Every year, the NFL draft gives us a look at the stars of tomorrow.
There's no rule, however, that they can't also be the starters of today.
The New England Patriots are not typically a team that inserts its rookies into the starting lineup from Day 1, holding a rookie's feet to the fire and hoping he rises to the challenge. They prefer to take the slow approach, allowing their younger players time to learn the complicated system and to get up to speed with the fast-paced NFL.
With a few high-profile departures, however, the Patriots may be feeling a little stronger sense of urgency to address those needs now.