A look at the number of draft picks the Patriots have made by position under Bill Belichick (2000-present):

Offensive line: 19

Defensive line: 18

Cornerback: 16

Linebacker: 15

Tight end: 12:

Wide receiver: 10

Running back: 8

Safety: 8

Quarterback: 7

Kicker: 2

Long snapper: 1

Punter: 1

QUICK-HIT THOUGHTS: With five positions to fill on the offensive line, it makes sense that the position would rank atop the list. The one comparison that catches the eye, and was noted in part of this piece on the Patriots' possibly drafting a receiver, is how the Patriots have selected more tight ends than receivers in Belichick's tenure. The Patriots have leaned more toward free agency and trades at receiver, but their best chance to land a No. 1 or 2 wide receiver at this time is through the draft. That sets up an intriguing storyline of the club drafting a position in which it hasn't had some of its greatest success.