New England Patriots: 5 Signings That Will Help Tom Brady the Most in 2011

The 2011 offseason is one to be remembered—especially if your a New England Patriots fan.

The Patriots enter 2011 with a lot of expectations; many believe that it has to be Super Bowl or bust for this team.

New England brought in a few new faces and re-signed a few of their own; overall, they've been rather active this free agency.

Here are five signings that will help Tom Brady out the most in 2011. 

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Matt Light

Was I the only one that was rather concerned that Matt Light may not be back in 2011 and that rookie Nate Solder was going to be responsible for protecting Tom Brady's blind side?

Either way, Light is back, and he's back for two more years.

Light is a proven player that has done a fantastic job at being New England's left tackle over the course of 10 years.

Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco is not Randy Moss, and is not going to be expected to be. However, he should emerge as one of Tom Brady's favorite targets in 2011.

There's no doubt that Ochocinco is a competitor, and that he's now on a mission to prove everyone wrong.

Many believe that Ochocinco is on the decline and the end is near for the 33-year-old. However, Brady is going to turn his career around this season. 

Kevin Faulk

Kevin Faulk may not play a whole lot in 2011, but his presence will be known as he'll be acting almost as a player-coach. 

New England's running back corps is young to say the least. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are all under 26 years old and could use some veteran leadership. 

Faulk is going to be a key part to the team's development of its running backs, and this will ultimately help out Tom Brady. 

Logan Mankins

Thankfully, Logan Mankins agreed to sign his one-year franchise tag worth $10.51 million.

Mankins is arguably the best offensive guard in football and is a key member of New England's offensive line.

When it comes to New England's offensive line, they need to protect Tom Brady at all costs, and Mankins alongside Matt Light have done a terrific job. 

Ryan Mallett

Believe it or not, Ryan Mallett is going to help Tom Brady a lot in 2011.

Mallett may not have any tips of wisdom for Brady, but simply the idea of a young, talented quarterback behind him is going to raise the competitive nature out of Brady. 

There is no other player in the NFL that understands this like Brady, as he was once in Mallett's position. When Brady was drafted by New England in 2000, there were six quarterbacks selected ahead of him, hence the ESPN production of the Brady 6. 

Brady was obviously the most talented quarterback out of the 2000 draft class, and many believe that Mallett is the most talented one out of this past year's class. Not to mention, there were six quarterbacks selected ahead of Mallett...coincidence or not? You be the judge.

I am not saying that Mallett is going to steal Brady's job away from him like he did with Drew Bledsoe, but some healthy competition is definitely welcomed.