New England Patriots 2009 Additions

Like most Patriot fans, I'm looking forward to the 09 season and keeping my fingers crossed for another Lombardi trophy.

I really feel like this offseason's moves have put the pats back in the driver's seat in the AFC.

With that being said, I thought I would make a list and rank their biggest offseason additions so far.

In making this list I thought back to last year. The Patriots brought in Victor Hobson and Fernando Bryant. Both were slated to be starters going into the preseason. Both were cut before the season ever started.

So keep in mind some of these guys probably won't make the opening-day roster. Not to mention I don't think the Pats are done shopping just yet.

8. Al Johnson

The Good - Johnson is solid center who has 53 career starts and can offer some nice depth inside.

The Bad - Johnson is a little undersized in a division that features some massive nose tackles. The Patriots also have Russ Hochstein, Ryan O'Callaghan, Mark LeVoir, and Billy Yates as depth on the line. Not sure how many O-lineman the Pats will carry into the regular season.

The Odds - I'd say it's probably less than fifty percent that he'll be on the opening-day roster. But the Patriots may have plans for him.

7. Tully Banta-Cain

The Good - A good pass rushing linebacker who is familar with the Patriots defensive scheme. Banta-Cain is also a good special teamer.

The Bad - Banta-Cain could be a nice role player but he isn't a starting type player. He has trouble dropping back into coverage.

The Odds - He'll probably make the team based on his special teams skills. The pats need someone to replace Larry Izzo and TBC should be able to fill that role. I don't look for him to start though. Possibly the top guy off the bench behind Adualis Thomas and Pierre Woods outside.

6. Greg Lewis

The Good - Lewis has shown the ability to be a good No. 3 or No. 4 type receiver in Philadelphia. Has above average speed. Really good on special teams.

The Bad - On a receiver-needy team in Philly he never seemed able to crack into the lineup. Has questionable hands and will drop some.

The Odds - Lewis will probably stick since the Pats traded a fifth-rounder for him. I think his main contributions will be on special teams, a lot like Kelley Washington. Might get in on offense if injuries strike.

5. Fred Taylor

The Good - Taylor is still a nice power runner. Although he only caught 14 passes last year, he can still catch out of the backfield.

The Bad - He's 33 years old. That's ancient for an NFL running back. Taylor has always had trouble staying healthy. Not sure if you can count on a guy with the nickname "Fragile Fred".

The Odds - If he has anything left then he'll probably make the team. Not sure what his value will be splitting time with Kevin Faulk, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Could make an impact a la Corey Dillon.

4. Chris Baker

The Good - Baker showed in NY that he can be an every down tight end. He can catch. He can block.

The Bad - Baker doesn't have great speed to challenge defenses. He himself thinks he's a better player than he actually is.

The Odds - He'll make the team. Not sure if he'll start over Ben Watson or if he'll be the No. 2 tight end. One thing for certain is that Baker will get to block, block, and block some more.

3. Joey Galloway

The Good - Still has elite speed. Had a string of three 1,000-yard seasons until last year when injuries and Jon Gruden's doghouse hampered him.

The Bad - Galloway is 37 years old. Always seems to get nicked up at least once during the season. Only caught 13 passes last year.

The Odds - If Galloway still has his deep speed and can stay healthy, then he will start. The Pats will have to watch his snaps because of his age.

2. Shawn Springs

The Good - Can still be an effective man-to-man corner when healthy. Has the aggressiveness and tackling ability to convert to safety if needed. A great blitzer out of the secondary.

The Bad - He's 33 years old and coming off an injury.

The Odds - He'll make the team. Not sure if he'll start at corner or safety. Might be the top backup at both positions. Should see plenty of time in 09 regardless.

1. Leigh Bodden

The Good - Bodden has shown he can be an elite cover defender in this scheme before. Still young at 27. Good tackler and has ball skills.

The Bad - Played on the 0-16 Detroit Lions last year.

The Odds - Will make the team and start unless injuries strike. I personally thought Bodden was the best corner on the market. He fills a huge need for the Patriots and I think he has a lot more left than Springs.