Last year, most of the new faces the New England Patriots had at minicamp were on offense. Although linebacker Adalius Thomas had been acquired, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth were the main attractions.

This year, many of the new names are on the defensive side of the ball, where the Patriots drafted as well as signed free agents to help bolster a unit that has allowed opponents to put together 80-yard touchdown drives that ultimately ended New England's season in each of the last two years.

Beginning today, the Patriots will hold their three-day minicamp, which serves as a time for the players - particularly those new to the New England system - to put into practice the lessons they've been learning over the last few months.

The minicamp is the last time players and coaches will be together in a formal setting until training camp begins in late July.

All eyes will likely be on first-round draft pick Jerod Mayo, who carries the weight of expectations heaped on the No. 10 overall pick, but also as the first linebacker the Patriots have selected on day one of the NFL Draft during the Bill Belichick-Scott Pioli Era.

In the passing camps New England has held in recent weeks, Mayo was lined up at weakside inside linebacker and showed quickness dropping back in coverage. The 6-foot-1 Virginia native will be working alongside free-agent pickup Victor Hobson, who also is picking up the inside linebacker spot after spending most of his career on the outside, and veteran Tedy Bruschi.

Hobson will likely be watched closely by observers, as well. Although he played outside in the New York Jets' 3-4 system, Belichick has determined that the 6-foot, 252-pounder will play inside with the Patriots. After last week's passing camp, Belichick noted that Hobson will bring his smarts, athleticism and toughness during the transition inside.

Also out to show how quickly they've picked up the New England playbook will be safety Tank Williams, who did some work in the linebacker-type role Rodney Harrison has played in recent seasons during passing camps; veteran cornerbacks Fernando Bryant and Jason Webster, as well as rookie corners Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite and the rest of the Pats' youngest players.

While much of the attention will be on the defense, there are storylines to watch for on the other side of the ball. Near the top of the list is what happens with Nick Kaczur. With news that Kaczur was arrested on a charge of illegal possession of a prescription painkiller in April and then was later cooperated as an informant with the Drug Enforcement Agency to help apprehend his alleged OxyContin dealer, his status with the Patriots is uncertain.

Under NFL rules, players could be suspended for up to four games for a first-time offense of violating the law when it comes to substances of abuse other than alcohol. In an e-mail on Wednesday, league spokesman Greg Aiello said NFL officials were aware of the report and were looking into it.

Ryan O'Callaghan, entering his third season, served as Kaczur's backup last season. New England signed veteran Oliver Ross earlier this week.

Worth keeping an eye on is how Matt Cassel responds to the two young quarterbacks who want his job. Matt Gutierrez has a year of experience, and New England spent a third-round pick on Kevin O'Connell. Tom Brady will get the lion's share of snaps with the first team, but it will be interesting to see how the rest of the snaps are meted out.