If I were the GM- New England

Last season was uneven for the Patriots, as Tom Brady returned from a serious knee injury, Bill Belichick's sanity was questioned (fourth and two at Indy comes to mind), Randy Moss's heart was questioned, Wes Welker bookended the season with knee injuries, and the trade of Richard Seymour had long-reaching consequences- specifically their inability to pressure the quarterback and being gashed in the running game, i.e. the Ravens in the playoffs.  I liked their move to franchise Vince Wilfork, although he may not like it.  3-4 nose tackles are hard to find, and he's one of the best in the league.  Two points about 2009.  First, regarding Brady's injury, it typically takes a full season for a player to recover to their prior form.  Secondly, Belichick took a calculated risk that he probably wouldn't have against any quarterback other than Peyton Manning.  Also, regarding Moss's recent comments, I see where he's coming from, and wouldn't be surprised that they don't resign him following 2010.

This team is still very talented, even though there are a lot of questions following the season.  Brady is one of the top quarterbacks to ever play the game.  He is still in his prime, and is entering his second season following his injury, so he should return to form.  Moss is entering a contract year, and I wouldn't be surprised if his numbers are similar to those of 2007.  Although Welker is injured, and could miss time in 2010, they are lucky enough to have a clone in Julian Edelman.  He stepped up in the Baltimore playoff game to score two touchdowns.  Their offensive line is aging, but still has talent, especially with guard Logan Mankins and center Dan Koppen inside.  On defense, Wilfork, in my opinion is the best nose tackle in the league.  I like Ty Warren on the line.  Jerod Mayo is a budding star at one of the inside linebacker spots, as is safety Brandon Meriweather.

Areas of improvement are at the outside linebacker position, defensive backfield, and wide receiver.  I don't know what the deal has been with Adaylius Thomas, but he was deactivated for a couple of games, and I think he still has fuel in the tank.  I wouldn't be surprised if they parted ways with him.  After Meriweather, cornerback Darius Butler is the only young player with promise.  I'd like to see more talented youth back there.  Following Moss and Edelman, the receiving corps is pretty thin.  And they have a nice group of running backs, but they could improve the position.  Laurence Maroney had his share of fumbles last season, though he did run harder than in past seasons.  Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris, and Fred Taylor are all aging, especially for a position that takes such a pounding they should add some more youth.  And I mentioned earlier they have an aging, but talented line.  They should start to look at supplementing the position.

The Patriots have had success in the past adding veteran backs to the mix.  There is nice crop on the market to consider- LaDanian Tomlinson, Brian Westbook, and Thomas Jones.  If Westbrook is over the concussion issue, he would be an upgrade over Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk.  Jones is the best pure runner on the street.  He's 32, but he ran for 1400 yards last season, and would be a nice fit in the mix.  Some players to consider for the linebacker positions are Sean Weatherspoon, Brandon Graham, and Brandon Spikes; for wide receiver, Golden Tate, Demaryius Thomas, and Arrelious Benn; running back, CJ Spiller, Jahvid Best, and Ryan Mathews.