Ranking the Patriots’ free agents – Extra Points – Boston.com

Good list from Zuri Berry, though my version would look a bit different. Agree on Talib being the number one priority, after that I’d put Edelman over Blount and Wendell.

My full version:

1. Aqib Talib – after seeing what the Patriots’ defense looked like without him in the AFCCG how is there any argument?

2. Julian Edelman – be nice to have him back, and certainly his punt return skills are icing on the cake. But I don’t think the Pats are dead in the water if he walks.

3. LeGarrette Blount – Not sure he’s the guy we saw in breaking records in Week 17 and in the AFCDG, but he just kept getting better all season long.

4. Ryan Wendell – like Edelman, I’d like to have him back on a team-friendly deal but if he walks, he’s replaceable.

5. Michael Hoomanawanui – Not hoping to see a lot of the Hooman next year, but when you have no healthy tight ends signed for next year you need some kind of continuity.

6. Matthew Mulligan – same as above. Both are upgradeable and could maybe even be beaten out by rookies or a free agent like Scott Chandler.

7. Dane Fletcher – always liked Fletch but I think his playing time eve with all the injuries last year proved that the Pats don’t see him as ever being a legitimate part of the linebacker rotation outside of maybe playing some sub packages, but with Mayo back and Collins it’s doubtful he’d see any more time outside of special teams.

8. Brandon Spikes – I thought Spikes should be brought back well into this season and even was willing to overlook that he wasn’t ever going to be a legit three-down LB. After more and more reports of Spikes’ weirdness and off-field stuff came to light it just seems like it might be time to move on. Hightower looks ready to take over Spikes’ role at MLB.

9. Danny Aiken – restricted free agent, he’ll likely be back.

10. Will Svitek – Cannon should be the swing tackle, but if Wendell walks and Connolly moves to center Cannon could be headed to guard. That opens up the swing job and Svitek would be the next-best option.

11. Austin Collie – If Edelman doesn’t return Collie would make sense. He showed up a couple times in some clutch situations, but never got consistent reps. Edelman’s departure could change that.

12. Andre Carter – loved Carter, but upgrading him should be one of the primary goals of the offseason.