The Pats have had poor luck with free agent WRs, so I'd prefer to see them make a legit effort to keep Edelman, trust Amendola to come back and give them their money's worth next year, hope Dobson and Boyce develop. That leaves one spot for an upgrade over Thompkins at the "X." I'm thinking they will take a flyer on someone mid to late in the draft.
My hope for them in free agency is to resign Edelman and Talib. The others such as Wendell, Connolly, and Blount would be fine if at the right money. They have to see where Vince is and whether Mankins will extend to see where they are in the market, but if there is any chance to get Alex Mack or Chandler here I'd be happy with them. If not, then they need to upgrade TE, C, and RG in the draft. I'm hoping that happens early (2nd or 3rd round).
I think the TE should come early in the draft. To me, upgrading that position would be the biggest improvement they could make compared to this season. I'm confident Gronk will come back strong - don't forget how young he still is - but they need to make an adjustment with him to help keep him on the field for late season/playoffs. They have Harrison to consider, but there is good depth in this draft to fill that need. I'd love to see them use their #1 on a TE but don't think that will happen (I think they are going DL there). I think there will still be some quality guys gat would fit the bill for them in rounds 2 - 4. If they can get Chandler, this would obviously change my view, but I don't expect that to happen.
What happens if Talib walks obviously changes their need profile a lot. It is painfully apparent what a difference he makes when he is out there. Either way (Talib staying or going) though, I am gonna be shocked if they don't draft another CB mid rounds. They just always need those guys. Regarding safety, I don't expect them to do much but hope Harmon progresses and make a lesser move or two. I think Wilson will be released and don't like Gregory that much so the need is there but lower on my perception of priorities.
Finally, based on what they decide with Vince will, in my opinion, be the most significant variable. I'm not expecting Kelly back and I think they will try to keep Chris Jones and Siliga. That isn't good enough. If they think Vince can come back to close to what he was even this year (not the "peak" Vince which I suspect we will not see again), then I think DT is less of a priority and DE is more of one. If they don't see that for Vince, I think they go for the best DL (end or tackle) they can get in free agency and then use the #1 on the other DL position. If Nix or Tuitt or Murphy or Hageman falls to them at 29 or 30 (not sure about their spot) or within striking distance of a decent trade up, I think they go there.
