Could Washington State’s Luke Falk be the heir apparent to Tom Brady?

1.Improve the Pass Rush: Getting defensive end Derek Rivers back will help. Rivers got hurt in the pre-season and never got the opportunity to prove that he has the potential to be an elite pass rusher. The Patriots once again need to find edge players who can get consistent pressure on the quarterback but also set an edge. There is some talent on the roster but Belichick and his future defensive coordinator (Brian Flores I am assuming) need to loosen up and let their defensive ends get up the field and get after the quarterback more. The current defensive scheme does not consistently allow pass rushers to get into an elongated stance and get up the field. Belichick has to be willing to let his five technique and nine technique defensive ends play. He cannot bog them down with multiple reads and adjustments.

2. Replace Malcolm Butler: I think it is safe to say that Malcolm Butler is gone. With that being the case, the Patriots have to acquire his replacement whether it be though free agency or the draft. If the Broncos release Aqib Talib, expect him to be a potential target. Otherwise, the Patriots will try to find Butler’s replacement in the draft.

3. Draft Tom Brady’s Successor: The Patriots need to find Tom Brady’s successor this off-season. They don’t need to reach for a quarterback but they can’t cross their fingers and hope they get the next Tom Brady later in the draft. They need to target a quarterback in rounds two through four. Finding Brady’s heir apparent is paramount for the Patriots this off-season.

4. Re-Sign Danny Amendola: Danny Amendola is a clutch playoff performer and has been a loyal soldier since he’s been in New England. Amendola likes being with the organization and will be willing to give the Patriots the first shot to re-sign him. The Patriots have to find a way to keep Amendola because they will have competition.

5. Figure Out the Backfield Situation: The Patriots will have to sort some things out in their backfield. Do they re-sign Rex Burkhead and Dion Lewis or do they move on and add a back in the draft? My guess is they’ll try to re-sign Burkhead but Lewis is looking for an $18 million dollar contract. That will be too rich for the cash strapped Patriots. What the Patriots do with Mike Gillislee is also worth watching.

6. Upgrade the Offensive Tackle Position: The Patriots need to re-sign Nate Solder but if they cannot, they need to address the offensive tackle position. With Cam Fleming also an unrestricted free agent, the Patriots will need address the position in the upcoming draft. They already have Antonio Garcia in the fold so finding another tackle that can provide depth and possibly start is important.