re: Where can I find a...(list of draft needs)
The 1st two links are awesome.
Here's a quick ref of the WalterFootball analysis:
New England Patriots (Last Year: 11-5)
Season Summary:
It was over just like that. When Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard crashed into Tom Brady's knee, the Patriots' Super Bowl hopes were lost. Give them credit for rallying behind Matt Cassel and nearly making the playoffs at 11-5, but New England needs Brady to reemerge as a Super Bowl contender.
# Offseason Moves: Jets sign ILB/ST Larry Izzo
# Patriots sign CB Leigh Bodden
# Chiefs sign DE/OLB Darrell Robertson
# Saints sign FB Heath Evans
# Patriots re-sign P Chris Hanson
# Patriots sign CB Shawn Springs
# Patriots acquire WR Greg Lewis from Eagles for 2009 fifth-round pick and an undisclosed 2010 pick
# Broncos sign RB LaMont Jordan
# Patriots re-sign G Russ Hochstein
# Patriots re-sign FS James Sanders
# Chiefs acquire QB Matt Cassel from Patriots for the 34th overall pick
# Broncos sign WR Jabar Gaffney
# Chiefs acquire DE/OLB Mike Vrabel from Patriots for an undisclosed pick
# Patriots sign TE Chris Baker
# Patriots sign RB Fred Taylor
# Patriots tender DE/OLB Pierre Woods (2nd round)
# Patriots re-sign ILB Eric Alexander
# Patriots re-sign G Billy Yates
# Patriots sign DE/OLB Tully Banta-Cain
# Patriots cut WR Kelley Washington
# Patriots cut G Billy Yates
# Patriots franchise QB Matt Cassel
Offseason Needs:
1. Rush Linebacker: The Patriots had problems getting to the quarterback in 2008. The team had 31 sacks, and excluding Richard Seymour, no player on the team had more than five. Signed Tully Banta-Cain; tendered Pierre Woods
2. Cornerback: Jason Webster, Fernando Bryant, Deltha O'Neal, Lewis Sanders... Bill Belichick signed all of these bums last year, and none of them panned out. The Patriots need a legitimate starting corner across from Ellis Hobbs. Signed Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs
3. Inside Linebacker: When you have 36-year-old Tedy Bruschi and 40-year-old Junior Seau getting major playing time, you know something's wrong. Even with the selection of Jerod Mayo in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Patriots need help at inside linebacker. Re-signed Eric Alexander
4. Strong Safety: With retirement knocking on 36-year-old Rodney Harrison's door, New England will be looking for another strong safety-linebacker tweener that they love. Nic Harris is a strong candidate in the third round of April's draft.
5. Running Back: Laurence Maroney can't stay healthy; Kevin Faulk is old; Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan are, well, Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan. The Patriots need a talented runner in the mix. Signed Fred Taylor
6. Tight End: This is probably Ben Watson's final year in New England. Watson caught just 22 balls for 209 yards and two touchdowns in 2008. An upgrade at tight end is desperately needed. Signed Chris Baker
7. Guard: Stephen Neal, 33 in October, is in his contract year. Looks like the Patriots will have a new starting right guard in 2010. I doubt they want him to be a rookie. Re-signed Russ Hochstein
8. Wide Receiver: Free agent Jabar Gaffney wasn't really getting the job done as a tertiary option in the receiving corps. The Patriots could bring in a new wideout with a mid-round selection. Traded for Greg Lewis
9. Special Teamers: The Patriots surrendered two kickoffs for touchdowns and 14.4 yards per punt return. That just can't happen.
