Defensive line
ROSTER: Josh Augusta, Alan Branch, Malcom Brown, Adam Butler, Kony Ealy, Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom, Lawrence Guy, Woodrow Hamilton, Darius Kilgo, Derek Rivers, Deatrich Wise, Vincent Valentine
SKINNY: The Pats have to like what they have here, particularly after adding defensive end Ealy and tackle Guy — each of whom has enough position flexibility to affect the game in multiple ways. The emergence of Flowers last season gives them the type of edge rusher that can command attention from multiple blockers. Branch continues to play perhaps the best football of his career at tackle, while Brown is coming into his own in his third year. Rob Ninkovich, now 33, is officially listed as a linebacker, but plays primarily at defensive end. Rivers was drafted in the third round with high hopes for him along the edge.
LOCKS: The interior rotation seems all but set with Branch and Brown looking to be the starters again, while Guy and Valentine should see significant time. Ealy, Flowers and Ninkovich form what can potentially be a much-improved edge rush over last season. Rivers will get every chance to become a regular contributor.
BUBBLE: Grissom has excellent overall athleticism, but has never been able to translate that into production. He has some special teams experience, though, which may help him. Hamilton may be phased out with Guy's arrival but could end up on the practice squad. Wise has a good shot of making the team, but there are enough bodies ahead of him to make it a question mark. If he doesn't, he too is likely for the practice squad.
LONGSHOTS: Augusta's battles with weight issues had him struggle with conditioning in the spring. Butler and Kilgo likely won't jump over the players ahead of them.
KEY STAT: The Patriots registered 21 of their 34 regular-season sacks over their final eight games.
ONE TO WATCH:
Rivers was a star in college with Youngstown State, as his 41 career sacks rank in the top five all-time at the FCS level. At 6-foot-4, 250, Rivers has both the measurables and athleticism to make an impact. Can he do that as a rookie? Rivers was considered by some as a steal, but was drafted after a run of several other higher-profile edge defenders. So his success will be measured not just by how he does for the Pats, but how he compares to Jordan Willis, Chris Wormley, Daeshon Hall, Tarell Basham and Tim Williams, all of whom the Pats passed on by trading back and picking Rivers.