Patriots’ best fit: Ricky Williams (Dolphins). If the Patriots are looking for a healthier veteran to fill the Fred Taylor role, the former Nick Saban favorite could be it.
WIDE RECEIVER
Sidney Rice, Vikings, 25; Santonio Holmes, Jets, 27; Brad Smith, Jets, 27; Malcom Floyd, Chargers, 29; Braylon Edwards, Jets, 28.
Patriots’ best fit: Rice. If his hip is right, he’s the prototype big, stretch-the-field receiver. But he’s going to get a monster contract.
TIGHT ENDS
Zach Miller, Raiders, 25; Kevin Boss, Giants, 27; David Thomas, Saints, 28; Bo Scaife, Titans, , 30; Matt Spaeth, Steelers, 27.
Patriots’ best fit: None. Patriots don’t need any.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Justin Blalock, G, Falcons, 27; Harvey Dahl, G, Falcons, 30; Willie Colon, T, Steelers, 28; Tyson Clabo, G, Falcons, 29; Doug Free, T, Cowboys, 27.
Patriots’ best fit: Matt Light (Patriots). Sometimes the best signings are your own players. Light would bring continuity if he wants to be back.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Ray Edwards, Vikings, 26; Charles Johnson, Panthers, 25; Cullen Jenkins, Packers, 30; Aubrayo Franklin, 49ers, 31; Shaun Ellis, Jets, 34.
Patriots’ best fit: Marcus Spears (Cowboys). The 2005 first-round pick has disappointed because of where he was drafted, but he can stuff the run and is great in the locker room.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Barrett Ruud, Buccaneers, 28; Stephen Tulloch, Titans, 26; Paul Posluszny, Bills, 26; Kirk Morrison, Jaguars, 29; Stewart Bradley, Eagles, 27.
Patriots’ best fit: Brandon Siler (Chargers). Slim pickings in this group and not an area of need, but Siler has the Urban Meyer connection, has flashed ability at times, and is a good special teams player.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Manny Lawson, 49ers, 27; Matt Roth, Browns, 28; Jason Babin, Titans, 31; Mathias Kiwanuka, Giants, 28; Antwan Barnes, Chargers, 26.
Patriots’ best fit: Roth. Capable of bringing pressure in the Patriots’ system. Drafted by Bill Belichick buddy Nick Saban in Miami.
CORNERBACKS
Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders, 30; Johnathan Joseph, Bengals, 27; Antonio Cromartie, Jets, 27; Ike Taylor, Steelers, 31; Fabian Washington, Ravens, 28.
Patriots’ best fit: None. Patriots have plenty of depth after drafting Ras-I Dowling.
SAFETY
Eric Weddle, Chargers, 26; Dawan Landry, Ravens, 28; Donte Whitner, Bills, 26; Quintin Mikell, Eagles, 30; Danieal Manning, Bears, 29.
Patriots’ best fit: Whitner. Former first-round pick is a solid, talented player. Probably won’t command a big contract.
Greg A. Bedard
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