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New England Patriots’ 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2016 Combine

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The New England Patriots are coming off of a disappointing end to what was supposed to be a stellar year for them. After a terrific start to the season, the team sputtered down the stretch mostly thanks to a slew of injuries they were dealt. The Patriots need to get deeper during the offseason, and they can do so by targeting these needs in the 2016 NFL Draft.

5. Running Back

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The Patriots have gotten by with decent running backs for most of Bill Belichick’s tenure, but they should consider taking a runner with one of their mid-round picks. C.J. Prosise and Kenyan Drake would fit in well with New England's approach.

The Patriots have gotten by with decent running backs for most of Bill Belichick’s tenure, but they should consider taking a runner with one of their mid-round picks. C.J. Prosise and Kenyan Drake would fit in well with New England's approach.

4. Wide Receiver

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The Patriots got good production out of Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola last season, but Brandon LaFell was a major disappointment. The team should look into adding a young receiver to their weaponry in the middle rounds of the draft.

The Patriots got good production out of Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola last season, but Brandon LaFell was a major disappointment. The team should look into adding a young receiver to their weaponry in the middle rounds of the draft.

3. Offensive Tackle

Offensive Tackle Getty Images
Marcus Cannon was an abomination this past season as the team’s primary backup tackle, and the Patriots have to add help in case Nate Solder goes down with an injury again. The second round would be the ideal place to address this need.

Marcus Cannon was an abomination this past season as the team’s primary backup tackle, and the Patriots have to add help in case Nate Solder goes down with an injury again. The second round would be the ideal place to address this need.

2. Cornerback

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The Patriots have a lot of role players at cornerback, but they really lack a consistent starter across from Malcolm Butler. Without a first-round pick, the Pats will need to zero in on mid-round prospects to address this need.

The Patriots have a lot of role players at cornerback, but they really lack a consistent starter across from Malcolm Butler. Without a first-round pick, the Pats will need to zero in on mid-round prospects to address this need.

1. Offensive Guard

Offensive Guard Getty Images
The major theme for the Patriots this season was an awful offensive line due to mediocre play from starters Josh Kline and rookie Shaq Mason. The team needs to look for an upgrade at the position, and they should be able to find one during the draft.

The major theme for the Patriots this season was an awful offensive line due to mediocre play from starters Josh Kline and rookie Shaq Mason. The team needs to look for an upgrade at the position, and they should be able to find one during the draft.

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