The New England Patriots are coming into the offseason after winning Super Bowl and heading into the draft they have a number of needs and Bill Belichick may target players like Todd Gurley, Mike Davis, Shaq Thompson, Jaelen Strong, Breshad Perriman, Carl Davis, Maxx Williams, Devin Funchess, Dorial Green-Beckham and Ronald Darby.
The Patriots have nine overall draft picks this year after getting compensatory selections and they pick last in the first round after winning the championship. Mass Live reporter Kevin Duffy put together a big list of potential targets for the Patriots in the first few rounds, writing that the team likely will try to draft a player that can be a "significant contributor" in the 2015 season. Duffy writes that the team lost a number of significant free agents this offseason, including Darrelle Revis and Vince Wilfork.
The back end of the first round could have some solid players left on the board, as this class is considered to be a fairly deep one. Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Amari Cooper are expected to be gone in the first five picks, but there is talent at a number of areas this year, including at running back, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive tackle.
Duffy predicts the team will go after a defensive tackle with Vince Wilfork leaving and names like Carl Davis and Eddie Goldman could be targets. Davis has been mentioned in numerous mock drafts going to the Patriots this offseason. Ronald Darby from Alabama could also be a target at cornerback with Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner leaving in free agency.
Todd Gurley and Shaq Thompson are among the second group of players mentioned by Duffy, who he picked based on need and the best that could be available. The Patriots let Shane Vereen go in free agency and if they don't add another free agent, players like Gurley, Melvin Gordon and Tevin Coleman could be targets at running back. The team is dealing with an injury to Dont'a Hightower and that could lead to Thompson being a target. Belichick loves versatility and Thompson comes in after playing linebacker, safety and running back while at Washington.
The Patriots also may look at the wide receiver position with so much depth in this draft, as names like Breshad Perriman, Jaelen Strong, Devin Funchess, Dorial Green-Beckham and Justin Hardy coming out. The Patriots like players with experience in college and one player to keep an eye on is Jamison Crowder from Duke. Crowder was productive in college, making 283 receptions for over 3600 yards and 23 touchdowns while playing four years at Duke. Crowder has had a private workout with the Pats and he also has meetings with the Panthers, Texans and Buccaneers.