The New England Patriots have built a solid team through great drafting.  As a result, they haven't had to go on many free-agency binges, like the one that they unexpectedly launched in 2007.

Given the offseason additions at linebacker and receiver and cornerback, there are even fewer needs this time around.  As a result, look for the team to target players who can provide short-term depth and be groomed into long-term contributors.

1.  Cornerback:  The only clear need is at cornerback, where Asante Samuel is carrying the franchise tag and Randall Gay is a year away from unrestricted free agency.  But are Samuel and Gay great players, or are they products of a great coaching system and defensive scheme?  In other words, can these former Patriots draft picks be replaced in the same manner that they were found?  We think that the Pats think the answer is yes.  After all, who had ever heard of Samuel or Gay before they were drafted by the Pats?  (Hell, Gay wasn't even drafted.)

2.  Inside linebacker:  Tedy Bruschi is winding down and Mike Vrabel is likely to head back outside, where he'll serve as a bookend with Adalius Thomas.  With two first-round picks, look for one of them to be used on an inside linebacker.

3.  Safety:  With Rodney Harrison getting closer to the end of the line and there really isn't anyone else at the position who is worth a darn.

4.  Wide receiver:  The other first-round pick could be used on a potential game-breaking receiver, who could be groomed at his own speed while Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington and Wes Welker and Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney and Chad Jackson and Troy Brown play musical chairs.  But if a rookie is added, at least two of those guys could be booted.  We have a feeling that either Stallworth or Washington will be cut, and that either Caldwell or Gaffney will be gone, too.

 

 

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