3. Youth vs. experience

The Patriots project to keep nine or 10 linebackers, and the locks would presumably be Mike Vrabel, Adalius Thomas, Pierre Woods, and Shawn Crable on the outside, and Jerod Mayo and Tedy Bruschi on the inside. Larry Izzo and Eric Alexander are likely to stick because of their special teams duties, so that leaves one or two spots. Rookies Gary Guyton, Vince Redd, and Bo Ruud (91) all show some promise, while veteran Victor Hobson has played sparingly but has the desired experience. A strong performance by any of the players in that group could clinch a roster spot.