How do the Patriots draft with Dennard and potentially Sanders on board?

Things are heating up for the New England Patriots, and with the Draft less than two weeks away, the team are starting to make some moves. Firstly the signing of DT Tommy Kelly, then the resigning of WR Julian Edelman, and finally submitting an offer sheet for Pittsburgh Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders.

Add to this the news from CB Alfonzo Dennard's sentencing meaning he'll be able to play for the whole of next season, we've got an a lot clearer picture of where we stand going into the 2013 Draft. So where will the Patriots go in the Draft?

Well, the picture will be even more clear come Sunday, as that is when the deadline is for the Steelers to match our offer for Sanders. If we do sign Sanders, then our receiving corps is looking pretty strong: Danny Amendola, Sanders, Julian Edelman, with bit part roles from Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins - and inevitably Deion Branch too. Add to that our 2 brilliant Tight Ends, and our starting quality 3rd TE, we're looking set there.

The potential Sanders signing really opens up our options defensively, and a DE to go alongside Chandler Jones. As much as I love Rob Ninkovich on the other side, we need someone opposite Jones who can get to the QB more consistently. But what a quality backup Ninkovich is, not only for the DE's, but for the LB's too. So I think all of Patriots Nation is agreed that the pass rush is the most urgent need on the team, so expect an early draft pick on a DE.

Another early pick will definitely be used on the Secondary, and I'm sure this'll be used on a CB rather than a Safety. The arrival of Aqib Talib really helped the Secondary last year, but don't assume that that unit will be anywhere near the top half of the NFL in 2013, even with the pickup of Adrian Wilson. Dennard is safe from the law for the 2013 season, but Talib got injured a lot for half a season when he arrived, which sent our secondary back to its awful ways. So depth back there is crucial, to make sure Devin McCourty and/or Kyle Arrington don't end up covering on the outside. So again, the 1st rounder or the 2nd rounder should be used on a Corner.

As for the WR situation, well the Sanders addition would mean the need for a Receiver is down. Of course, we lose our 3rd round pick, so they'll use one of their 7th round picks on a WR. There are still some decent receivers slated to be available in the later rounds, who could have a impact on the offense, so this wouldn't be too bad.

However, if the Steelers keep Sanders, well then the Patriots will just use one of their first 3 picks on a Receiver. It's that simple. Without Sanders, the receivers definitely look like a significantly weaker group, and it won't be NFL ready with just a 7th round. If Sanders isn't there, I believe you can't wait until the 3rd to grab a receiver. I know we're using a 3rd on Sanders, but the guy has played - and succeeded - in the NFL. Drafting a guy in the 3rd is a lot riskier. Especially with guys like Terrance Williams potentially there in the 2nd.

When looking at the situation, the Patriots aren't far off - a young defense with raw talent and the ability to make plays, with a few experienced leaders guiding them. And an offense with Tom Brady. With or without Sanders, they still need to use one of their first 3 picks on a WR - either a 3rd on Sanders or a 1st or 2nd (preferably 2nd) if we don't get him. Then use the 1st on a DE, as that's the more urgent need, and then the 3rd on the Secondary.

What are your views? Comment below or let me know on Twitter @BrendanAnnely