New England Patriots to do list
The New England Patriots made nine picks in the 2011 NFL draft; they also have a long history of bringing in tons of unsigned free agents to training camp. That means they need to get the lockout over with and get down to the business of evaluating their draft picks and whomever else they bring to training camp. They also have a few free agent decisions to make, but based on their unwillingness to hand out large contracts and the age of the players involved we may see some long time Patriots playing elsewhere in 2011.
Even though this team drafted two running backs in the 2011 NFL draft, they face a couple of tough decisions in their RB corps. Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk, and Fred Taylor are all free agents. I think this team will resign Benjarvus, and let the two older veterans leave town. Green-Ellis plus their two new draftees will form the RB corps of the future for this team.
The rest of the offense looks to be pretty set, but WR Torry Holt is a free agent and we have to wonder if he will return. The O line is starting to age a bit, but they did draft a couple of O linemen in so we will wait to see how they plug them in. The defense largely return intact with the additions of two DB’s taken in the 2011 NFL draft.
When we start to think where this team needs an upgrade, I think they should start at DE. They have never made up for the loss of Richard Seymour two years ago. I would like to see them add a veteran DE to the rotation. They also have a decision on their hands about Guard Logan Mankins. They would like to work out a long term deal with him and develop someone behind him, but we have to wait for the NFL to get back to business for that one.
Related Links:
- New England Patriots news and notes
- Joshua Lobdell.com
