There seems little doubt the New England Patriots have to fix the defensive front seven. They need depth at the NT position, they need t o find a replacement for Richard Seymour, and they need to fix a pass rush, and improve the run defense.

We start their list of primary needs with DE. The Seymour trade has left a hole on the Patriots D line. They found it hard to get a good pass rush, and had difficulty defending the run. This is a spot that will need to be addressed via the draft.

They could also use some help OLB position. While the resigning of Tully Banta- Cain helps, they could use another high quality OLB on the opposite side. They seem set at ILB with Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton.

The third primary need of this team is a new starting guard. Stephen Neal was resigned, but it looks like they may part ways with Logan Mankins. If they decide to retain him this need goes away, but at the moment they may be considering, adding a guard in the draft.

Topping the list of secondary needs is depth at the wide out spot. The Patriots have little depth at this position, and that weakness as exposed down the stretch of the 2009 season.

The Patriots also must decide what to do at running back. Should they give Lawrence Mulroney another shot, or is it time to use one of this teams second round picks on a younger fresher layer.

Related Links:

• 2010 NFL team needs
• New England Patriots news and notes
• MTR Football.com