New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio have always believed in using the draft for depth and long-term options. The plan has been successful in 2016, as the Patriots would be able to field a competitive team today. The Patriots are luckily not desperate in any area, however, there are many expiring contracts around the corner, and positions that need depth for the upcoming season. Here are the top-five positions of need:

5. Linebacker: There are a handful of positions that could be No. 5, but linebacker makes the most sense for New England, primarily due to starters Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower being two of the many 2017 free agents for New England. The Pats also brought in 2013 first-round pick Shea McLellin from Chicago. McLellin is widely considered to be a bust, and although he has not lived up to his first-round talent, he is a quality No. 3 option for the time being. The Pats also have Jonathan Freeny as well. More than anything, the Patriots are a nickel and subpackage-heavy team, so the need for three starting linebackers has become somewhat diminished in recent years.

4. Quarterback: On Monday it was announced that Tom Brady’s four-game suspension has been restored. Not only do the Pats need to find a backup behind projected-starter Jimmy Garoppolo, they need to continue to prepare for life after Brady. Although New England can and probably will bring in a veteran free agent to compete in training camp, adding a rookie will help the cause considering Garoppolo’s contract expires after the 2017 season, and he may even be traded before then.

3. Running Back: Many folks would consider this a top-need, but with the New England offense being pass-first, along with the resigning of LeGarrette Blount, this position dips a bit. In terms of pass-catching backs, the Pats are set with Dion Lewis and James White. Blount, who was signed to a one-year deal, gives them a between-the-tackles back, and although newly signed Donald Brown is doubtful to be a starter, he still has the ability to clock in regular snaps. New England is set for running backs for 2016, but drafting one would be in its best interest long term.

2. Offensive Tackle: Similar to the cornerback situation, the Patriots need insurance and depth at the offensive tackle position. Left tackle Nate Solder is locked in long term, but right tackle Sebastian Vollmer will be a free agent next season, along with swingman Marcus Cannon. The injury-riddled offensive line was dominated in Denver in the AFC Championship, so adding an early-to-mid-round tackle would benefit the line.

1. Cornerback: Malcom Butler and Logan Ryan proved to be a solid 1-2 punch in 2015. Although these two are locked in as starters for 2016, both are unrestricted free agents next season and will likely seek pay upgrades. Justin Coleman who was the No. 3 last year will also be a free agent. 2015 seventh-round pick Darryl Roberts showed promise before landing on the season-ending IR, but the Patriots need insurance for next year along with depth behind Butler and Ryan, an area where they struggled at times last season.

OTHER POSITIONS

Defensive Tackle: Many have called for help at the defensive tackle position, and the Pats will likely add a rookie. Despite losing Sealver Siliga and Akiem Hicks, the Patriots have more talent than what meets the eye. Alan Branch signed with New England, along with Pro Bowler Terrance Knighton who inked a one-year deal. 2015 first round pick Malcolm Brown will continue to grow and the Pats still have Joe Vellano for depth along with Markus Kuhn from the Giants.

Wide Receiver: Since the departure of Randy Moss, the Patriots have not had a top-tier outside threat for Brady. Brandon Lafell fizzled in 2015, and Aaron Dobson has yet to fulfill his potential. The additions of Chris Hogan and Nate Washington should solidify the position for now, but don’t be surprised if New England drafts a big-bodied receiver.

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.