• Patrick Chung

Position: Safety

Height: 5-11

Weight: 212

Age: 24

College: Oregon

NFL experience: Third year

Chung took a big step forward last year and will be counted on to be the leader of the secondary. He had three interceptions and 89 tackles last year and was a special-teams leader.

• Albert Haynesworth

Position: Defensive end

Height: 6-6

Weight: 330

Age: 30

College: Tennessee

NFL experience: Ninth year

Haynesworth, acquired in a preseason trade with Washington, was once considered one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He was an All-Pro selection in 2007 and 2008, but spent the last two years wasting away in Washington. If he comes back, the defensive line will be formidable.

• Devin McCourty

Position: Cornerback

Height: 5-10

Weight: 193

Age: 24

College: Rutgers

NFL experience: Second year

A huge surprise last year when he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie after intercepting seven passes. A former No. 1 pick, he must become the lock-down cornerback the Patriots need to shut down the opposing passing game.

• Chad Ochocinco

Position: Wide receiver

Height: 6-2

Weight: 195

Age: 33

College: Oregon State

NFL experience: 11th year

Once one of the most feared receivers in the game, the often-flamboyant Ochocinco will try to give the Patriots a deep threat to free up the middle. He has 10,783 career receiving yards (a 14.4 average) with 66 touchdowns. Long a favorite of Coach Bill Belichick, he was acquired in a trade.

• Danny Woodhead

Position: Running back

Height: 5-8 Weight: 195

Age: 26 College: Chadron State

NFL experience: Fourth year

A huge find last year when the Patriots claimed him off waivers after the New York Jets cut him, Woodhead needs to repeat that performance to keep the offense going. He averaged a team-record 5.64 yards per rush, while also averaging 11.1 yards on 34 receptions. He scored six touchdowns.

– Mike Lowe