New England Patriots: 5 Defensive Free Agent Targets in 2011 NFL Offseason

While the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are headed to Super Bowl XLV, the New England Patriots and 29 other teams are contemplating moves for the 2011 NFL offseason.

It's no secret that the Patriots biggest needs are on defense, but what should the Patriots be looking for in a player? Obviously, the player must fit schematically, but it goes beyond that.

Tedy Bruschi talked about the Patriots lack of a playoff mentality after the loss to the New York Jets. It makes sense, then, that the Patriots should seek the help of veterans with experience in big games.

Let's take a look at some of the players set to become free agents that the Patriots need to consider adding in the offseason.

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Nnamdi Asomugha

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders stands on the sidelines during the closing minutes of their loss to the Miami Dolphins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra S

Let me start by saying that I think some team will vastly overpay for Asomugha (probably the Cowboys or Redskins), and whomever that team is, I don't ultimately think it will be the Patriots.

But if the Patriots don't have to break the bank to go get Asomugha, they could benefit from his presence. Devin McCourty had a great rookie year, and adding a lockdown corner on the other side of the field would allow the Patriots to do all sorts of different things in the front seven.

Bringing in Asomugha would be expensive, but could be worth the money. As long as it's not breaking the bank, it couldn't hurt to help out a pass defense that finished ranked 30th. Still, I think the help would be much more welcome in the front seven.

Marcus Spears

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 9: Marcus Spears #96 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at Cowboys Stadium on January 9, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Ge

Although Spears hasn't gotten off to a quick start as some had imagined after being drafted in the first round in 2005, the potential is still there.

Bill Belichick was able to get some production out of veteran underachiever Gerard Warren, and though Spears may not be a starter, he adds a lot of value off the bench. As we know, the Patriots lacked depth on the defensive line near the end of the 2010 season, and it was part of the reason why the Jets offense clicked so well against them in the playoffs.

Cullen Jenkins

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Cullen Jenkins #77 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a sack of quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears in the first half in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo

Jenkins had a stellar 2010 campaign, registering seven sacks.

He is a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense, as evidenced by his effectiveness in Dom Capers' system in Green Bay. His abilities to break free and get after the play, and also to occupy his blockers on running downs make him an intriguing prospect that Belichick should consider.

This may not be a pressing need with Ty Warren returning from injury, and with Gerard Warren likely to receive a contract extension, but the Patriots certainly proved that depth on the defensive line is valuable, especially in their system.

Mike Vrabel

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Mike Vrabel #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks from the field after a touchdown by the Philadelphia Eagles on September 27, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Mike Vrabel may not be the playmaker he once was, but the Patriots could sure use his veteran leadership on defense.

Vrabel's understanding of Belichick's system would also be incredibly useful to newcomer Jermaine Cunningham, who is still finding his way in the defense after just his rookie season.

Not only that, but he can certainly be a situational pass rusher for the Patriots. He may not be able to set the edge very well, but he could be the presence off the edge that they lacked greatly in 2010 on passing plays.

Add in his experience in helping the Patriots win three Super Bowl in four years, and even despite his age, Vrabel is an intriguing prospect for the Patriots this offseason.

LaMarr Woodley

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: LaMarr Woodley #56 and Brett Keisel #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after sacking Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylva

Building off Bruschi's argument, Woodley has plenty of postseason experience. He's already won a Super Bowl with the Steelers, and is appearing in another in just under two weeks. It's not as though he's just been there, either—he's made an impact. In six postseason games, he has 10 sacks.

Chances are high that Woodley will re-sign with the Steelers. Unless, of course, Pittsburgh feels it prudent to cut ties with yet another outside linebacker.

If, by chance, the Pro Bowler becomes a free agent, the Patriots would be foolish not to do their due diligence and add him. Outside linebacker is once again the team's biggest need headed into the offseason. With double-digit sacks in each of the last three years Woodley is clearly an answer to the questionable outside linebacker situation for the Patriots.