New York Giants, New England Patriots face offseason after Super Bowl XLVI – Don Banks – SI.com

Well this will make you feel a little bit better…

Once again, New England is in position to be a major player (or trader) in April’s draft. The Patriots have both the No. 27 pick they earned via last April’s first-round trade with New Orleans (which took Alabama running back Mark Ingram with New England’s second first-rounder in 2011, No. 28 overall), and their own No. 31 pick that comes with losing the Super Bowl. In addition, the Patriots own a pair of second-round picks, at No. 48 (obtained from Oakland) and No. 63. Belichick loves to wheel and deal with that much draft capital stored up, but this could be the rare year where he sits tight and picks off four players to help upgrade a defense that was near bottom-of-the-barrel status statistically in 2010. New England’s defense was 31st overall this season in yards allowed, surrendering more than 400 per game. The Patriots need help in the front seven, or at cornerback, so all options appear on the table. If there’s one instant impact defensive star the Patriots have a conviction on in the top half of the first round, having two first-rounders might allow New England to go up and get him. If there’s anything this season illustrated, it’s that the Patriots lack a Von Miller or Aldon Smith-like young playmaker in their front seven.