NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Best Pick: RB Sony Michel, Georgia
The Patriots did plenty of offseason dealing, eventually landing an additional first-round pick, taking offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn at No. 23 overall, trading with the 49ers for offensive tackle Trent Brown and then selecting Georgia running back Sony Michel at the tail end of the first day.
Good moves — all intended to help quarterback Tom Brady out for the foreseeable future.
Wynn and Brown will protect Brady. And as the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer begins to lose zip on his passing abilities, Michel can help transition the Pats offense away from a primarily downfield attack.
It was a good approach. But was it the right one?
If there’s one major concern for New England, it’s the defense. Remember, this group was more than permeable at the outset of 2017. And despite plenty of needed adjustments, head coach Bill Belichick has to wonder how he can manage to put together a versatile crop of defenders this season.
It hasn’t been much of a problem before. But he’ll have to rely on late rounders, linebackers Ja’Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam, to provide the second-level thump the team needs.
Knowing Belichick, the Pats pull it off.