NFL Draft 2012: New England Patriots' Biggest Needs in Draft

Even though the New England Patriots earned the top seed in the AFC, they still have some major holes on their roster.

The Patriots' prolific passing game is what has carried them all year long. Tom Brady and his weapons have been able to overcome some terrible defensive play, especially by the Patriots' secondary. New England finished 31st in the NFL in passing defense this year. 

Their run defense has been solid, but being ranked 17th in the league certainly leaves some room for improvement. 

The Patriots still have a chance to make the Super Bowl and win, but that doesn't change the fact that there are holes to fill that can be done through the NFL draft.

Here are New England's four biggest needs in the NFL draft.

Offensive Line

The Patriots have one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, and they do an excellent job of protecting the team's most valuable asset, Tom Brady.

New England has made some solid additions to their line recently through the draft, adding Nate Solder in the first round of last year's draft and Sebastian Vollmer just a few years ago. They re-signed star guard Logan Mankins to give the offensive line a great base.

They still could use some young talent at guard to replace Brian Waters or a center for the future. 

There are some very highly-ranked offensive linemen in the first round that the Patriots could easily grab. Offensive line isn't their top need, but if the value is right, I could see them looking for some youth there.

Pass Rush

The Patriots' inability to generate a consistent pass rush has been one of the biggest concerns for them the past few years. 

New England made strides forward this year by adding Andre Carter and Mark Anderson to their defensive line. Both guys racked up 10 sacks a piece and were two of the few bright spots on a poor Patriots defense this year.

However, Carter is 32 and will be coming off of major knee surgery next year. Anderson is only 28, but he has never produced as a consistent starter.

The Patriots need a pass rush from a defensive end or outside linebacker that can be on the field in any situation. 

Bill Belichick has passed on some athletic pass rushers in the past, but this is the year where a youthful addition to the defensive line could have a major contribution.

Wide Receiver

The Patriots ranked as the second-best passing offense in the NFL this year.

Still, wide receiver is a need for this team.

The Patriots do have Wes Welker, who is one of the best receivers in the league. Other than him, they have an aging Deion Branch and a disappointing Chad Ochocinco. New England has made great use of their two talented tight ends in the passing game, but it would never hurt to add another wide out to the equation.

There are several wide receivers that rank in the first round of this year's draft, and with two first-round selections, I wouldn't be shocked to see them grab one of them.

Tom Brady has managed to put up MVP-caliber numbers without elite talent around him. Still, with only so many good years left in Brady, it is time to give him as many weapons as possible. 

Defensive Back

This is the Patriots' obvious and biggest need.

New England's secondary was the second-worst in the NFL this year. Their secondary is made up of several castoffs from other teams and disappointments like Devin McCourty. 

Looking in to the future, the Patriots' young talent like McCourty and Ras-I Dowling could still pan out. They also have Patrick Chung at safety, who plays at an elite caliber when healthy. 

Still, it is clear that New England needs to continue to improve that secondary if they plan on continuing the be a dominant force in the league. You simply cannot put the responsibility of scoring 30-plus points per game on your offense every week.

Defense wins championships in the NFL, and it looks like, this year, the Patriots' secondary could be what costs them their shot.