Bedard: A quick glance at the Patriots' 2020 depth chart and where the big holes are

We'll do much more with this in the coming week and months, but I finally got around to putting together the Patriots' depth chart for next season with contract statuses and I wanted to get it to you with some general opening thoughts. It's fairly startling to look at it from 10,000 feet:





BIGGEST HOLES

Starting QB: Duh.

Starting TE: There's a whole lot of work to be done here at both spots.

Nose tackle: They have no other run-stuffers outside of Guy.

Speed element: The Patriots actually have a good slate of receivers if they develop. They desperately need a speed element on offense, however.

Starting right DE: In theory, Wise and Rivers are not bad 4-3 DEs, but they are not 3-4 DEs.

Weakside LB: Nothing behind Collins, who is a free agent.

G/C competition: Froholdt will have to step up right now. Need an option at center.

KEY QUESTIONS

What's the defensive scheme moving forward? Are the Patriots sticking with the same linebacker-heavy one from the past two years, or will they look to invest more in the line?

With all the cornerbacks returning, is Devin McCourty essential?

We'll be tackling all this and more in the days and weeks to come, but I wanted to get this chart to you so you could digest it.