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London would give the Patriots more size at receiver, and the USC star can get open despite being around 6-foot-5. He's a high-point monster, too.

The Patriots had a solid 2021 draft, with quarterback Mac Jones and defensive tackle Christian Barmore turning into early starters and Day 3 pick Rhamondre Stevenson showing value in a running back rotation. What stuck out to me as I watched the Patriots, though, was their lack of playmakers in the passing game. Their top two receivers were former undrafted free agents (Jacobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne), and their tight ends didn't beat defenders after the catch (when they got open). N'Keal Henry hasn't developed like they had hoped. If they can get a deep threat for Jones here, they should be thrilled.

Williams, an Ohio State transfer with blazing speed, had a fantastic season for the Crimson Tide, catching 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. He would likely be in the top-10 range if he didn't tear his ACL in the national title game, which means he might not be ready for training camp. Still, I don't think he's going to fall too far, because he's a true No. 1 wideout when he's healthy. This is good value for New England.

Generally, Bill Belichick prefers bigger-bodied linebackers, but what Dean lacks in size he more than makes up for with play speed and football smarts. And anyone who watched the Patriots' playoff loss to the Bills knows they need more of both at linebacker.

Burks is built like a taller running back at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds. He dominates after the catch and will surprise defensive backs with his speed with and without the ball in his hands. He'll likely assume a slot role at the next level, but he'll still command a lot of attention from the inside. He earned 88.0-plus receiving grades in back-to-back seasons to close out his career at Arkansas.

After trading Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots might lose star cornerback J.C. Jackson in free agency. The 6-2, 196-pound Elam, who missed three weeks early in the season with a knee injury, recorded six interceptions in 26 starts for the Gators and was an All-SEC selection in 2020.

Hill seems like just the kind of versatile inside-out defensive back that can come in and have an early impact for Bill Belichick's defense. The defender's ability to cover the field and pattern match so fluidly should help him slot right into a secondary that could be rebuilding itself this offseason.

J.C. Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent and has likely priced himself out of the Patriots' offseason plans. Elam is a 6-foot-2 corner with elite ball skills who fine-tuned his technique after an underwhelming sophomore season. His game is built on speed and physicality, which you normally don't see in the same toolkit.

If New England is unable or unwilling to retain J.C. Jackson after his star turn, cornerback will be New England's unquestioned most glaring offseason need. Regardless of how the team handles the impending free agent, Elam offers the dynamic playmaking skills and smothering approach in press coverage that Bill Belichick would relish utilizing.

The Patriots take a dice roll here. Jameson Williams is one of the most explosive players in the draft, but tore his ACL in the National Championship game. He'd provide speed the Patriots are missing at wideout when healthy.

Whether it was Jerod Mayo or Dont'a Hightower, the Patriots' defense has always had a tone-setting presence at middle linebacker and Hightower rapidly declined in 2021 after sitting out the 2020 campaign. Devin Lloyd has the makings of the next great New England linebacker.

Lloyd emerged as one of college football's top defensive playmakers with his ability to play downhill, drop in coverage, and blitz. He would fill a major need for the Patriots and provide New England its new quarterback of the defense.