Kirwan: Team-by-team draft needs: AFC East

[PatsChamp88]

New England Patriots

Outside linebacker: The Patriots defense needs to get younger, starting at linebacker. DE Richard Seymour led the team with 8.0 sacks in 2008, so New England needs an edge pass rusher who can consistently pressure the quarterback. Adalius Thomas hasn't made the impact the Patriots had hoped, and though they have added Tully Banta-Cain and have Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable, look for them to use a draft pick on this position.

Safety: James Sanders was re-signed and former first-round draft pick Brandon Meriweather is developing, but both are more comfortable in the box and gave up too many big plays in coverage last season. Even if Rodney Harrison returns, he'll be a liability in deep coverage. The Patriots need a player with some range in the secondary.

Inside linebacker: Jerod Mayo is a star in the making, but Tedy Bruschi isn't an every-down player at this point in his career. Bo Ruud and Gary Guyton are young players with promise, but another rotational player at this position wouldn't hurt.

Running back: Fred Taylor is a nice complementary player, but he can't carry the load at age 33. There are questions as to how the Patriots feel about Laurence Maroney's ability to do the same. Even if the team is willing to give Maroney the ball, injuries and inconsistency have plagued him. Expect the Patriots to look at upgrading this position.

Wide receiver: The Patriots worked to upgrade this position during the offseason, but Greg Lewis is 29, Randy Moss is 32 and Joey Galloway is 37. Plus, the team can never have enough receivers in its spread attack and should be able to find someone better than Sam Aiken, who's currently the fifth receiver on New England's depth chart.

Offensive tackle: The Patriots lack depth at this position, with Ryan O'Callaghan first in line behind starters Matt Light and Nick Kaczur. Finding someone who can play multiple positions along the offensive line should be a priority on Day 2 of the draft.

Quarterback: If Bill Belichick and his staff have enough confidence in Kevin O'Connell, then this isn't a worry. But O'Connell and Matt Gutierrez are the only guys behind Tom Brady, who's coming off a major knee injury. I expect the Patriots to find a veteran late, just before training camp starts.

Draft choices: Nos. 23, 34, 47, 58, 89, 97, 124, 159, 170, 199, 207, 234

Per: Team-by-team draft needs: AFC East

I saw the Reiss thread and link however I figured I would post the original article. Check out the link gives his opinions on all the other teams besides just NE!