If you thought that the Patriots entered the 2018 NFL Draft with major needs on defense, then after Thursday night's pair of picks in the first round you probably still feel that way.
New England stood pat at No. 23 and 31 in the first round to select a pair of offensive talents out of Georgia. The top pick was used on Bulldogs offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, a guy who played guard earlier in his career before moving to left tackle last season.
Bill Belichick then did the double-draft-dip from Kirby Smart's SEC squad for playmaking running back Sony Michel.
No defensive players. No pass rusher. No linebacker. And no quarterback of the future.
So heading into the second day of the draft – Friday night's second and third rounds in which New England holds a total of three picks beginning with the No. 43 selection overall – the Patriots still have plenty of areas to consider addressing.
Here's a look at some of the remaining needs for New England and the top prospects still available for picks 43, 63 and 95.
Edge – Whether it's a true defensive end or an outside linebacker with some pass rushing ability, the Patriots could certainly still look to add some talent to the edge of the defensive front. The group of ends includes names previously linked to New England in mock drafts including Ohio State's Sam Hubbard, USC's Rasheem Green, Florida State's Josh Sweat and Rutgers' Kemoko Turay. The outside linebackers remaining are led by Boston College's Harold Landry, a guy many thought could go midway through the first round or might even be an option for New England in the first round. Georgia's Lorenzo Carter is also an intriguing option left on the board.
Cornerback – Though New England has a trio of veterans atop the depth chart in Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty and Eric Rowe the addition of a potential developmental No. 2 corner can't be ruled out. Iowa's Josh Jackson, a popular target to the Patriots late in the first round in many mock drafts, is still available. LSU's Donte Jackson and Colorado's Isaiah Oliver are two other highly-rated remaining corners.
Quarterback –The hype surrounding Lamar Jackson possibly landing in New England died when the former Heisman winner went to Baltimore with the 32nd pick. Still, the desire to add a developmental quarterback remains. Oklahoma State's Mason Rudolph is the top overall target left, along with Western Kentucky's Mike White, Richmond's Kyle Lauletta and Washington State's Luke Falk.
Linebacker – Adding an off-the-line linebacker would be a boon, though there aren't a lot of options remaining. Iowa's Josey Jewell is probably the top option, followed by BYU's Fred Warner and Virginia's Micah Kiser.
Wide receiver –Though the Patriots have plenty of bodies at the position, receivers are always a draft possibility. Texas A&M's Christian Kirk is the top option left, with elite ability to impact the game from the slot position as well as in the return game. SMU's bigger-bodied Courtland Sutton, Memphis' ultra-productive Anthony Miller and LSU's D.J. Chark.
Tight end –Even with Rob Gronkowski expressing his commitment to the Patriots, the tight end spot could use a body for the future. South Dakota State's Dallas Goedert, Penn State's Mike Gesicki and Oklahoma's Mark Andrews all fill the bill.
