The offseason...
1. Added interior pass rush.
- The team added Armstead and Kelly, who should upgrade the interior pass rush. The the case of Armstead, we also have a guy that is capable of sliding out as a 5-tech DE when the team is in 3-4 looks and not being a complete liability against the run. On the surface, though, it looks like we've improved the interior pass rush.
2. Added a hard-hitting safety who hasn't been constantly out of position.
- My biggest beef with Chung was that, while he was a hard hitter, he was also constantly out of position and too late to most plays. Adrian Wilson is a guy that is a hard hitter that shouldn't be out of position as much as Chung was. the only issue I see with Wilson is the age wall and the fact that he appears to have lost a step as compared to what he once was. This will make the progression of Tavon Wilson (if there is any) that much more interesting to watch. But, in all, I think the secondary was missing an intimidating presence in the playoffs and particularly against the Ravens. Wilson should provide that.
3. Maintained the status quo amongst CB's.
- The team retained Talib's services for a year, Dennard will not be facing any in-season jail time, and they've brought back Arrington while adding Ryan. So the starting rotation of CB's is back and that's definitely a good thing compared to where the team has been the last few seasons. Now we just have to hope for health.
4. Added a coverage LB.
- Fletcher is returning and the team brought in the athletic Jamie Collins. I expect the team to use Collins primarily as a coverage specialist against RB's and TE's in his first season. He should be an improvement over what Spikes/Hightower/Mayo were not able to give the Pats defense last season. Fletcher provides an added veteran presence.
In all, it's hard to say with any certainty if the team "did enough" on defense. On paper, it looks good. But I'm not sure what they're going to do in regard to the pass rush coming off the edge. I expect Jones, with health, to improve. But Ninkovich could really stand to be upgraded. He, IMO, is best used as a rotational guy and should not be an every down starter at DE. Could Buchanan take it, or will the team sign Abraham?