The AFC East has only gotten more talented during the 2023 offseason, but New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft still likes his team’s chances against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.

Kraft spoke to ESPN’s Mike Reiss at the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards at Gillette Stadium on Thursday. The six-time Super Bowl champion owner was a fan of what head coach Bill Belichick accomplished this spring.

“I’m excited to have football back,” Kraft said, via Reiss. “I liked our draft this year, and I hope that translates on the field. I know the guys are working very hard. I think we have the most difficult division in the NFL — the best balance of teams. All the other three teams are good, so we’ll have our challenges. But I’m really hopeful about this team.”

The Bills and Dolphins already were playoff teams last year and the Jets added quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

New England’s biggest additions might have come through coaching changes. The Patriots’ offense struggled last season with Matt Patricia calling plays and coaching the offensive line and Joe Judge as quarterbacks coach. Former Houston Texans head coach and Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien returned after a previous stint as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Former Patriots draft pick Adrian Klemm is now offensive line coach.

The Patriots also selected 12 players in the 2023 NFL Draft, many of which are already filling in key roles during organized team activities.

First-round pick Christian Gonzalez was taking top reps at cornerback during Tuesday’s practice. Second-round pick Keion White already looks like he’ll be rotating into the defensive line. Third-round pick Marte Mapu is taking reps at safety and linebacker. 

New England also seemingly took their kicker and punter of the future in Chad Ryland and Bryce Baringer and added needed depth on their offensive line with center Jake Andrews, tackle Sidy Sow and Atonio Mafi. They rounded out the draft with two intriguing wide receivers in Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas and two long, speedy cornerbacks in Ameer Speed and Isaiah Bolden. 

New England also added four undrafted free agents: QB/WR Malik Cunningham, tight end Johnny Lumpkin, special-teamer Jourdan Heilig and wide receiver Ed Lee.

Featured image via Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports