Breaking down the New England Patriots' roster, starting with offense, to provide a better feel for the team's need areas heading into the NFL draft:
QUARTERBACKS (3)
Players: Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Garrett Gilbert
Need level: Low
Quick-hit thought: With this year's quarterback class considered weak, the Patriots' selection of Garoppolo in the 2014 second round looks like a shrewd move.
RUNNING BACKS (7)
Players: LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, Tyler Gaffney, Brandon Bolden, Travaris Cadet, Dion Lewis, James White
Need level: Moderate
Quick-hit thought: Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen departed in free agency, and this year's draft is considered deep at the position. Cadet and White are the top candidates to replace Vereen as the "passing" back.
TIGHT ENDS (4)
Players: Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui, Tim Wright
Need level: Low
Quick-hit thought: With Gronkowski leading the way, and strong depth behind him, this is arguably one of the NFL's best depth charts. It's considered a weak draft class.
FULLBACK (1)
Player: James Develin
Need level: Low
Quick-hit thought: Between the tight ends and Develin, the Patriots are well stocked.
WIDE RECEIVERS (10)
Players: Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola, Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson, Brandon Gibson, Kevin Dorsey, Jonathan Krause, Brian Tyms, Matthew Slater
Need level: Moderate
Quick-hit thought: The Patriots won a Super Bowl with this corps, so any additions would be a supplement and with the future in mind. Receiver is one of the deepest classes this year.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10)
Players: Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Bryan Stork, Ryan Wendell, Marcus Cannon, Josh Kline, Cameron Fleming, Jordan Devey, Chris Barker, Caylin Hauptmann
Need level: High
Quick-hit thought: With 75 overall players on the roster, and just 10 blockers, this is an area that is a prime candidate for a "double dip" in the draft and/or free agency (where Dan Connolly remains unsigned).
