The Patriots locked up quarterback Drew Bledsoe with a new contract, but the running back situation is far from settled. Robert Edwards is trying to make a comeback from a knee injury suffered during the Pro Bowl festivities earlier this year, but a pulled groin muscle is slowing him down. If healthy, he will battle last year's first-round draft pick J.R. Redmond, along with free agent acquisition Antowain Smith, and Kevin Faulk. Smith was thought to be the favorite going into training camp, but he showed up out of shape and could not pass the team's physical.

The biggest problem now that Bledsoe has been signed is finding someone to protect him. The offensive line is banged up, and the Patriots are hoping some of their young prospects will step forward. Adam Davis and Drew Inzer have been working out with the first unit, and NFL Europe all-star Josh Rawlings has also turned heads. The guy I really like is Grey Ruegamer. He is a big, physical player measuring in at 6-5, 300 pounds, and he has looked very good, thus far.

New England did bring in a trio of wide receivers to help Bledsoe out in the passing game. Bert Emanuel, Charles Johnson, and Torrance Small were all signed to free agent contracts, and with the recent problems of Terry Glenn, the Patriots could stand to add some depth to the position.

The focus of the draft for New England was on the defensive side of the ball this year. Their first four picks were spent on defensive players, including defensive tackle Richard Seymour, who was taken with the sixth pick overall. At 6-foot-6, and 299 pounds, this massive defender will be a welcome addition to the line.

The Patriots tried to deepen the linebacking crew by stealing a pair of linebackers from the division-rival Jets. Within a day of each other, Brian Cox and Roman Phifer inked contracts, and the presence of the two veterans should be an improvement. The signing of cornerback Terrell Buckley, combined with third-round draft pick Brock Williams should add some talent to the secondary as well.

Overview

Locking Bledsoe up with a new contract was a good move by the Patriots, but if the offensive line plays as bad as it looks right now, Bledsoe will wish he were really locked up… somewhere safe! The running back situation will continue to be a problem this season, and the defense will be marginally better, at best.

This is still a team that is lacking talent, with very few impact players. Don't be surprised if the Patriots repeat their dismal performance of a year ago.