Patriots, specialists & the draft

(Fourteenth and final entry in a position-by-position look at the Patriots leading into the draft)

Personnel: Stephen Gostkowski (kicker), Chris Hanson (punter), Tom Malone (punter), Nathan Hodel (long snapper)

Short-term need: Moderate. Gostkowski is coming off a Pro Bowl appearance and Hodel was signed to fill the void as snapper when Lonie Paxton signed with the Broncos. The competition to watch is at punter.

Long-term need: High. Each specialist enters the final year of his contract.

Quick hit: Gostkowski has admirably filled the large shoes of Adam Vinatieri, which was a big storyline in 2006. Time moves quickly. Now a big question will be if the sides can reach an extension prior to his contract expiring.

Prospects that could be on the radar in the draft or rookie free agency: Punter Graham Gano (Florida State), punter Kevin Huber (Cincinnati), punter Brandon Lane (Elon)

* Pro Football Weekly Draft Guide used as reference