New England Patriots free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

1. Tahir Whitehead

The Patriots, despite what many think, are pretty set on the defensive line with their current roster. However, they could use some help with the guys lining up behind those linemen, and that’s where Tahir Whitehead could come in handy.

On the Patriots’ defensive line, Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise Jr. have turned into studs, pressuring quarterbacks left and right in the postseason. Other guys like Malcom Brown, Adam Butler and Ricky Jean Francois are all contributing on the line. But, they’re missing a spark in their linebacking group at the moment.

Yes, Dont’a Hightower’s injury has played a major role in these struggles at times, and Kyle Van Noy has stepped in to take control of the mic on defense in solid fashion. However, you can tell they could benefit from having two studs at the position, like the good ol’ days where Hightower and Jamie Collins roamed together on defense.

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This may not be their biggest need, but you have to understand that Bill Belichick can make things work at any position with anyone you throw out there. However, he’s always been fond of good linebackers, and it may be a good move to dive in on Whitehead for some depth in case Hightower isn’t fully healthy upon his return. Add in a new defensive coordinator stepping in for Matt Patricia after this season, and the Patriots’ defense could use all of the help it can get.

After that move, their front seven would be pretty set, and you could see similar defensive dominance in 2018.