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Come Fan with UsTuesday, July 7, 2026

2013 NFL Draft team needs: New England Patriots

New England was active in free agency, and now Bill Belichick and Co. will add more talent through the draft.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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It’s been an eventful offseason in New England. After losing in the AFC Championship game, the Patriots are reloading for another playoff run. Unlike other seasons, Bill Belichick’s team is not loaded with draft picks and instead has only five selections heading into the 2013 draft.

New England lost a few notable players this offseason, including Wes Welker. The Patriots wide receivers have undergone a major overhaul this offseason, as three of New England's top four receivers from last season are no longer on the roster. The Patriots have plugged a number of their holes this offseason, but still have work to do in the draft.

Top three needs:

Wide receiver - In addition to Welker, Brandon Lloyd also departed this offseason. The Patriots signed Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins, but could still use depth and a long-term solution at outside receiver. New England signed Danny Amendola to fill Welker's role, and while Amendola may prove to be an adequate replacement, he's been injury prone during his career and additional depth could be useful.

Defensive back - The Patriots had issues in the secondary last season, and while they've added to the secondary in free agency, long-term solutions are still needed. Adrian Wilson should help at safety, but New England could use another young player to pair with Devin McCourty.

Defensive tackle - With Vince Wilfork, Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love, the Patriots have some solid depth at defensive tackle. Wilfork, however, is 31, and a long-term replacement is an area of need.

Ideal pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

More from SB Nation:

NFL mock draft: Thursday looms

NFL mock draft: 7 full rounds!

What could happen in top 5? Expert predictions

Darrelle Revis is a Buccaneer

An early look at fantasy rookies

2013 NFL schedules: Monday night | Sunday night | Thursday night

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