NFL draft

NEW ENGLAND: Bill Belichick will head back to his roots with this draft -- defense, defense, defense. The Patriots are getting very old on that side of the ball and need a youth infusion, particularly at inside linebacker. They could also use a cornerback -- couldn’t everyone? -- to help salve the sting of losing Asante Samuel. They might need to trade up from the No. 7 pick to grab Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston.

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N.Y. JETS: There’s a lot of speculation the Jets will take Arkansas running back Darren McFadden if he’s around when they pick sixth. If McFadden isn’t available, the Jets likely will take Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin, although Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is also an outside possibility. With Chad Pennington perpetually battling injuries and Kellen Clemens not quite panning out the way his coaches hoped, New York could be looking for new blood at that spot.

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MIAMI: Four days before the draft, the Dolphins signed Michigan tackle Jake Long to a five-year contract as the No.1 overall pick. That addressed a glaring area of need for a franchise that finished 1-15 last season. Don’t be surprised if Miami tries to trade back into the first round to take a quarterback, possibly Michigan’s Chad Henne.

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BUFFALO: Having upgraded their defense in a big way through free agency -- note the additions of Kawika Mitchell, Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson -- the Bills can now turn their attention to wide receiver. They want a tall one to complement speedy wideout Lee Evans, and there are a few in this draft that fit that description. The best among them is Michigan State’s Devin Thomas, and Buffalo could grab him with the 11th pick. The Bills also need a defensive back and tight end.

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For more, including Farmer’s updated mock draft, go to latimes.com/nfl.