Entering the 2018 NFL draft, the New England Patriots had a relatively well-filled roster but still some holes that needed to be addressed. Colleague Doug Moore identified them as off-the-ball linebacker, defensive tackle, quarterback, the offensive line, and cornerback. Let's find out what New England did to add depth to those five positions.
Off-the-ball linebacker
Behind nominal top-two Dont'a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, the Patriots entered the offseason with no roster locks at linebacker. After a quiet free agency period at the position, the team did invest two draft picks in linebackers: New England selected Purdue's Ja'Whaun Bentley in the fifth round and Arizona State's Christian Sam one round later.