FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A view of the New England Patriots' priority in terms of need:
1. Left tackle. With Nate Solder signing a four-year, $62 million free-agent deal with the New York Giants, it has created a notable void in the spot protecting Tom Brady's blindside. Six-year veterans LaAdrian Waddle and Matt Tobin and 2017 undrafted free agent Cole Croston are the in-house candidates to fill it.
2. Off-the-line linebacker. While Dont'a Hightower's return from injury should help, this remains close to the top of the list, in part because of Hightower’s injury history (torn pectoral muscle in 2017; prior knee ailments) and more speed in mind.