1. First-round draft choice Jerod Mayo:

After missing the first practice of training camp while his contract was being finalized, the 6-foot-1-inch, 242-pound Mayo has been a mainstay. He initially was leading a sub package, but has recently been seeing more time in the base 3-4 alignment next to Tedy Bruschi. He shows signs of promise, and if he fills a spot in the middle, it will free Adalius Thomas to move into more of a pass-rushing role.