People always want to re-fight the last war. Safeties were largely rebuilt in the last 3 drafts. CBs has been totally rebuilt with a different method. BB has chosen experienced former highly regarded, starter veterans, who had bad years elsewhere. It is legitimate to expect some to fail; but others to rebound to their former status.
It appears Tarell Brown has rebounded, Brandon Fletcher appears to be returning to form somewhat, and McClain to be failing to rebound. The Pats also had some depth that might not be starter material like Logan Ryan or Malcolm Butler. Butler has stepped forward and Ryan appears to have marked time. A former PS squad player, Dax Swanson, has appeared to continue to develop. The net result is that a respectable, if not better, CB squad has emerged from top to bottom, minus a proven Star.
Another question was finding a 3rd down receiving back. All three or four candidates have had their moments confirming Belechick's Faith that he could let Vareen walk and not re-sign him.
The 2014 edition had a problem with the LS on ST. Joe Cardona from Navy was drafted, signed and the Navy will allow him to play as he serves hisi time at the Newport Navy School. Problem is resolved. Potentially the Patriots have a star at every one of the 6/7 critical positions on ST, K, P, PR, LS, and . Amendola had a 80 yard KOR, and BB traded for Jalen Saunders who had a 99 yard KOR, to augment KOR.
Judge Berman has delivered Tom Brady back to the team; and the extensive preseason experience given to Polo, the Italian Stallion, prepares him better to be a back up QB beyond his second year of experience.
Lots of talent has been added to the Offensive line. Only experience playing together is needed to have the strongest Pats Offensive line in a decade. Unlike former O-Lines this one looks like it can excel in run blocking, as well as critical Pass blocking.
