New England Patriots: Prioritizing Their 5 Biggest Offseason Needs

Over the past few days, ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss has been giving us his take on the New England Patriots' future at every position.

Just like any other team, the Patriots could use upgrades at a lot of positions, but there are a few glaring gaps in the roster.

How the Patriots will address these issues remains to be seen, but I will look at each weakness and digest what the Patriots could do to address them.

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5. Running Back

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: BenJarvus Green-Elllis #42 of the New England Patriots celebrates his touchdown with teammates Sammy Morris #34 and Danny Woodhead #39 in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium in the second half on Septe

Starters: Danny Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis

One was "on the bubble," and many thought he'd be cut by the end of preseason; the other wasn't even on the team until Week 2. But Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis teamed up to form one of the most formidable one-two punches in the league.

Woodhead stepped in for the injured Kevin Faulk and became the new Mr. Versatility, virtually replacing Faulk on passing downs. Green-Ellis became the first Patriots running back since Corey Dillon to break the 1,000-yard milestone.

With Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor both possibly on their way out, the Patriots need to kick the tires on a free agent or rookie running back to add to the stable. With running back being one of those positions that injury affects quite frequently, it can't hurt the Patriots to look into their options.

Free agents: Ahmad Bradshaw, Ronnie Brown

Good fits in the draft: Shane Vereen, Randall Cobb

4. Wide Receiver

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots scores an 18-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Drew Coleman #30 of the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by J

Starters: Deion Branch, Wes Welker, Brandon Tate

Not for anything, but would you believe me if I told you that Wes Welker led the league in dropped passes last year with 13? But I digress.

After the Patriots lost to the Jets in the playoffs, many fans and analysts were saying that the Patriots clearly needed a wide receiver. Their lack of physicality at wide receiver was evident in the receivers' inability to get open or get off a jam.

Do those people forget that the Patriots were one of the best offenses in NFL history over an eight-week stretch?

An overhaul at receiver isn't in the works, but an extra body wouldn't hurt. The Patriots don't need an All-Pro-caliber receiver or even a first-round pick, but if they can add a physical receiver that is capable of winning one-on-one matchups, they'll be just fine against their border rivals.

Free agents: Randy Moss, Malcom Floyd

Good fits in the draft: Greg Little, Tandon Doss

3. Offensive Lineman

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 25: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots calls a play at the line against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on November 25, 2007 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Starters: Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Dan Connolly, Sebastian Vollmer

Two of the Patriots' five starting offensive linemen are set to become free agents in 2011. One is contemplating retirement and a new career in MMA. With that in mind, it may be time to start adding some youth to the offensive front.

The loss to the Jets proved that nothing is more important than keeping Tom Brady upright. That, and maybe a little separation for the receivers from their defensive backs.

Free agents: Tyson Clabo, Davin Joseph

Good fits in the draft: Gabe Carimi, Anthony Castonzo

2. Defensive End

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets is sacked by Gerard Warren #92 of the New England Patriots on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Starters: Ty Warren, Gerard Warren

Without Ty Warren, the Patriots were a defensive line by committee in 2010. From Brandon Deaderick to Ron Brace to Myron Pryor, everyone chipped in and did their part. What the Patriots lack, though, is a well-rounded "elite" talent at defensive end.

The Patriots need a disruptive force that can not only hold down the blockers in the running game, but also break through them in pass rush situations.

Free agents: Cullen Jenkins, Shaun Ellis

Good fits in the draft: Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt (more here)

1. Outside Linebacker

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - DECEMBER 12: Jermaine Cunningham #96 of the New England Patriots rushes past J'Marcus Webb #73 of the Chicago Bears towards Jay Cutler #6 at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by

Starters: Jermaine Cunningham, Rob Ninkovich

The 3-4 scheme relies on creating pressure on the quarterback with its edge pass rushers, usually outside linebackers. But unlike the 4-3, those pass rushers aren't just expected to rush the passer every down. They must also drop into coverage and be flexible in what they can do.

Bill Belichick doesn't typically look at pass rush specialists because he wants an every-down player for the money they'll be paid. Still, the lack of pressure suggests that a specialist would be great value, even in the first round.

Jermaine Cunningham started off strong in his rookie year, but the Patriots were unable to get off the field on third down last year. An elite pass rusher's value in that spot alone could be big for the Patriots defense in 2011.

Free agents: LaMarr Woodley, Tamba Hali

Good fits in the draft: Jeremy Beal, Ryan Kerrigan

What Do You Think?

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Brandon Meriweather #31 of the New England Patriots warms up against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 24, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

As I said in the intro, there are several positions where the Patriots could use upgrades.

But what do you think are the highest priorities? Do you agree with my choices, or do you think there are other positions that deserve more attention? Let me know in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!