2009 NFL Team Needs-New England Patriots

Safety: With the departure of Rodney Harrison, the Patriots are in need of another intense, hard-hitting safety.  

Inside Linebacker: The Patriots need to find a backer than can team up with Jerod Mayo.  Look for them to address this need in day one of the draft. 

Cornerback: Last season, Ellis Hobbs and Deltha O’Neal combined to allow more touchdown receptions than any other tandem of corners. The Patriots have yet to find that quality cornerback to replace Ashante Samuel, and they figure to look to do so in this upcoming draft.

Running back: New England seemed to give up on Laurence Maroney last season, which was likely as a result of him being allergic to staying healthy. They brought in Fred Taylor this off-season, which will be a real nice band-aid. However, don’t be surprised if the Patriots take a flier on a running back late in the draft that can also serve as a returner. 

Quarterback: Tom Brady should be back to start the year in 2009.  However, if he gets hurt again, they no longer have the services of Matt Cassel.  The Patriots don’t exactly have any flashy names warming up in the bullpen either.    

Draft Candidates: S William Moore, Missouri, S Patrick Chung, Oregon,  LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, LB Gerald McRath, Southern Miss, CB Vontae Davis, Illinois, CB Sean Smith, Utah, RB Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian, RB Antone Smith, Florida State, QB Pat White, West Virginia, QB Chase Daniel, Missouri