0 of 5

Associated Press

If you're not getting better, you're getting worse.

The New England Patriots—like hopefully every team in the NFL—subscribe to that cliche when they look to improve their roster each year. But that statement also applies to improving from within.

Addition by subtraction can sometimes lead to the most important improvements of all, as another year in the league can often make a huge difference in a player's understanding of the game and his ability to react quickly to the situations that arise.

Many of the players on this list are young players recently added to the team. Several will have more opportunities to get onto the field, thanks to the departure of veterans at their position. Others are expected to take a step up as a starter at their position.

Their stories are different, but the hope for each is the same: more experience means more production.