New England Patriots: Which Young Pats Will Be the Team's Next Big Stars?

The New England Patriots are one of the few team's in NFL history to rebuild, but maintain being competitive. Last season, with an extremely young defense, New England managed to go 14-2—which was just gravy for Pats' fans. 

The Patriots have the youngest team in the league, and are looking to return to their "dynasty-days" form. 

Out of all of New England's young and up-and-coming players, which ones will be "studs," leaders and player-makers of the future for New England?

(Keep in mind that Devin McCourty and Jerod Mayo have already established themselves as some of the league's best).  

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @     TonySantorsa.

Tight End Aaron Hernandez

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Tight end Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots runs for yards after the catch against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 45-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty

2010 was Aaron Hernandez' rookie season, and it was a year to remember.

Hernandez played in 14 games while recording 45 catches and scoring six touchdowns, while being the youngest player in the NFL.

The most intriguing attributes about Hernandez is his athletic and muscular frame. Hernandez is built like running back, as tall as a tight end and as fast a wide receiver—he's that much of a mismatch headache. 

Outside Linebacker Jermaine Cunningham

Harry How/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Jermaine Cunningham #96 of the New England Patriots on defense against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 24, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Jermaine Cunningham played 15 games in 2010 for the New England Patriots. Playing as a rookie, Cunningham recorded 28 tackles and one lone sack. 

Cunningham is projected to be a pass rushing outside linebacker, but will need to improve on his technique—he does have all the right intangibles to be special. 

Inside Linebacker Brandon Spikes

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Devin McCourty #32, Brandon Spikes #55 and Vince Wilfork #75 of the New England Patriots celebrate after McCourty intercepted a pass in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 i

The former Florida Gator had a great rookie season for the Patriots in 2010. 

Spikes recorded 38 tackles in 12 games for New England. In those 12 games, Spikes also had one interception and three pass deflections. 

Expect Spikes and Jerod Mayo to be one of the league's best inside linebacker tandem. 

Offensive Tackle Sebastian Vollmer

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Sebastian Vollmer #76 of the New England Patriots celebrates as he runs off the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-27 at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

New England's second year tackle Sebastian Vollmer played in all 16 games for the Patriots last season. 

Vollmer has showed he can play both left tackle and right tackle and can stop players like Indianapolis Colts' defensive end Dwight Freeney. 

In Vollmer's career, he's only allowed 2.5 sacks in a total of 30 games. 

Tight End Rob Gronkowski

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium in the second half on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Image

New England's other young tight end Rob Gronkowski played in all 16 games as a rookie in 2010. 

In those 16 games, Gronkowski caught 42 passes for 546 yards and a franchise record 10 touchdowns (most touchdowns as a rookie tight end). 

Along with Hernandez, Gronkowski will cause many problems for opposing team's defenses. 

Running Back Danny Woodhead

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots carries the ball as Jerraud Powers #25 of the Indianapolis Colts defends on November 21, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 31-28.

Danny Woodhead can be one of the league's top running backs if used correctly—and that's what New England has done.

In 2010, Woodhead averaged an impressive 5.6 yards-per-carry and scored five touchdowns on the ground. However, Woodhead can be an elite receiver out of the backfield as well. Woodhead reeled in 34 passes for 379 yards and one touchdown.

Expect Woodhead to have a breakout season in 2011. 

Wide Receiver Taylor Price

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Taylor Price #17 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Rams defeated the Patriots 36-35. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Taylor Price is certainly a stretch, but I feel that he has all the right intangibles to excel in New England's offense.

2010 was Price's rookie season, and he only played in one game. However, in that week 17 game for Price, he was pretty stellar. Price caught three passes 41 yards, and looked extremely fast and quick in space.

Expect Price's role to increase tremendously in 2011.