Our last look at the offense focuses on perhaps the most important part. As we saw in the Superbowl against the Giants two years back, Tom Brady can’t do much if he doesn’t have the time to make a read and throw the ball. That in mind, the Patriots do have some holes starting to show in their offensive line.

Dan Koppen at center is going to be around for a while as he is signed through 2011. Logan Mankins, Stephen Neal, Matt Light, and Nick Kaczur, however, all have deals ending within the next two years.

Draft Analysis: Expect the Patriots to take a serious look at some offensive tackles and guards on day one. Even if Mankins is able to be re-signed, Neal and Light are both getting up there in age and replacements need to be groomed. Look for linemen that can move well and show above-average football intelligence.

The following draft prospects have been worked out or interviewed by the Patriots:
OL Antoine Caldwell
OL Robert Brewster
OL T.J. Lang
OL Lawrence Lovell
OL Alex Mack
OL Jamon Meredith
OL Rich Ohrnberger
OL Phil Trautwein
OL Eric Wood

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The Patriots were one of the top rushing teams in football, so many fans wouldn’t feel that running back is an area of need. Look at the years of service of many of the contributors at that position, and suddenly the situation doesn’t seem so clear. With Laurence Maroney unable to lock down the feature back position due to ineffectiveness and injury, last year was a hodge-podge of Lamont Jordan, Kevin Faulk, Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris, and Heath Evans. Evans and Jordan have left, but Fred Taylor has joined the Patriots in their stead.

Draft Analysis:
With Taylor, Morris, and Faulk all on the wrong side of thirty and Maroney built like glass, look for the Patriots to invest an early second day pick on a young running back that they can develop into a Kevin Faulk down the road.

If the Patriots don’t feel that Maroney has a future at Gillette Stadium, they may even look at drafting a RB on day one, provided that they get the right guy at the right value. Trading or cutting Maroney, however, would incur a prohibitive extra $1 million in cap charge.

The following prospects have been worked out or interviewed by the Patriots:
RB Andre Brown
RB Rashad Jennings
RB Devin Moore
RB Bernard Scott

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The Patriots receivers have dominated the NFL for two years under two great quarterbacks. While the loss of Jabar Gaffney will hurt, the nucleus of the corps is coming back for more. With Tom Brady returning, look for good production out of these players:

Randy Moss
Can only stand to benefit from the addition of Joey G and the return of Tom Brady.

Wes Welker
World Wide Wes is the cog that makes this iteration of the Patriots offense turn. He doesn’t allow teams.

Joey Galloway
The speedy veteran will hopefully be rejuvenated by the talent around him, as so many have been when they play in the Patriots offense.

Greg Lewis
The former Eagle will be looked at to stretch the field and create space for Wes Welker in four wide situations.

Sam Aiken
Was used as a #5 receiver in 2008 and will continue to be used there and on special teams.

Matthew Slater
Didn’t contribute much to the offense in 2008, but was an important part on special teams.

The following WR prospects have been contacted or worked out by the Patriots:
WR Juaquin Iglesias
WR Aaron Kelly
WR Johnny Knox
WR Mohamed Massaquoi
WR Derrick Williams

Draft Analysis: While the Patriots are relatively set at the position, don’t expect Bill Belichick to pass over a good value if someone like Jeremy Maclin or Michael Crabtree somehow fell to the Patriots. Also look for a second day prospect to be picked if one of their targets is available.

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Although the hype around the Patriot QB position has faded somewhat after Matt Cassel was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, it doesn’t mean that Bill Belichick and company feel that they are set at the position going into the 2009 season. The Patriots under Belichick have shown that they are willing and able to draft and develop young quarterbacks, with varying results. Matt Cassel and Tom Brady have obviously done quite well, while Rohan Davey didn’t work out so well, while Kevin O’Connell is still a question mark, although many are excited. Let’s check in to see what the Patriots will have to work with in 2009 at the QB position.

Tom Brady
While his knee is somewhat of a question mark, expect Brady to be back to Pro Bowl form by October.

Kevin O’Connell
Patriot Brass is very excited about the prospects of the second year O’Connell. Many are very comfortable with last year’s third-rounder being Brady’s backup this year.

Matt Guttierez
Spent the majority of 2008 on the practice squad, but will probably have the chance to battle with a veteran for the third QB spot.

The following draft prospect quarterbacks have been contacted or worked out by the Patriots:

QB Jason Boltus (Hartwick)
QB Rhett Bomar (Sam Houston State)
QB Brian Hoyer (Michigan State)
QB Stephen McGee (Texas A&M)
QB Pat White (West Virginia)

Draft Analysis: While they don’t have to find a starter now, developing another young quarterback is always in a teams interest. Look for a second-day pick to be used on signal caller that fits the Patriot mold.

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