The lack of investment in DL and interior OL over the last few years, especially on draft day, is puzzling to me. So far the Patriots had most got away thanks to V. Wilfork and D. Scarnecchia’s magics. But obviously they have been exposed this year with Wilfork on IR and the IOL playing poor football to this point. For all the talk about the inconsistent rookie WRs, the tranchees are where the big games will be won in January. I hope the front office devotes more resources there next offseason

I agree on the DL, but on the offensive line you’ve got two first round picks in Solder and Mankins, and a second rounder in Vollmer. Connolly and Wendell might not have high draft pedigrees, but both have been generally solid.  No question that Connolly is replaceable, but I like the attitude that Wendell brings and think he has long-term potential.

But on DL, I’ve been banging that drum every draft season since 2011, and I really think it’s a head-scratcher how they ignored such an important position for so long. I thought Tommy Kelly was a great signing, but they had no backup depth and the worst-case scenario has come true.

There’s no question that they’ll have to address DT early and often next offseason.