May 8 marks the day where the first 32 selections of the 2014 NFL draft will be selected in the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. NFL teams will have the chance to make decisions on players that can potentially set the foundation for a promising future, or make mistakes and have to try again next year.

This draft class is one of the best and deepest classes in recent history, and round one promises to be extremely exciting. Here’s my first mock draft of the first round and where I believe the top prospects could go.

1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, University of South Carolina
Clowney is a once-in-a-generation defensive player. Even though there is a need at quarterback, they would be, for lack of a better word, stupid to not draft him.

2. St. Louis Rams: Greg Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Auburn University
The Rams benefit from having two early picks in the draft this year and need help stabilizing the offensive line for signal-caller Sam Bradford. Robinson can do that.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Khalil Mack, Outside Linebacker, University at Buffalo
Mack is regarded as the second best defensive player in the draft and a pass rushing machine.

4. Cleveland Browns: Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M University
Manziel would bring a spark back to Cleveland and instantly make them a contender in the somewhat weak AFC North.

5. Oakland Raiders: Sammy Watkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson University
Watkins doesn’t have the size of a Calvin Johnson, but the comparisons are already being made, and with good reason.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M University
Keeping quarterback Matt Ryan on his feet is a serious concern for Atlanta and Matthews can be an immediate contributor in that area of the game.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M University
Tampa Bay needs another weapon to line up opposite Vincent Jackson, and trading Mike Williams to the Buffalo Bills opens up space for this kind selection.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Blake Bortles, Quarterback, University of Central Florida
Minnesota is still looking for that franchise quarterback, and Bortles might just be that.

9. Buffalo Bills: Eric Ebron, Tight End, University of North Carolina
Ebron becomes E.J. Manuel’s new best friend as a multi-use threat for the second-year quarterback.

10. Detroit Lions: Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Oklahoma State University
Detroit’s offense is well set, and now they look to add to a weak secondary by taking one of the draft’s best CB.

11. Tennessee Titans: Anthony Barr, Outside Linebacker, University of California-Los Angeles
Tennessee adds a strong pass rusher for their front seven in Barr.

12. New York Giants: Taylor Lewan, Offensive Tackle, University of Michigan
Giving Eli Manning more time in the pocket will make him throw less interceptions in 2014.

13. St. Louis Rams: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Free Safety, University of Alabama
After solidifying the offensive line with their first pick, the Rams shore up their secondary by drafting this year’s best safety.

14. Chicago Bears: Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, University of Pittsburgh
Adding Donald to a defensive line with Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen instantly remakes what was one of the league’s worst defensive lines last year into one of the best for 2014.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darqueze Dennard, Cornerback, Michigan State University
Pittsburgh desperately needs secondary help and will find some with Dennard.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Kony Ealy, Defensive End, University of Missouri
After losing DeMarcus Ware, Dallas needs a new edge rusher. Enter Kony Ealy.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Pryor, Free Safety, Louisville University
Pryor will try to fill the hole left by Ed Reed two years ago as a hard-hitting safety with good range that can help in the passing game as well.

18. New York Jets: Odell Beckham, Wide Receiver, Louisiana State University
Geno Smith desperately needs weapons around him, and the Jets take the best WR available on the board at this point in the draft.

19. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Su’a-Filo, Offensive Guard, University of California-Los Angeles
Nobody needs to be reminded of why the Dolphins need to totally change the culture of their offensive line. What better way than to bring in one of the year’s best college linemen?

20. Arizona Cardinals: Timmy Jernigan, Defensive Tackle, Florida State University
Arizona takes the best player on the board who can add to an already solid Arizona defense.

21. Green Bay Packers: Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas Tech University
Amaro gives Aaron Rodgers another weapon to go to after losing James Jones and, potentially, tight end Jermichael Finley.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver, Oregon State University
Cooks has already said he thinks he can be better than DeSean Jackson. What better place to prove it than in Philadelphia, Jackson’s old team.

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Marqise Lee, Wide Receiver, University of Southern California
Lee is yet another WR to go in the first round, giving Alex Smith someone to throw to other than Dwayne Bowe.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: C.J. Mosley, Inside Linebacker, University of Alabama
Mosley surprisingly falls this low, but will add depth to an already solid Cincinnati Bengals front seven.

25. San Diego Chargers: Kyle Fuller, Cornerback, Virginia Tech University
San Diego tries its best to slow down Peyton Manning by covering his WRs.

26. Cleveland Browns: Jason Verrett, Cornerback, Texas Christian University
Verett will be able to line up on the other side of Joe Haden and add to the already great offseason Cleveland is having.

27. New Orleans Saints: Scott Crichton, Defensive End, Oregon State University
New Orleans needs to find better ways to rush the passer and Crichton fits the bill.

28. Carolina Panthers: Jarvis Landry, Wide Receiver, Louisiana State University
Carolina continues the WR rebuild with Landry, who will become very good friends with Cam Newton.

29. New England Patriots: Stephon Tuitt, Defensive End, Notre Dame University
Tuitt’s versatility makes him an ideal Patriot since he can line up at DE or defensive tackle, and should add to the pass rush.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Davante Adams, Wide Receiver, Fresno State University
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick needs an option to throw downfield to, Adams can become that deep threat he needs.

31. Denver Broncos: Dee Ford, Defensive End, Auburn University
Denver continues to add pass rush specialists in hopes to recreate what Seattle did to them in Super Bowl 48.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver, Florida State University
Benjamin becomes Russell Wilson’s favorite red zone target with his monstrous frame and great leaping ability.

With the NFL Draft about a month away, the NFL has turned to scouting college players, planning visits with prospects to try and determine what they want to do with their picks. With so much of the draft unknown, and the fact that they have a late-round pick at 29, the Patriots need to have multiple options to go to.

The team has filled many needs in free agency with signings that include cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, wide receiver Brandon LaFell, as well as retaining their own players in Julian Edelman and Vince Wilfork. The draft can be used by the Patriots to finish off their roster in hopes of attaining their fourth Lombardi Trophy.

One option that the Patriots are known to do is trade out of the first round all together. Head coach Bill Belichick ended up trading out of the first round last year, which helped the team acquire linebacker Jamie Collins, cornerback Logan Ryan and eventually get running back LeGarrette Blount.

This year’s draft has constantly been claimed as one of the deepest draft classes in recent history and it would not be unlikely for The Hoodie to trade down their first round pick for additional picks in the second, third and later rounds. With additional picks in these rounds, look for the Patriots to draft players like Florida University defensive tackle Dominique Easley and Notre Dame University tight end Troy Niklas. If the Patriots learned anything from last year, it’s that a team can never have too much depth.

Wide receiver is also a position where the Patriots could use their first round pick on. Although it does not seem like a large area of need, the Patriots have shown interest in multiple potential first round wide receivers. Texas A&M University’s Mike Evans, Oregon State University’s Brandin Cooks and Florida State University’s Kelvin Benjamin have all drawn interest from the Patriots.

The most intriguing of these prospects is Benjamin. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he has a monstrous frame that would lead to matchup nightmares. His presence would instantly help the red zone offense as both Benjamin and tight end Rob Gronkowski could become a dangerous one-two punch near the endzone. Benjamin could very well be available at pick 29, and if he is, quarterback Tom Brady could have a new weapon in his arsenal for 2014.

If the Patriots decide to go defense with their first round selection, look for them to boost the defensive line. Auburn University’s Dee Ford, Notre Dame’s Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix III, and Minnesota University’s Ra’Shede Hageman are all potential players that will be available for New England to draft. While Ford and Hageman are known to get at the quarterback, Nix or Tuitt might be the two players the Patriots are targeting. Tuitt has already visited with the team, and multiple analysts have linked Nix to the Patriots as the potential successor to Vince Wilfork.

Another young body for the defensive line would only solidify a Patriots defense that is already much improved from last year.

Even with the visits with two of the top three quarterbacks, it is highly doubtful the Patriots would use that pick on a signal-caller. Look for the Patriots to use the pick as a trade piece to add depth, or go out and draft a player that they believe can be plugged in for immediate results. Like always, Belichick seems to have something up his sleeve, and I’m sure the 2014 NFL Draft will show at least a surprise or two involving the New England Patriots.

The 2013 season for the Boston Red Sox went exponentially better than most people could have ever dreamed.

Winning the World Series after what happened the previous two seasons seemed like a distant, far off fantasy that the team could only begin to rebuild toward. But, with a great season from ownership and the front office, all the way down to players and managers, the Red Sox were the last team standing. The real question now is, how do they follow it up? Here are some very — very — early predictions for the 2014 Boston Red Sox.

The beards will be gone

The 2013 Boston Red Sox will forever be remembered for their facial hair. The beards brought the team together and gave them a form of brotherhood that they could rally behind. The beards will be gone this year. Outfielder Jonny Gomes has already said that he is already thinking about new team building ideas that can help bring the team together again this year. There may be a few players who will keep their beards like Mike Napoli, but for the most part they will be gone. Look for the Sox to come up with some new crazy symbol to rally behind this year.

Xander Bogaerts will win American League Rookie of the Year

The 21-year-old phenom from Aruba enters the season looking to find a starting roster spot on the Red Sox for opening day. Bogaerts started to impress Red Sox fans in the minor leagues, and then ended up playing a key role in not only the final stretch of the regular season, but also in the playoffs. Bogaerts has an immense skill set and can play either shortstop or third base effectively. He also shows flashes of great power, as he has the ability to drive the ball to any field. Give this kid a full year to play and he has a chance to hit .300 while putting up 25-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs. Bogaerts is the next big thing, and he should prove it in an award-winning 2014 season.

2013 overachievers will come back to Earth

2013 saw many players overachieve for the Red Sox. Players like Daniel Nava, Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara all played pivotal roles for the Red Sox in both the regular season and the postseason. But this year these players should come back down to Earth and play more like the utility players they are. It was just a year ago that Uehara was a washed up reliever whom nobody wanted, and then in a few months he’s in the running for World Series MVP. The Red Sox overachieved in 2013. Look for more of these players to play more like their career averages in 2014.

The Boston Red Sox will not repeat as World Series Champions

Unfortunately, I cannot see the Red Sox repeating this year as World Series champions. I truly believe they overachieved last year due to a strong sense of brotherhood along with the emotional push they got from “Boston Strong” and the Boston Marathon bombings. I do believe that they will make the playoffs, but they will be eliminated in either the American League Divisional Series or the Championship Series. Repeating as champions is extremely difficult for any team regardless of talent and depth, and I’m not totally sold that the Red Sox can overcome that obstacle.

The biggest concern for the NFL after it decided to let New York’s MetLife Stadium host Super Bowl XLVIII was that weather would become a large factor in determining the outcome of the game. As of now, the forecast for the Super Bowl is cold and rainy — quite unlike the games we’ve seen in recent years that were played in domes or warm climates.

Regardless of what any football analyst says, the weather is the absolute largest X-factor in Super Bowl XLVIII.

The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos play nearly polar opposite styles of football. Denver’s Peyton Manning and his record setting offense want to make the game a track meet where he can air it out all day to his cast of Pro Bowl-caliber receivers, while cornerback Richard Sherman and the Seahawks “Legion of Boom” wants to slow the game down and stop Manning from driving as much as they can.

If the weather forecast holds out and it is cold and rainy on Super Bowl Sunday, then the Seattle Seahawks will win their first ever Super Bowl. A cold, rainy game plays right into their hands as they are a ground and pound team that lives off running the ball with Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch. Russell Wilson has the ability to make a throw if he needs to, but he also has the ability to get outside the pocket and run for some yards himself. Add that to the top ranked defense in the NFL, and this team should be praying for the absolute worst weather possible on Sunday.

Manning has put up the best statistical season by any quarterback in NFL history. Breaking nearly every offensive record there is, the Broncos have had few issues scoring points this year.

Manning won’t be as lucky as he was during the AFC Championship game when he benefitted from sunny, 60 degree weather and his Broncos beat the New England Patriots 26-16. He will have difficulty passing the ball against the Seahawks superb secondary, but add onto that a cold, driving rain, and it only adds up for disaster for the Broncos. Although Denver running backs Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball have done a decent job all year, if Manning can’t establish the pass game, the Seahawks front seven should be able to keep them in check.

If the weather forecast stays the same, Manning’s historic season will run short and he will lose his second straight Super Bowl appearance. There have been four quarterbacks who have led the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns, as Manning did this season. The three quarterbacks before him all lost in the Super Bowl.

The more physical, defensive teams normally find a way to win in February over the more offensive, finessed teams. With bad weather in the forecast, this only helps Seattle’s cause. On Sunday, Russell Wilson will lead the Seahawks to their first ever Super Bowl title over Manning’s Denver Broncos.

Game 3 of the 2013 World Series will forever be debated. Was there interference, or was there not interference? Should the umpire have called it in that situation, or should he have let it slide?

What is definite is that the Red Sox now find themselves in a non-ideal scenario down 2-1 with two games remaining in St. Louis before the series shifts back to Fenway Park, if necessary.

Even before the obstruction call, the Red Sox suffered from poor managing. John Farrell had an opportunity to pull the double switch and have a hitter bat for relief pitcher Brandon Workman and then bring in another pitcher, most likely Koji Uehara, to pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Sox fans are also beginning to scratch their heads about why Farrell continues to start shortstop Stephen Drew. Drew has shown absolutely nothing offensively and continues to put in bad at-bats that do not help the team move runners or have any semblance of productivity.

Farrell is starting to feel the pressure to possibly put Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, and start Will Middlebrooks at third to help mix up the lineup and get the struggling Drew on the bench. If Boston is going to find a way to win the World Series, they need better managing from their skipper.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Sox found themselves in a 4-4 tie with runners on second and third and one out. Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay took a Uehara splitter up the middle. Dustin Pedroia made a diving stop to keep the ball in the infield, and gunned it home to get the out at the plate, which is where the trouble began.

Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia decided to try to get the runner out at third instead of simply holding onto the ball, a complete misjudgment on his part as baseball players are taught at a young age to simply hold the ball and not make errors that lead to easy runs.

The throw was made, however, and the hobbled Allen Craig got tangled up with Middlebrooks as the ball soared into left field. Good heads-up defense led to the ball being quickly relayed back to home, where it appeared that Saltalamacchia laid down the tag in time to end the inning.

As it turns out, that would not be the case.

Obstruction was called on Middlebrooks, which allowed Craig to score despite Salty’s tag. Players ran to the umpire to plead their case, but it was all for naught as the play was final and the game was over.

Major League Baseball is standing behind their umpires in saying that was the right call, but the play is still highly controversial. I challenge anyone to recall the last time a walk-off occurred because of an obstruction call.

The major point in this case is that a call like that should not end a game of that magnitude. The umpires are directly altering the course of this series with a call like that. If there was no obstruction called, I don’t think there would have been a large outcry from the St. Louis Cardinals about the no call.

This World Series is now altered forever. I’m not saying that the Red Sox would have won the game, but they clearly lost it because of a horrible call from bad officiating. The major sports need to have officials stop altering games on calls that are vague and highly subjective. Middlebrooks should have had to tackle Craig to the ground to justify that call, but instead he merely tried to get off the ground and got caught up with the baserunner.

If Boston ends up going on to lose this series, the team and fans alike will have a very bad taste in their mouth over the offseason because of the umpires’ decision in a pivotal moment in Game 3.

It’s one thing to lose to a better team, but it is something completely different to lose due to poor officiating. Although adversity is something this Red Sox team is not unfamiliar with, they face a lot of it as they try to climb their way back into this series and bring another championship banner to Yawkey Way.

After finishing the first quarter of the season with a perfect 4-0 record, the New England Patriots are starting to look like the Patriots of old. Winning with strong defense and timely offense, they are starting to pull the pieces together and find a winning formula. With this success, there are awards to hand out on both sides of the ball.

Defensive MVP: Cornerback Aqib Talib

Without a doubt, Talib has been the glue that has held this defense together. He very well could be the entire team’s MVP through the first four games. It seemed like centuries have passed since the Patriots have had a shutdown corner a la Ty Law that can take away a team’s top receiver.

New England has finally found it in the Tampa Bay castaway. Through the first four games Talib is tied for first in the NFL in interceptions with four and tied for second in passes defended with seven. Talib has done nothing but dominate opposing receivers, which allows the Patriots to do things they haven’t done in years on defense.

What makes Talib a unique player is the combination of his size and speed. Standing in at 6-foot-one and 205 pounds, Talib is larger than the average cornerback. He does not lack in speed either, something he showed against Atlanta when he kept up with wide receiver Julio Jones, who is considered one of fastest, most dynamic athletes in the game.

His ability to both overpower and keep up with receivers has allowed Talib to become one of the NFL’s most dominating cornerbacks so far this season.

If Talib can find a way to stay healthy and stay on the field for the entire season, this New England defense should be able to find a way to stay in games. His impact on the defense is monumental as he allows head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to run different and unusual schemes to slow down offenses. After signing a one-year contract this offseason, Talib has lined himself up for a massive pay day if he can keep up this impressive level of play. In the meantime, the Patriots will enjoy having a dominant cornerback shutting down the opposition.

Honorable Mention: Defensive End Chandler Jones

The second-year defensive end out of Syracuse University has started the year with three sacks in four games and is a pivotal part of the New England pass rush. He needs to continue to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stay healthy to make this New England defense roll.

Offensive MVP: Quarterback Tom Brady

Believe it or not, this could have just as easily gone to someone other than Brady. With strong performances in the Tampa Bay and Atlanta games, Brady clearly showed why he is still the guy in New England.

Although his stats through the first four games are not the Tom Brady stats we’re used to thus far – 7 TDs, 2 INTs, 87.4 quarterback rating – he continues to be one of the game’s best. Many considered Danny Amendola to be Brady’s top target beginning the year, yet he hasn’t played a complete four quarters and tight end Rob Gronkowski has yet to even play a snap. The only veteran receiver Brady has been able to rely on is Julian Edelman. Other than that, it’s been rookies and castoffs in the passing game.

Not all the rookies have been disappointing. Wideout Kenbrell Thompkins has started to come around, racking up 168 yards, three touchdowns and some pivotal receptions against the Buccaneers and Falcons. Fellow rookie receivers Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce have also showed spurts of skill, but haven’t shown it on a consistent basis quite yet. Edelman is regarded as the rock of Brady’s receiving arsenal and is tied for the league lead in receptions with 34 through the first four games.

For all intents and purposes, Edelman has successfully replaced Wes Welker as Brady’s trustworthy slot receiver.

Brady has been both criticized and praised through the first four games. After the rainy Thursday night game against the New York Jets, he was picked apart for being too rough on his rookie receivers and for showing negative emotion during the game. Against Atlanta, he was praised for taking this group of receivers no one has heard of and putting up over 300 yards and two touchdowns in one of the toughest places to play in the NFL. Love him or hate him, Tom Brady continues to do what he’s always done: find a way to win.

Although it might not be pretty and everyone might not agree with it, Brady is going to do what it takes to win. If that means holding teammates accountable for their mistakes, or even yelling at himself after missing a throw, No. 12 holds everyone to the highest level of responsibility for their performance. This level of leadership and drive is exactly what the Patriots need to take one of the league’s youngest teams deep into the playoffs.

Honorable Mention: The offensive line

This unit nearly got the award over Brady himself. The offensive line has been very good for the first quarter of the year and has been a key piece in helping the Patriots establish a strong running game to help open up their attack through the air. Although they have surrendered seven sacks through the first four games, that has a lot to do with Brady holding the ball longer and waiting for his young receivers to get open. Consistent strong play from the offensive line will be necessary to protect Brady and also help the running backs find holes and break off big plays.

With the arrival of the cool, autumn air, baseball fans are starting to have only one thing on their minds: the World Series.

After a spring and summer’s worth of playing baseball, analysts and experts are starting to mark down their World Series picks, so I’ll do the same. In its 109th edition, the 2013 World Series will be won by the Boston Red Sox after they take out the Pittsburgh Pirates in six games to become the first team of the 21st century to win three world championships.

Both Boston and Pittsburgh host some of the oldest teams in the league. These two historic franchises featured some of the most iconic players in baseball history. Honus Wagner, Ted Williams, Roberto Clemente and Carl Yastrzemski are only a few of the names of great ball-players who called either Boston or Pittsburgh home. Both teams have recent playoff droughts, although Pittsburgh’s is more severe than the mere three years it’s been since the Red Sox have seen postseason play.

The Pirates will come into the playoffs with one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Their team earned run average ranks second in all of baseball as of Sept. 17. Pitching wins in October. Like a strong defense in either the NFL or NHL, a strong pitching staff can lead an abysmal offense to a championship — just ask the 2010 and 2012 champion San Francisco Giants.

Boston’s pitching staff should not be taken lightly, either. Although they have had their ups and downs, Boston now sports one of the best four-man rotations in the Bigs in Jon Lester, Clay Bucholz, John Lackey and Jake Peavy. With all this pitching, don’t look forward to high-scoring games.

Offensively, the Red Sox have a clear edge. As of Sept. 17, Boston ranks first in the MLB in runs scored with 791; second in team batting average at .276; and first in slugging at .445. The Pirates rank 22nd, 24th and 18th in those same stats, respectively.

The Red Sox have shown time and time again that they do not stop scoring runs until the last out is made against them. Their timely hitting and no-die attitude will give them an edge in this tight matchup. Though Pittsburgh features a potential National League MVP in center fielder Andrew McCutchen and power in the middle of the lineup with slugging third baseman Pedro Alvarez, they will find it tough to keep up with the Red Sox offensively.

I have this series going six games due to the fact that these teams are so closely matched with one another. If my prediction is correct, the Red Sox will win the World Series trophy at home, something that they did not do in either 2004 or 2007.

As for World Series MVP, Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli will end up bringing home the award. The bearded slugger will produce power in the middle of the lineup that is sorely needed to protect both second baseman Dustin Pedroia and designated hitter David Ortiz. Throw in a few booming home runs over the Green Monster, and Mike Napoli has clearly shown he’s worth the $13 million owed to him this year.

This World Series will be defined by strong pitching, great defense and clutch hitting. When push comes to shove, “Boston Strong” should shine through and win it all. Although Pittsburgh is no cakewalk, I cannot see a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1992 winning it all in their first year back. Nevertheless, it will be an exciting series that any fan of America’s pastime can enjoy.

Losing a fan favorite will cause unrest with the fans of any team, but the loss of Wes Welker in free agency to the AFC rival Denver Broncos has Patriot fans scratching their heads, wiping away tears and wondering if the team will have an offense that could be Super Bowl worthy. If I have learned anything from being a Patriots fan during the past 13 seasons, it’s that head coach Bill Belichick always has a plan. Take a deep breath and relax, fellow Patriot fans. I have four reasons why the Patriots are a strong contender to play at Metlife Stadium in early February 2014.

1. Three-Headed Monster at Tight End

One strength the Patriots are known for is their depth in the tight end position. Look for the Patriots to utilize the best tight-end trio in the NFL: Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Jake Ballard. Ballard, who was acquired before the start of last season, missed the year due to injury. The 6-foot-6-inch, 275 pound Ballard matches Gronkowski in stature and had great success in his short career before tearing his ACL in Super Bowl XLVI. Look for New England to run three tight-end sets: Ballard and Gronkowski will line up as traditional tight ends, and Hernandez will serve as the wild card tight end, in the backfield and as the slot receiver. Health will remain the ultimate key in their success at this position, as all three of these players have shown that they can be struck by the injury bug.

2. Danny Amendola’s Potential

Danny Amendola was described as the “Next Wes Welker” even before he was signed by the New England Patriots. The 27-year-old slot receiver went to Texas Tech University, the same school Welker attended. Like Welker, he went undrafted and is joining the Patriots before the prime of his career.

See the correlation?

While he may be like Welker, this kid has been given the chance to do even bigger things than Welker did, which would include winning a Super Bowl. Amendola has more speed than Welker, which would allow the team to line him up as slot receiver but also as an outside receiver. Again, like the tight ends, health remains the ultimate question mark here, as Amendola has proven to be injury prone. But in an offensive position, where he was always the number one option in St. Louis, defensive players would make sure to pay extra attention to him. Look for him to have a huge first year in New England in a system where he is not the No. 1 option and can get many open looks.

3. The Running Game will Be Back

The Patriots had the ninth best running offense last year to supplement the best passing offense in the league. This will only improve in 2013. Stevan Ridley led the way as the starting running back. The second year out of LSU ran for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns, proving he has what it takes to be an elite running back in the NFL. Shane Vereen showed signs of being a multi-use weapon out of the backfield. Newcomer Leon Washington will help the return game, but he will also provide another multi-use weapon for Brady to use in third down situations. The loss of Danny Woodhead is upsetting, but the majority of this running back group will return ready to dominate in 2013.

4. Tom Brady

The fact of the matter is, when you have number 12 leading your offense, you always have a chance to win. Brady has proven, year in and year out, that he can take nearly any offensive group and make them play at a high level. He is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the league, both on and off the field, as seen this offseason. His new restructured deal allowed the Patriots to go out and become players for many defensive veterans that will only improve the young defense that was inconsistent last season. Brady is a pure winner and his ultimate goal is winning his fourth Super Bowl ring to cement his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks of all time. But, with every football player, Father Time is the ultimate equalizer. Brady knows, just as everyone else does, that the end of his career is coming sooner than we all want.