The New England Patriots have certainly not been a feared team the last couple of years, as they have posted back-to-back four-win campaigns. They also have missed the playoffs four of the last five seasons.
However, the Patriots are clearly on a mission to return to prominence, as they have spent a significant amount of money this offseason and seem poised to make some major additions in the NFL Draft later this month.
New England has specifically focused on the defensive side of the ball thus far, and perhaps its most significant changes have come at the linebacker position, where the Pats have gotten lighter and faster.