New England Patriots Draft 2011: What Are the Pats' Biggest Needs?

Believe it or not, a 14-2 team, like the New England Patriots, there are still areas of improvement. There are holes to fill and positions that need more talent, and they'll need to do so through the NFL draft. 

For the 2011 offseason, teams will have to address their needs solely via the draft. With uncertainty in the current CBA, which is set to expire in March, teams will not be signing any free agent players until a new CBA.

Here, I've composed an idea of what direction the Patriots will go in for this years draft—a rankings, from least to greatest, of New England's priorities.  

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @  TonySantorsa.

Running Back

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes upfield against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

At the running back position, depth is a major concern for New England. 

This past season, running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead did a superb job carrying the rock. However, Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk were out most of the season due to injuries, and with their aging bodies, adding another runner would be a good idea. 

In many mock drafts, they have it set as: if Alabama running back Mark Ingram falls to New England, they'll pick him.

If that scenario does happen, I do think it's too much talent for Bill Belichick to pass on. 

Wide Receiver

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 04: Randall Cobb #18 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

You might not agree on this one, but the Patriots do need to improve their wide receiver personal.

I am not saying New England should have never traded Randy Moss. Believe me, besides 98.5 the Sports Hub's Michael Felger, I was the happiest guy when I heard Moss was traded. 

Anyways, Deion Branch and Wes Welker are both very talented receivers that have developed a nice chemistry with Tom Brady. However, they're not getting younger, and they don't match up well against physical cornerbacks who will jam them at the line. 

A few names being thrown around with the Patriots have been my personal favorite Indiana's Tandon Doss and Kentucky's Randall Cobb. 

Defensive Line

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

One of the most under-played storylines from last season was the lack of depth in New England's defensive line. 

Right off the bat in training camp the team lost Ty Warren for the season. With Warren on injured reserve, the team had to deal with nagging injuries to role players which resulted in a depleted offensive linemen.

New England lacks a pass rushing defensive end, and top prospects have been California's Cameron Jordan and Ohio State's J.J. Watt—both are projected to be first-round picks.   

Outside Linebacker

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Image

Outside linebackers, Rob Ninkovich, Tully Banta-Cain and Jermaine Cunningham are not going to get it done.

Sure, they're all quality, talented linebackers, but fit better in packages rather than every down linebackers. 

According to many mock drafts, the Patriots could select linebacker Aldon Smith and Justin Houston. 

Offensive Line

The whole left side of New England's offensive line is in uncertainity. 

Recently, New England placed their franchise tag on left guard Logan Mankins. However, that does not mean they'll keep him. If the two sides can't work out a long-term deal, the Patriots will likely trade him. 

Left tackle Matt Light is currently a free agent. 

Light is one of the league's top tackles, however, he's aging. 

Many mock drafts like New England looking at Florida's Mike Pouncey and Boston College's Anthony Castonzo.