The New England Patriots will be looking to jump into training camp with a full cast, including wide receiver Julian Edelman who underwent foot surgery for the second time in the offseason.

Edelman broke his foot in November when the Pats played the New York Giants. He underwent his first surgery where a screw was placed inside. Though he did try to return in the postseason wars, Edelman ended up sitting out the rest of the season knowing a second surgery was needed.

That second surgery was done in the offseason but considered a minor one since it was considered to be a clean-up procedure. With that over and done with, Edelman is expected to be good to go and rejoining the Patriots once training camp opens shop.

Edelman, the Patriots' seventh round draft pick in 2009, was the team's top receiver in 2016. He shares that distinction with Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan and all of them could end up competing for starting spots.

Aside from those names, the Patriots drafted Malcolm Mitchell in the 2016 NFL draft and Nate Washington as well.

On the defensive end, questions now arise on who could comprise that unit. The Patriots have been quietly showing off good defense but replacements could be forthcoming. With Tom Brady's looming suspension, the Pats will have to hone up their defensive matrix to offset that big loss in case it becomes official.

The team will need to find someone to fill in the void of Chandler Jones who was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals. The Pats sent Jones off, knowing they were unlikely to re-sign him at free agency next offseason.

There is no word on who that person could be but expect the Patriots to use a variety of defensive ploys to make it work. With that said, it remains to be seen what defensive matrix they will use to hopefully help them out if Brady should end up in the sidelines.