Hurtin' for: defensive backs
It appears that if the season were to start tomorrow … everyone would be really confused. OK, seriously, the Patriots' current projected starting defensive backfield comprises Jason Webster and Ellis Hobbs at corner and Rodney Harrison and James Sanders at safety. Three teams have allowed Webster to walk as a free agent since 2003, and Rodney Harrison's knees are currently on loan to the Smithsonian. Last year's first-rounder, Brandon Meriweather, could win a job in 2008, but guys like Lewis Sanders and Tank Williams (who both signed as free agents this month) are temporary crutches that you hope you don't have to use.

Should be lookin' for: linebackers
Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau are pushing right up against their expiration dates inside, and Seau isn't even signed for next season. Rosevelt Colvin was released on the outside and remains on the market. The Patriots will be fine for starters there, with Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel, but both of those guys are in their 30s. Eric Alexander is slated to start next to Bruschi inside on the team's website right now, with only special-teams maven Larry Izzo behind them. Inside linebacker is the more immediate need, but don't be surprised if the Patriots come away with three linebackers or so in all from this draft.

Will likely settle for: whatever the talent dictates
We know this about the Patriots at this point: You can't just project them to take the best available player at a position of need. They induced a nationwide chorus of "WHO?" by picking Logan Mankins at the end of 2005's first round. They grabbed Lawrence Maroney when they already had Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk in the backfield. They went from having two first-round picks last year to just one for the entire first day. New England will take the player it likes the most at 7 (unless it moves down from there), and then do the same thing throughout.

Matt Schauf is a contributing writer for Draft Stock and an associate editor for the Sports Buff Fantasy Network