The upcoming season is full of questions for the Patriots.  They had one of the oldest teams in the league last year, and they’re trying to infuse some younger players into the team.  They drafted 12 players last year and 12 this year.  On offense, they’re depending on some young players to take up the 3rd receiver spot.  They have 2nd year player Brandon Tate, rookie Taylor price, and new free agent signee Torry Holt.  The tight end position is all new as well, with veteran Alge Crumpler and two rookies: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.  Last year they were very predictable with their offense, almost always targeting Welker and Moss.  This year, some of these new players have to perform to give Brady more options.

On defense, there are even more young players about to step into big roles.  In the defensive backfield, 2nd year player Darius Butler and rookie Devin McCourty will likely battle it out for right cornerback.  2nd year safety Patrick Chung may see time at safety alongside Brandon Meriweather, or we may see James Sanders or Brandon McGowan.  At linebacker, the only lock is Jerod Mayo on the inside.  The other inside linebacker could be 3rd year player Gary Guyton, 2nd year player Tyrone McKenzie, or promising rookie Brandon Spikes from Florida.  At outside linebacker, we’ll likely see Tully Banta-Cain on one side.  On the other side, it could be perenially injured Shawn Crable, rookie Jermaine Cunningham, or Derrick Burgess.  On the D-Line, Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork are back, but the right end spot is completely open, perhaps for a 2nd year player like Ron Brace, or maybe veteran Mike Wright.  The defense really needs to find more pass rush from some where.  I would say there are 5 players we know will start on D (Warren, Wilfork, Mayo, Meriweather, and Bodden), and 6 spots that are open.  Who plays in those spots and how they perform will have a HUGE effect on the defense and determine the outcome of the Patriots season.