With free agency set to begin at midnight, ESPN's "NFL Live" crew chips in to share thoughts on what the Patriots need to do to improve.
Host Trey Wingo sits alongside analysts Mike Golic, Tim Hasselbeck and ESPN senior analyst Chris Mortensen on a special segment for ESPNBoston.com (video below) and the discussion is lively.
"I think an area where they normally get a lot of pressure is outside linebacker, and they have to add there, and at d-end," Golic said. "Their defense is based a lot on pressure from those positions. I think that's a big need position."
"I think that's probably the best place to start," Hasselbeck agreed. "I think you also have to look at the running back position. If somebody like Thomas Jones is available and you don't have to pay him a lot of money, he could be a really good fit in that offense."
Mortensen then jumped in and noted that the offensive line should also be on the radar.
"They also have to beef up that offensive line some -- for the running game and pass protection. They have to keep Tom Brady clean," Mortensen said, before adding that he anticipates the team will also add another receiver.