Inside The Playbook

Patriots Draft Analysis: Defensive Needs

By: Lily Zhao

It seems Bill Belichick is taking after the mantra: "Defense wins championships." Here are three areas of concern the Patriots need to fill for the 2012 season.

(boltbeat.com)

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker: Rob Ninkovich is holding down the fort for the Patriots on pass rush. His partners Mark Anderson and Andre Carter will be unreliable, as Anderson is gone to the Buffalo Bills while Carter is a free agent, recovering from a torn quad. Anderson and Carter combined for 10 sacks last year. Because the defense transitioned to a 4-3 defense, it will be crucial come draft day to get a disruptive pass rusher.  While the pass rush for the Patriots was not too effective last season, it did improve their sack total and it was important in limiting opponents on third-down. A defensive end like Alabama's Courtney Upshaw could one of the cures for this ailing part of the New England defense.

(espn.com)

Safety: While Sergio Brown stepped up at the safety position and Matthew Slater elevated his play late in the season, the Patriots need depth. While Patriots helped this position by signing former San Diego Charger Steve Gregory in free agency, they will need more help. Last season, New England was brought down by subpar safety play, as well as the early releases of James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather. Reliable safety Patrick Chung was also hampered by injuries the first half of the season. Looking toward the draft, another member of the Crimson Tide could help elevate this position. Mark Barron knows how to read a defense and has excellent wrap around tackling skills.

(yahoosports.com)

Defensive Line: For the past couple of years, the Patriots have been tested at this position. Guys like Brandon Deaderick, Kyle Love and Myron Pryor do not constitute a stout defensive line because they're essentially the B team. Looking at the current depth chart, New England should bring in a young, disruptive force that can be counted on to contribute big-time snaps. Vince Wilfork, Shaun Ellis and Gerard Warren are all in their thirties and their initial burst off the line isn't as good as it was a couple of years ago. Guys like Connecticut's Kendall Reyes and LSU's Michael Brockers could give the defensive trenches a boost.