2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Players New England Patriots Must Consider

With the Super Bowl loss behind them and the 2012 season on the horizon, the New England Patriots have shifted their focus to free agency.

Without question, the Pats need most help on defense.

Boasting the 31st-ranked squad for total defense in the 2011 NFL season, the Patriots desperately need to plug up their porous secondary and strengthen their weak pass rush.

Surprisingly, the Pats could also use some additions on offense.

Despite the illusion created by the Patriots' two phenomenal tight ends, New England's depth at the wide receiver slot is lacking. Their star is Wes Welker, who they lean on heavily, but beyond that talent is sparse.

Deion Branch did his part this season, but he is older and slowing down.

Chad Ochocinco, who signed a three-year, $11.5 million contract with the Patriots last August, is likely to get cut loose in the coming year after amassing just 15 catches all season.

Julian Edelman saw fewer snaps on offense this season after filling in on an injured defense. And with his incredible athletic talent, there's no telling where Bill Belichick will want him playing next year.

Matthew Slater's only catch of the 2011 season came in the opener against the Miami Dolphins.

The Patriots could use a proven wide receiver to give them more passing options in 2012.

Here's a look at five free agents the Patriots should strongly consider adding to (or keeping on) the roster next season.

1. WR Wes Welker

If Wes Welker isn't in a New England jersey next season, then something is wrong with the Patriots organization.

Despite his 2nd-and-11 botched catch (also a botched throw) in Super Bowl XLVI, Welker is invaluable to the Pats.

No. 83 just recorded the best year of his NFL career, wrapping up the regular season with 1,569 receiving yards (second in the NFL), nine touchdowns and 77 first downs.

In the season opener, he hauled in a 99-yard touchdown to tie a league record against his former team, the Miami Dolphins.

Even at age 30, the Patriots wide receiver is at the apex of his career.

Given how well Welker fits into New England's offense, they'd be foolish not to propose a suitable contract.

2. DE Mario Williams

The Pats had trouble getting to the quarterback this year, an area where Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams excels.

Williams is versatile. He can slip between the 3-4 and 4-3, meaning he'd fit right in with the Patriots' amoeba-like D.

Despite tearing a pectoral muscle to end his 2011 season in early October, Williams still recorded five sacks in five games this year.

In 2007, he achieved a career-high 14 sacks on the season. Williams has forced at least one fumble in every season of his NFL career.

Add Andre Carter into the mix, and the Patriots pass rush will pack a punch in 2012.

3. S Tyvon Branch

It wouldn't hurt for the New England Patriots to pick up an impact-player at the safety position.

Tyvon Branch could be their guy.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com ranked Branch No. 17 on his list of top 50 free agents for 2012.

Branch just concluded his fourth season in the NFL and has been a rock in Oakland's secondary, leading the Raiders in tackles this season.

In 2009, he broke out with 124 tackles (98 solo), two forced fumbles and a sack. He has started every game since.

Branch could also provide some much needed assistance on special teams, as he is an experienced punt-returner.

He returned balls at UConn and stepped in for concussion-laden kick returner Bryan McCann this season to take one 80 yards downfield at breakneck pace before it was called back due to a penalty.

Although the Raiders are looking to retain him, the Patriots should at least throw their hat in the ring.

4. CB Brent Grimes

When opposing quarterbacks launched passes downfield against New England this season, I would start cringing before the camera angle even revealed the coverage.

And I was never wrong for doing so.

The Patriots could use a solid corner to bolster their D, and Brent Grimes could be their guy.

Grimes is a free agent in 2012, after five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

He provides excellent coverage, leading the NFL in passes deflected in the 2010 season to earn a bid to the 2011 Pro Bowl.

Last season, Grimes missed four games due to a knee injury, but he's sure to be stellar in 2012.

The Patriots should consider adding him to their roster to eradicate their cringe-worthy secondary.

5. WR Reggie Wayne

Reggie Wayne would add plenty of depth at the wide receiver slot.

In 11 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Wayne has logged seven straight with over 1,000 receiving yards.

Even with Dan Orlovsky throwing to him, Wayne racked up 75 catches for 960 yards last year.

The veteran receiver has indicated that he is amenable to leaving the Colts despite spending his career with them.

With a new general manager in Indy and an uncertain future for Peyton Manning, there may be no better time for Wayne to get out.

And if he wants to join a team that will be a legitimate contender for a ring, he should look no further than the New England Patriots.