SS Patrick Chung — Chung proved he was a special-teams playmaker in 2010, and the third-year pro could be primed for a big season in the Patriots’ defensive backfield in ‘11. He started 13 games last season and had three picks, including an interception returned for a score. Chung might be ready to take his play to the next level, assuming he can improve in coverage. The Patriots need to improve upon last year’s 30th ranking in pass defense, and a breakthrough campaign by Chung could help make that happen. He is generally better in the box and has been used on blitzes, but Chung could take the athleticism he has displayed near the line of scrimmage and on special teams to the passing defense as well. Chung’s days of being overlooked by his Pro Bowl safety mate Brandon Meriweather could be over. Someone on New England’s defense needs to take the next step to get New England back to the Super Bowl, and it could be Chung’s turn.