New England Patriots 2009 Additions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.