Cameron Heyward Scouting Report

Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State, 6'5 288 lbs

Size / Strength: 10 – Excellent size as a 3-4 DE, a position in need of due to the popularity of the 3-4 defensive scheme. Heyward is very stout at the point of attack, consistently draws double teams and works hard off of those double teams. Stays low with his pad level at times, has good leg drive, and is effective with the bullrush. 

Speed: 8 - Not explosive off the snap or a speed rusher in any sense of the term, Heyward has elite level athleticism that covers up for his lack of burst. Good speed for his big size, Heyward showed in the Sugar Bowl vs. pro-talent LT D. Love of Arkansas that he has improved his speed rushing ability. 

Production: 7.5 – Slowly climbing the ladder production wise, Heyward never recorded double digit sacks in any of his 4 seasons at Ohio State. Heyward also has never recorded more than 48 tackles in a given season. Even with the previously mentioned stats, it must be noted that Heyward's presence alone commands double teams and Cam Heyward is game planned away from more often than not.

Intangibles: 10 – Cam Heyward returned for his senior season and, according to the Ohio State coaching staff, has the best work ethic of any Buckeye football player on roster. Heyward has a constant motor and also has strong leadership qualities.

Run / Pass Skills: 8.5 – Prior to the Sugar Bowl this past month, I would have given Heyward a 7.5 in Run/Pass Skills; however the clinic Heyward displayed against Arkansas was impressive. Heyward showed the skills to get to the quarterback consistently, all the while facing a pretty solid left tackle, Demarcus Love. Cam Heyward is strong at the point of attack, never seeming to be overpowered.

Heyward is very productive against the run, setting a hard edge and scraping down the line with his shoulders squared when on the backside. He has excellent football IQ, diagnosing plays quickly. Cam plays his responsibilities and maintains backside contain. All in all a perfect 3-4 DE.

Best fit: 3-4 DE (either a 2 gap or 1 gap scheme). NFL-wise Heyward is the ideal DE for the New England Patriots; a stalwart against the run, with enough athleticism to develop into a dominant pass rusher.

X-Factor: Can Heyward improve on his pass rushing ability by adding more pass rush moves to his repertoire? Does he have the strength to bull rush blockers in the NFl, just as he did in the Big Ten? Needs to have impressive pro day and combine workouts by convincing scouts of his elite strength and pass rush improvements.

Where he will be picked: First Round 

Where he should be picked: Mid First Round

NFL Comparison: Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders

Cameron Heyward Highlight Video

Cameron Heyward 80 yard interception return!

MNF: Patriots Perspective

Players to Watch

Patriots' Tight Ends - The one place Tom Brady and the Patriots may want to attack the Jets' defense is in the middle of the field with their tight ends. The Jets have very talented corners, so the best option may be trying to beat their linebackers and safeties (especially because the Jets are missing the quarterback of the defense in S Jim Leonard). Look for Aaron Hernandez (who went for over 100 yards last game against the Jets), Rob Gronkowski, and Alge Crumpler to have a huge impact.

RB Danny Woodhead - I think Woodhead will have a big game against his former teammates. Lining it up and trying to run straight at the Jets defense is tough, so the Patriots will probably spread them out and feature Woodhead a good amount in the passing game. Woodhead averages 5.4 yards per carry and has already racked up 24 receptions for 230 yards in limited playing time.

CB Devin McCourty - McCourty has really come on as of late, bringing in 5 interceptions in the last 6 games and defending 9 passes. McCourty is a very good looking rookie that has started all 11 games and is second on the Pats with 61 tackles, if he continues his great play he should be in the running for defensive rookie of the year.

Key Matchup: Antonio Cromartie vs. Patriots Smaller Receivers - One of the reasons the Jets beat the Patriots in their first match-up was because of Cromartie's dominant play against WR Randy Moss (who did not have a reception when Cromartie was covering him). With Moss now off the team, Cromartie will be matched up against the Patriots' smaller, quicker receivers. Cromartie has been known to lock on to bigger faster receivers and dominate them, but it will be interesting to see if he can dominate tonight.

Why the Patriots Will Win - Tom Brady is playing his best football. Brady has been absolutely dominant in his last 3 games. He looks extremely confident in the offense and reminds me of the Tom Brady from the super bowl winning seasons. He is spreading the ball out to a lot of different players, finding the open guy and protecting the ball (13 touchdowns 0 interceptions last 6 games). I expect Brady to put up great numbers tonight and get his 25th straight win at Foxborough even with the cold, windy conditions.

Prediction: Patriots 34 Jets 17

NFL Power Rankings Through Week 11

1. New England Patriots (8-2) - You can throw the defensive stats out the window. The Patriots have found ways to win against the top teams in the NFL.

2. Atlanta Falcons (8-2) - Behind Matt Ryan and Roddy White the Falcons have become the best team in the NFC

3. New York Jets (8-2) - Mark Sanchez is at his best when the game is on the line. Can't wait for the Monday night match-up two weeks from now, Jets at Patriots should be a great game.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) - QB Michael Vick is certainly making a case for MVP, the Eagles have the most explosive offense in the NFL when Vick is under center.

5. Green Bay Packers (7-3) - Despite multiple injuries on both sides of the ball, Aaron Rodgers and the defense have stepped it up.

6. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) - With S Ed Reed in the lineup expect to see even more highlights from the Ravens defense.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) - Huge bounce back win against the Raiders showed that the loss to the Patriots may have just been an aberration.

8. New Orleans Saints (7-3) - They are only going to get better with the return of Reggie Bush and other key injured players.

9. Indianapolis Colts (6-4) - Huge game this week against the Chargers, this is almost a must win considering the strength of their division this year.

10. San Diego Chargers (5-5) - Is there any scarier 5-5 team in the NFL? Great offense, great defense and improving special teams, the AFC west better watch out.

11. New York Giants (6-4) - Turnovers have hurt the most talented team in the NFC.

12. Chicago Bears (7-3) - Their defense has come on strong, but they will be tested against the Eagles this week.

13. Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) - Playing good defense and being able to run the ball will get you far in the NFL, but the Chiefs have the Chargers bearing down on them in the AFC West.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) - Impressive turn around but the Bucs have yet to beat a team with a winning record.  They will crack the top 10 if they can pull off an upset over the Ravens this weekend.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) - A very streaky team that could do a lot of damage if they can stay hot and find their way into the playoffs.

16. Oakland Raiders (5-5) - The Steelers exposed the Raiders last week; if you stop their rushing attack, you can stop the Raiders.

17. Houston Texans (4-6) - Have lost their last 4 games thanks to their pass defense, but their offense is still as good as any.

18. Tennessee Titans (5-5) - Maybe they can find some magic with QB Rusty Smith, this team is too good to be 5-5.

19. Seattle Seahawks (5-5) - The division leader in the NFC West is ranked 19th.

20. Washington Redskins (5-5) - They completely rely on their defense to win games for them. Every game they have won they have scored 19 points or less.

21. St. Louis Rams (4-6) - A young and talented team that has lost three games by four points or less.

22. Miami Dolphins (5-5) - They were embarrassed by the Bears on Sunday night, they need a QB to step up and help out their rushing attack.

23. Cleveland Browns (3-7) - QB Colt McCoy and RB Peyton Hillis are fun to watch and I am sure they will pull of a few more upsets before the season is over

24. Dallas Cowboys (3-7) - New head coach Jason Garrett has really turned the team around.  /it helps having a veteran QB John Kitna under center.

25. San Fransisco 49ers (3-7) -  It looks like the 49ers might be selecting another QB in the first round unless Troy Smith can show them something soon.

26. Minnesota Vikings (3-7) - I think without QB Brett Favre and Brad Childress the Vikings are a 6-4 team at worst.

27. Buffalo Bills (2-8) - They showed me a lot with that comeback win over the Bengals, the Bills have played everyone tough all year long.

28. Arizona Cardinals (3-7) - They are a team that needs to find an identity after losing 5 straight.

29. Denver Broncos (3-7) - If stats are for losers, the Broncos are the biggest losers.  They are putting up unbelievable numbers on offense but continue to lose.

30. Detroit Lions (2-8) - I think next year the Lions will be a top 15 team if they can add some offensive linemen and keep QB Matthew Stafford healthy.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) - Most disappointing team this year. All sorts of talent but losing a game against the Bills up 21? Thats just embarrassing

32. Carolina Panthers (1-9) - Nothing has gone right for the Panthers this year.

NFL Breaking News: Randy Moss Trade

It's official and written in stone; Randy Moss is traded to the Minnesota Vikings in return for a 3rd round pick to the New England Patriots.

Most New England fans knew this was coming, and thus it has happened. Yet I feel this team is more prepared than ever to take this hit, as the Pats have slowly morphed into a 2 TE set team, with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez; Less focus is on Wes Welker and Randy Moss and more upon the system.




If you go back to last season, you will notice the Patriots also traded star defensive end, Richard Seymour for a 1st rounder, from Oakland in the upcoming 2011 draft. Also in the 2010 draft, New England sent their 3rd rounder for Carolina's 2nd rounder; all the trades executed, as well as the contract extension to Tom Brady, show a 5 year plan by the front office in New England. Gather as many high quality picks in the 2011 draft, infuse young talent over the next 2-3 years, and retain your franchise quarterback. The management for the Pats here is about as good as it gets. Here is a look at the list of picks for the patriots in 2011; note info is from NEpatriotsdraft.com

1st Round
1st Round (OAK – Richard Seymour)
2nd Round (CAR – 2010 3rd Round)
2nd Round
3rd Round

3rd Round (MIN - Randy Moss)
4th Round
4th Round (DEN – Laurence Maroney)
5th Round
6th Round (NO – David Thomas)

Picks traded away:

6th Round (DEN – Laurence Maroney)
7th Round (ATL – Quinn Ojinnaka)
Conditional Draft Pick – Round Unknown (KC – Jarrad Page)

With 2 picks in each of the first 4 rounds for the upcoming draft, the Patriots are poised to answer all questions about the hole left by Moss with a deep class of wide receivers. Also the Pats most glaring concern over the past few seasons is at cornerback, and this year's draft class is the best I have seen in years; with a number of top end playmaking corners to choose from in the upcoming draft, New England knew that and planned accordingly.

The Patriots could even invest in a big time corner in Patrick Peterson or a Randy Moss type receiver in AJ Green, by packaging a number of their of draft picks in a draft day deal.

The other side of the equation is very simple; Vikings want to win the Super Bowl now! This year! Brett Favre is in possibly his last season (yeah right!), and with Sidney Rice out for a majority of the season the Vikes were struggling mightily without a clear cut deep threat. With Randy Moss, Brett Favre has the best deep threat he has ever had in his 20 year career.

It will be interesting hows this pans out in 2010 for the Vikings, and how the draft rolls out in 2011 for the Pats, but nevertheless this has got to be the biggest trade of the season. And we're just getting started!

AFC & NFC East Quarter Review

NFC East- This division is completely up for grabs.

By New Contributor Jimmy Hawley

Washington Redskins (2-2)

Washington has been greatly improved by the arrival of new coach Mike Shanahan and longtime Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. The team has to be ecstatic about their 2-0 start within the division with big wins over the Cowboys and the Eagles. While the loss to the Rams was a little baffling, the Redskins have shown a new toughness under Shanahan and even Albert Haynesworth, who has been a major distraction this season, played very well against the Eagles.

Standout Players: Donovan McNabb, Brian Orakpo, Santana Moss

New York Giants (2-2)

The Giants finally saw the resurgence of their defense in their last game against the Bears, registering an

incredible 10 sacks. The defense, which looked awful in the loss to the Colts, is starting to find its rhythm. The offense, however, is still a big problem spot, and they need improved play out of Eli Manning if they want to contend in the division.

Standout Players: Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck

Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

Philadelphia may have taken for granted how great it is to have a reliable QB in Donovan McNabb. The concussion to QB Kevin Kolb opened up the door for Michael Vick to showcase what could only be characterized as a MVP performance in his first three appearances, leaving Kolb, who was once thought of as the future franchise QB as merely an afterthought. Vickmania may need to cool down, however, as Vick suffered an injury to his ribs. The injury is not likely to keep Vick out of action for more than two weeks, but it is obvious the type of style Vick plays makes him more susceptible to injuries. Kevin Kolb will get the chance in the mean time to try to show why the Eagles traded away McNabb, and QB situation in Philadelphia will likely be a yearlong storyline and continue into the offseason. Despite the issues, the Eagles are right in the mix to contend for the division and have the talent to rise to the top, however that chance will suffer if Vick cannot stay healthy.

Standout Players: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy

Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Dallas seems to have one of the most talented teams in the league every year, yet it is always a question of if that talent can translate into wins. The Cowboys are usually a team that starts out great and fades as the season progresses, but this year they have struggled right out of the gate. A mediocre offensive line has made the running game practically nonexistent. They may have righted the ship with the win against the Texans, but the team has a brutal schedule this year. The defense is solid but does not create many turnovers and if they continue to be a one dimensional team on offense, they will not be able to win the division.

Standout Players: Tony Romo, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware

Prediction: The Giants defense and improved play from Eli Manning earns New York the division title in what will likely be the closest divisional race in the NFC.

AFC East – One of the strongest divisions in the NFL

By Keith McGonigle

New York Jets (3-1)

After a tough season opening loss to the Ravens, everyone criticized Jets and the arrogance they displayed in Hard Knocks. Since then, however, they have looked like the super bowl contenders they talked about. Mark Sanchez has really come on, throwing 8 touchdowns 0 interceptions in the last three games. Rex Ryan’s defense has had some injuries, but they have not lost a step. With WR Santonio Holmes coming back from his suspension and CB Darrelle Revis and LB Calvin Pace both coming back from injury, it is scary to think how good the Jets could be.

Surprise players: LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller

New England Patriots (3-1)

The Patriots first three games were a roller coaster ride, but they are coming off a huge road game against the Miami Dolphins, a team they have struggled against in the past. Bill Belichick’s teams are usually defined by veteran players and high IQ guys. This year the Patriots team is filled with a lot of young fast players that are still trying to grasp all the concepts. Six rookies have started and contributed so far this year. The offense has been very efficient; they haven’t put up great stats, but lead the NFL in points per game. The big question will be can the young defensive players mature and play like a Belichick coached team.

Surprise Players: Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Tate, Patrick Chung

Miami Dolphins (2-2)

Many people picked the Dolphins to win the AFC East this year so the 2-2 start is somewhat disappointing. Overall, the Dolphins have played pretty well except a few phases of the game. They just fired their special teams coach after two poor performances against the Jets and Patriots. They have also had too many turnovers and some questionable play calling. The talent is still there though; individually a lot of players have done well. They have a very tough stretch of games coming up; we will see what the Dolphins are made of in the coming weeks.

Surprise Players: Davone Bess, Cameron Wake, Jason Allen

Buffalo Bills (0-4)

There really is not a lot to say about the Buffalo Bills. They are the worst team in the NFL. You have to think that this season they are just playing for the first overall pick in next year’s draft, so they can finally get a franchise QB. The only problem is the Bills are so bad at drafting I don’t know if they will even select a QB.

Surprise Players: CJ Spiller. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve Johnson

Prediction: It will come down to the Patriots and Jets. The Jets are a very streaky team so I am nervous to just give them the AFC East. I think the Patriots will end up taking it and the Jets will get in with the Wild Card.

MNF: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

Patriot’s players to watch:

WR Randy Moss – Has had some big games against the Dolphins, he will probably targeted early on a few deep passes to open up the defense.

S Pat Chung – The second year player leads the Patriots in tackles, and has been all over the field.

TE Aaron Hernandez – Has looked really good so far, he is really impressive after the catch.

Dolphin’s players to watch:

WR Brandon Marshall – Has been well worth the trade, a great combination of size, speed and route running ability.

RB Ronnie Brown and RB Ricky Williams – They surprised the Patriots with the Wildcat a few years ago, and seem to add a new wrinkle every time the face the Patriots defense.

The Secondary – Their young secondary has looked good so far, but how will they do against all the weapons on the Patriots offense?

Overview: This is a huge game in the AFC East. The Patriots, Dolphins and Jets all seem like playoff contenders but one is probably going to be left out of the playoffs. I can see this game being a shoot out, the Patriots defense has been struggling, but their offense is very good. I can see this game coming down to a field goal.

The pick: Patriots +1 – The Patriots may have trouble stopping WR Brandon Marshall and the different running attacks, but I think this will end up being a high scoring game, and I would bet on QB Tom Brady over QB Chad Henne.

Week 2: Rookie Spotlight (Rolando McClain Video)

3 Stars: RB Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions

Best took the offense on his back, running the ball 17 times for 78 yards, 2 touchdowns, and also had 9 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. The Lions went on to lose 35-32 to the Eagles, but Best single handedly kept them in the game. Although the Lions are 0-2 they have shown a lot of promise in their first two games. As long as Best can stay healthy, (he dropped into the late round because of durability issues); I think he has a good chance of winning offensive rookie of the year honors.

2 Stars: TE Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

On a team with WR Randy Moss and WR Wes Welker and other weapons, the last person you would think would be leading the team in receiving yards is rookie fourth round draft pick Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez’s has shown the ability to make people miss in the open field, taking short passes and creating big gains. He went for 100+ yards receiving last game and is averaging 20 yards per reception. Hernandez reminds me a lot of Kellen Winslow Jr., but he may be even quicker. With RB Kevin Faulk done for the year, I think Hernandez’s will become a go to receiver on third downs.

1 Star: QB Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

Bradford has been asked to do a lot so far as rookie QB. He was drafted by the worst team in the NFL without a lot of weapons on offense other than RB Steven Jackson who has not played great to this point. Bradford has kept the Rams in both the games he has played and has attempted 80 passes already. I think many young quarterbacks in his shoes would have already been benched. He has done a great job giving his team a chance to win.

Honorable Mention: LB Rolando McClain, Oakland Raiders

McClain has not been lighting up the stat sheet but this worth talking about after this vicious hit:

Clip of the Day 9/14/10- Randy Moss

Well, this is interesting.  Moss comes out after a dominating performance by the Patriots and says he would consider it a "slap in the face" if he does not receive a contract offer before the end of the season.

Next, this clip surfaces of Moss leading the celebratory cheer in the locker room.  What is going on here?

Well, it's pretty simple.  The NFL is a business, and Randy is simply playing the game.  There is uncertainty surrounding the 2011 NFL season and Moss wants to get signed as soon as possible.  In addition to that, he has stated that he wants to stay in New England.

Sure, Moss is getting old, but he is still playing at a high level.  Moss likely is going to ask for more money than the Patriots are going to offer.

Moss is a smart guy.  He's playing the game.  He is doing what he can to gain some financial certainty.  Yes, even professional athletes need to worry about their long-term financial certainty.  And who knows if he will get signed before the season or after.  The Patriots have so much young talent at wide receiver and tight end I can see him in another uniform next season.  But I could also picture him in that Patriots' #81 jersey.  Time will tell.

This is not a big deal.  Moss is going to have a great season.  He has to.  Winning is now important to him.  So is hauling in a big deal for the next couple of years.  Patriots fans, fear not.

Moss and Belichick met yesterday, which is not a big deal at all.  Belichick is Moss' head coach.  Players and coaches meet sometimes.  Moss said it went well, so that is at least comforting for Patriots fans.  But that, in no way, means there was any progress in the contract discussions (mostly because Belichick doesn't negotiate contracts).

Moss will most likely not put up anything close to the gaudy numbers of his 2007 season and may not even match his 83 catches and 1,200 yards from a year ago.  But that is due to the influx of young talent Brady has to choose from as he will be spreading the ball out much more than in the past.

Who knows how this all will play out, but I absolutely love to see this clip.  Randy Moss is a true professional.  In some ways, he is approaching this as Tom Brady did.  He has a job to do, and he will do it to the best of his ability.  He may be a bit more outspoken, but this is Randy Moss we are talking about.  Sure, he is facing uncertainty with the potential lockout next year but he is not letting it affect his performance and leadership.

Randy Moss, I commend you.  Keep doing your thing.

Devin McCourty 2010 Patriots Preview

Devin McCourty, cornerback, special teams extraordinaire and the 27th overall pick in this years' draft has become just the second first round pick to sign a contract.  The deal is reportedly worth a maximum of $13.2 million over five years.  This is about $2 million more than last year's 24th overall pick, RB Donald Brown from Connecticut.

Prediction:  It's never easy to predict statistics for a secondary player, especially one who is competing for a starting job, but McCourty will be seeing the field from day 1.  Head Coach Bill Belichick recently called him a "four-down player," meaning that he can contribute on defense as well as in special teams.  I think you will see Devin making a huge splash in special teams as a returner as well in other areas such as the gunner on the punt team and blocking kicks (seven career blocks in college).


McCourty will see time on defense, whether he starts or is a situational player remains to be seen
2 interceptions
MAJOR impact in special teams, similar to Kelley Washington during his time with the Pats.


Update:  With Leigh Bodden on IR McCourty will likely start.  He will definitely suffer some growing pains but hopefully can learn quickly

Wes Welker Placed on Active PUP List

What does this mean?  Not a whole lot.  Welker is very close to returning to football.  He could be taken off the physically unable to perform list anytime, even tomorrow.  If he were to be on the PUP list when the Patriots cut down to a 53-man roster, he would have to miss the first six games (like Ed Reed will).  The Patriots are simply taking it slowly with Welker, a knee injury is nothing to mess around with especially for a shifty player like Welker, and they want to be sure he is ready for week one.

New England Patriots 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            10-6

Wins: Bills (x2), Falcons, Ravens, Titans, Bucs, Dolphins, Jets, Panthers,  Jaguars

Losses: Jets, Broncos, Colts, Saints, Dolphins, Texans, Ravens (Playoffs)

Biggest Playmaker            Tom Brady

QB, Michigan, Drafted #199, 11th Year

Tom Brady consistently makes plays and makes everyone around him better.  Brady could have another great year with a veteran offensive line and a very solid receiving corps.

Impact Player            Vince Wilfork

NT, Miami, Drafted #21, 7th Year

Entering his seventh season with the Patriots, Wilfork has been a staple of the Patriots 3-4 defense.  A huge key to this defense is a dominating nose tackle who can stuff the middle and take on two blockers.  While he may not boast huge numbers, he is the key to the Pats’ defense.

Biggest Free Agent Addition            Torry Holt

WR, NC State, Drafted #7, 12th Year

Torry Holt will be a great complement to fellow WR’s Randy Moss and Wes Welker.  As Moss consistently draws double teams down the field, Torry Holt could have a big year.  He only had 51 catches for 722 yards and zero touchdowns (all career lows) in 2009, but he was playing for the run-first Jacksonville Jaguars.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Benjamin Watson

TE, Georgia, Drafted #32, 7th Year

Watson has been consistent for the Patriots, and losing him and fellow TE Chris Baker left the Pats with a serious question mark at the position.  Now they will look to Alge Crumpler to be the leader of the group, with two rookies (Gronkowski and Hernandez) to likely be the top pass catchers.

Biggest Draft Steal            Aaron Hernandez

TE, Florida, Drafted #113, Rookie

Hernandez is a versatile athlete that will fit in very well with the Patriots system.  At Florida he was involved in the passing game as a tight end and a wideout, as well as in their option attack.  Hernandez is electric with the ball in his hands and picking him up in the fourth round was a great move by the Pats’ management.

Biggest Draft Reach            Zoltan Mesko

P, Michigan, Drafted #150, Rookie

Mesko has a big leg and the potential to be a game changer, but drafting a punter is always risky business.  Not to take anything away from Mesko, as he has been impressive so far, but only time will tell if it was worth using a draft pick to pick him up.                 

Offseason Grade            B

The Patriots went quietly about their business, focusing mainly on re-signing veterans such as Vince Wilfork, Kevin Faulk, Leigh Bodden and Stephen Neal.  The Patriots addressed their needs in the draft, selecting two tight ends who should be factors immediately, and bolstering their defense with the selections of versatile CB Devin McCourty and LB Brandon Spikes.  Getting a deal done with LG holdout Logan Mankins is a must. 

X-Factor            Wes Welker

WR, Texas Tech, Undrafted, 7th Year

After blowing out his knee in the final (irrelevant) regular season game in 2009, Welker's knee should be a question mark only because of his importance to the team. Julian Edelman served as an adequate replacement but Welker is a vital part of the Patriots' success.  Welker should be cleared sometime in August

Name You Should Know            Tully Banta-Cain

OLB, California, Drafted #239, 8th Year

Banta-Cain rejoined the Patriots after two seasons in San Francisco.  After seeing his role increased in 2006 in which he registered 5.5 sacks at OLB, he left for California, only to register four in two years combined.  Tully stepped up big for the Pats last year with 9.5 sacks, and look for continued success this year

Rising Star            Jerod Mayo

ILB, Tennessee, Drafted #10, 3rd Year

Drafted in the first round out of Tennessee in the 2008 draft, Jerod Mayo has been a consistent player in the middle of the Pats’ defense.  However, Mayo has only 1.5 sacks, zero interceptions and two forced fumbles in two years combined.  If he can become more of a consistent playmaker Mayo will be the next star of the Pats’ defense.

Offensive Outlook            A-

Tom Brady is still the quarterback of the New England Patriots.  Coming off a season in which the Pats posted the third highest yards per game totals, we expect similar success for the Pats offense this year who added the dynamic (but aging) Torry Holt, all-around TE Rob Gronkowski and playmaking TE Aaron Hernandez.  If Laurence Maroney can stay healthy and have a successful year, expect the Patriots to be very hard to stop.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The Patriots most glaring weaknesses is their pass rush, where they ranked 23^rd in total sacks last year.  Tully Banta-Cain stepped up with 9.5 a year ago and will have to continue his success.  Vince Wilfork is consistently huge (literally) in the middle, while the young secondary must step up.  The Patriots will need a few players to become consistent playmakers if they want to have an elite defense.

Special Teams Outlook            B

After Chris Hanson's 32nd ranking yards per punt in 2009, the Patriots drafted Zoltan Mesko from Michigan. Stephen Gostkowski has been reliable throughout his career, nailing 19/20 FG attempts inside the 40.  Welker averaged a very healthy 12.5 yards per punt return last year.  If the Patriots can get decent production in their kick return game (Brandon Tate?) they could have a very effective Special Teams unit.

Projected 2010 Record            10-6

It’s hard to bet against the mysterious Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady, especially when surrounded with weapons.  If the tight ends can overcome their inexperience and the Patriots can generate a pass rush, look for them to be hard to beat.  It certainly won’t be easy for the Pats, as they have the 6^th hardest schedule in the NFL (according to 2009 Win-Loss Records).