2023 NFL Draft Predictions: New England Patriots Biggest Team Needs

The New England Patriots have won six Super Bowl championships over the past 21 years. However, all six came with Tom Brady under center.

Since the future Hall of Famer left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots have a combined 25-25 record. Furthermore, they made the playoffs only once.

New England heads into the offseason with several needs on both sides of the ball. With Mac Jones heading into his third year in the NFL, the Patriots need to make changes.

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What Are The New England Patriots' Biggest Needs On Offense?

While Brady didn’t have an elite No. 1 wide receiver most of his career, he had Rob Gronkowski. However, Jones has had a limited supporting cast. Last year the Patriots spent a second-round pick on Tyquan Thornton. The former Baylor star had a solid rookie season, totaling 22 receptions on 45 targets for 247 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Jakobi Meyers was the top wide receiver for New England in 2022. He had 67 receptions on 96 targets for 804 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Unfortunately, the veteran receiver is a free agent this offseason and likely has played his final game as a Patriot.

One potential replacement option is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Ohio State star had an injury-plagued 2022 season but was unstoppable in 2021. Furthermore, he could step up as a rookie and replace Meyers in the slot.

What Are The New England Patriots' Biggest Needs On Defense?

New England will always have a strong defense as long as Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo are on the coaching staff. However, they have several free agents this upcoming offseason. At the top of the list are safeties Devin McCourty and Jabrill Peppers.

Unless the Patriots re-sign one or both of them, they will need to spend an early draft pick on the safety position. Furthermore, Kyler Dugger is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

One potential draft target for New England is Brian Branch. Belichick and Nick Saban are close friends, and the Patriots have drafted multiple Alabama players in the past. More importantly, Branch can play all over the field on defense, giving the coaching staff plenty of options. Furthermore, the Alabama defensive back was one of the best tacklers in college football last season.

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