2011 NFL Draft: New England Patriots 5 Biggest Needs Heading into the NFL Draft

As we inch closer and closer to the 2011 NFL draft, fans start to wonder how exactly their team is going to approach the draft. Questions pop up about what needs each team has and what players are the teams going to target. 

The New England Patriots, believe it or not, have several needs. Although going 14-2, the Patriots must keep building, as they are still in a "rebuilding process."

Bill Belichick will likely address all of the team's needs due to such an unique offseason—drafting before free agency, due to the NFL lockout. 

If I were a member of New England's front office, here are what I'd think the New England Patriots five biggest needs are. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @    TonySantorsa.

5. Running Back

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Danny Woodhead #39, Benjarvus Green-Ellis #42, and Fred Taylor #21 of the Patriots celebrate a touchdown in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York

Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis became the first New England rusher to record 1,000 yards in a season since Corey Dillon did back in 2004. However, this position needs some help.

Along with Green-Ellis, the Patriots currently have Danny Woodhead and Thomas Clayton under contract and will need to add another quality running back in the draft. 

The futures of Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor are all unclear, so expect Belichick to draft at least one running back to add some depth at the position. 

There has been some speculation that New England will draft a running back in the first round, but I strongly believe Belichick wont use a high draft pick on a running back unless it's Alabama's Mark Ingram. 

4. Wide Receiver

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Wes Welker #83 celebrate with teammate Deion Branch #84, both of the New England Patriots, after Branch caught a touchdown pass in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro,

Deion Branch and Wes Welker are Tom Brady's only two reliable wide receivers on New England's roster.

Brandon Tate has yet to develop into a quality, reliable player, so New England has some searching to do. 

New England does not need a deep threat like Randy Moss, even though many fans believe so. What New England really needs is a physical receiver, unlike Welker, Branch or Moss, to force themselves open against physical cornerbacks. 

3. Outside Linebacker

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Rob Ninkovich #50 of the New England Patriots celebrate with teammate Jermaine Cunningham #96 after Ninkovich sack Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massa

New England started to address this position during last year's draft by selecting Jermaine Cunningham, but this position still needs major work.

Rob Ninkovich, Tully Banta Cain, Dane Fletcher and Cunningham are not going to get it done. No disrespect to any of those guys, but they're not every-down outside linebackers—they're all sub-package players.

A player like Arizona's Brooks Reed would be an ideal fit in New England's 3-4 defense, as he has the potential to be a three-down linebacker.  

2. Defensive Line

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17: Defensive lineman Ty Warren #94 of the New England Patriots watches play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 17, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

New England's defensive end, Ty Warren, was sidelined all of the 2010 season with a hip injury, and it became clear that the Patriots were very thin at the position.

As Warren returns to the trenches in 2011, along with Vince Wilfork, the Patriots need to add another player to go on the other side of Wilfork.

Belichick must be well aware of this need, as they struggled with players like Ron Brace, Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love trying to play in roles much bigger than their abilities.

In the 2011 draft class, California's Cameron Jordan seems like a nice addition to the Patriots' front seven. 

1. Offensive Line

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JUNE 7: Matt Light #22, Logan Mankins #70 and Dan Koppen #67 of the New England Patriots listen to instruction during Mini Camp at Gillette Stadium on June 7, 2008 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Offensive guard Stephen Neal retired a few months ago, and that leaves New England with a hole to fill.

Along with Neal retiring, Logan Mankins and Matt Light could possibly not return to the Patriots in 2011. 

Light and Mankins both start on the left side of the line, which is the blind side to Tom Brady, so Belichick must address that in the draft.

Mankins is not happy with his contract situation and Light is aging and slowing down—the Patriots cannot afford to have any issues on Brady's blind side. 

The top end of the draft has four talented offensive linemen that would be nice fits on New England's offensive line: Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi, Mike Pouncey and Tyron Smith.