass Rusher

Chandler Jones New England Patriots
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Three sacks of Russell Wilson in Super Bowl XLIX went a long way toward the Pats hoisting the Lombardi trophy, but the fact remains that the front seven failed to register a sack in the two previous playoff games. If the Pats had one more impact pass rusher in addition to Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Dont’a Hightower, they would truly be a feared defense. They may take the best available pass rusher at No. 32 in April’s draft.

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