With Stephen Neal having retired and franchise player Logan Mankins' status uncertain, Connolly could be the lone returning starter and most experienced option at guard.

While a transition is taking place in certain spots across the line, the 2010 second-team All-Pro will be counted on to lock things down from his right tackle spot.

The two rookie tight ends more than lived up to their draft-day expectations a year ago in becoming key cogs in the offense but they won't be able to sneak up on defenses this time around.

The former Gator had a couple missteps as a rookie, including a four-game suspension. Rookie mistakes must become a thing of the past for Spikes to solidify the spot next to All-Pro Jerod Mayo.

Chung brings an athletic, playmaking style to a defense that doesn't have enough players fitting that description heading into his third season.

The two former undrafted free agents are now the backbone of the New England backfield. Even if the two rookie draft picks can contribute, the returning ball carriers will need to produce similarly to their 2010 efforts.

After a redshirt rookie season, the versatile Price should get his chance to win reps on the outside at receiver. He has a tantalizing combination of decent size, solid hands, good speed and route flexibility. Potential must become some sort of production

The first-round pick burst on the season with a Pro Bowl rookie season while making huge plays down the field. Without his plays last season, and probably this fall as well, New England's defense would look much worse.

Regardless of who it is, one of this developing outside linebacker trio must be expected to step up and produce at what's perceived to be New England's weakest position.

All signs point to the No. 17 pick being given the chance to start at left tackle as a rookie. That means he'll literally have the health of the franchise - Tom Brady's blindside - in his hands. Not too much responsibility there.