The NFL season is now over, but it's been over for a few weeks now for the New England Patriots. The team has already turned its attention away from a season in which they just missed making the Super Bowl to the offseason.
While the Patriots are tight on cap space and don't have a first round draft pick, but they should be able to find a way to improve the team in both the draft and free agency. With that in mind, we're here to detail four things the Patriots must address this offseason.
4. Nickel Corner
As it turns out, the Patriots' secondary was not a major weakness like many expected it to be. Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler were solid as starters, but the team still needs depth behind those two. Spending a draft pick, or two, on the position could work out well. For more on the Patriots' offseason, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
3. Wide Receiver
Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola played well last season, but both battled injuries. Neither is a true boundary weapon, and Brandon LaFell and Keshawn Martin aren't the answers either. If the Patriots get the chance to get Tom Brady a bigger WR weapon, they should jump on the chance.
2. Running Back
LeGarrette Blount is a free agent, but he might not be back. It's not like he was that great last year anyway. Steven Jackson is far from the long-term answer and is a free agent anyway. Dion Lewis was a great pass catching option, but he's not an every down back. The Patriots could look to add a veteran in free agency (Matt Forte?) or look to spend a draft pick on someone to pair with Lewis.
1. Offensive Line
The Patriots offensive line struggled at times this year, especially against the Broncos. The team fired Dave DeGuglielmo, and might bring back Dante Scarnecchia, who had coached with the team for 30 years before retiring in 2014. Getting Scarnecchia back helps, but the team still needs to find some talent upgrades. The tackle position is good enough, but the guard and center spot can be upgrade. Bryan Stork was average at best, and the team needs to at least add some competition for him. Josh Kline is serviceable, but Shaq Mason and Tre' Jackson really aren't starters. The team should try to find at least one guard this offseason. Perhaps the recently cut Jahri Evans will be an option.
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