Cornerback - Asante Samuel may be impossible to keep, which leaves them beyond thin at the position. The Patriots can scheme around a few average cornerbacks, but not an entire unit. There are some solid free agent corners, and New England should be in the mix for them. They also could use their top-ten pick at the position.

Wide Receiver - The only two receivers guaranteed to be back with the Patriots next year are Wes Welker and Chad Jackson. New England will be interested in bringing back Jabar Gaffney and should get that done. Donte Stallworth is as good as gone. Randy Moss could probably get more money elsewhere, but the Patriots can franchise him before getting a two or three-year deal done.

Linebacker - I've written this for two straight offseasons, and the group keeps getting older. Adalius Thomas finally made some plays in the Super Bowl, but asking for B+ efforts from Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau again is pushing their luck. The Patriots may also consider cutting Rosevelt Colvin, who is due to be one of the highest paid players on the team. If nothing else, they have to draft some players to develop. Their second-day tries at linebacker haven't worked.

Offensive Line - I put this only because there will be questions. After a miserable Super Bowl performance, people will want to blow up this line. But they played great all year, and are very solid at four positions. Improvement could be made at right tackle, and Matt Light could use an understudy, but one terrible day doesn't mean wholesale changes need to be made.

Tight end, running back, quarterback, and the defensive line could be tweaked at reserve positions, but don't expect to see major changes. They should also get a new punter.