I posted this comment in the other "I don't care, I can't stand it!" thread (Is this the worst FA period for the Pats in the last 10 years?), and received not one single response.
Perhaps I'll get a taker in this thread.
For those that believe the Patriots have not done a good job in the personnel department thus far in free agency, let me ask this:
Keeping within the harsh realities of the NFL's salary cap, what do you propose that the team should have done differently thus far?
If for example you suggest that the Patriots should have re-signed Revis, then use the contract he signed and keep your version of the 2015 Patriots cap-compliant.
At that point we can compare any of our versions of what the team should have been with the current one, and debate which roster is better.
Except at cornerback, the Patriots are basically intact or making room for younger players going into 2015. Connolly and Wilfork are great Patriots but reached that critical moment when staying another year would take snaps from younger guys who need to develop.
The Patriots made a couple of moves in free agency to fill spots that keep the status quo, notably Chandler, Sheard, Cadet and Gibson. Chandler offers the chance to add an element to the offense, and Gibson might prove to be an upgrade. The three cornerbacks they signed are depth/special teams guys.
Your question about what they might have done differently leads me to think about picking up one proven veteran corner in free agency, and keeping Vereen. Vereen, to me, was a trusted and reliable target out of the backfield as witnessed by his 11 Super Bowl receptions. His compensation is not outside the boundaries of "value" for the production and flexibility provided.
On Revis, I am pleased they let him walk at that kind of money. Others continue to disagree, but it's just not worth having one guy absorb all the money for a position group, or force the team to become weak in another area. The Patriots have a solid safety situation.
The major needs in the draft are one impact corner, and one interior OL who contributes like Stork did in 2014. Otherwise, the Patriots are good shape.