FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Before coach Bill Belichick can decisively address the New England Patriots' needs this offseason, he first needs to determine what he already has on the roster. Perhaps no position is more important in that area than linebacker.
The position was part of the core of past Patriots championship teams, with Tedy Bruschi, Bryan Cox, Willie McGinest, Roman Phifer and Mike Vrabel solidifying things in the early 2000s. In the more recent championship runs, Rob Ninkovich, Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Jerod Mayo and Kyle Van Noy were key contributors.
How far the current Patriots are from stocking their linebacker room with championship-caliber talent takes some forecasting because of how young they are.