Patriots owner Robert Kraft called the last two seasons "brutal" and feels the team is on the upswing. (AP photo)

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft can feel the change in his organization – change for the better.

“The last two years have been really difficult, the worst two years of our ownership,” Kraft said during a media gathering at the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla. “And so we’ve tried to create a foundation of a new beginning.”

Kraft touched base on a variety of Patriot topics, but the main thing is he feels the vibe in the building has changed thanks in a great part to new head coach Mike Vrabel and the front office help and assistant coaches he’s brought in. So he feels the Patriots are better off now than they were at this same point last season.

“I think we’re ahead of that,” Kraft said. “We have some real talent in the locker room, and we’re privileged to have a head coach who has learning curve experience, and has really come in and created a great atmosphere. I remember him as a player, and his competitive attitude. He’s grown as an individual of having that edge and being able to build a sense of team and cooperation.

“Every part of the building feels he’s someone they can relate to, he’s cooperating and putting team first.”

Thus, Kraft said, expectations are on the rise. Greater than a year ago?

“I think that’s fair,” Kraft said, adding “Reaching out and signing hopefully good free agents, we have the foundation I hope we’re never drafting No. 4 again in my lifetime.

“If you want to build a team that is gonna win and sustain winning, you have to have good drafts. Unfortunately over the last few years, we have not done a good job in that area.”

That’s been a theme Kraft has repeated over the years, but he feels that will change this year.

“I really thank we’re on that path now.”

Kraft said the culture in the organization is now “an open culture” were disagreements and different views are welcome. The people Vrabel has brought in, and Kraft says that “having a plan and being able to connect the dots and put it all together, I see it happening.”

On free agent spending, Kraft said “There’s never been a case in 31 years when people come to us to spend and we said no, not one time. We want to feel confident we’re doing it and improving.”

And Kraft feels the money spent on defense has helped the defense “improve greatly.”

“We want to strengthen the offense a little on the line and in the receiver area,” Kraft said. “Maybe a speed running back. I’m talking as a fan.”

What would make the season a success?

“To me? Make the playoffs,” Kraft said.

Kraft said the NFLPA survey that gave the Patriots a low score in terms of player amenities, conditions, etc. “opened my eyes in a way” and “We want to do everything we can to make this the best place you can go.”

Kraft said that changed with the tough last two years and it’s “management and ownership’s job to make this a place people really want to come to.”

As for the much talked about ash trays on the team plane that was noted in the survey, Kraft scoffed at that idea, saying that’s not the case. But he did say the team planes need to be improved.

“We’re in process of trying to update and improve that,” he said. “They’ve done a lot of good, but we do need an upgrade.”

Kraft was asked about a succession plan for his ownership, but said that it’s really already in place as oldest son Jonathan has been a full partner in every move the team has made.

“Jonathan has been part of every key decision I’ve made in the last 30 years and is a full partner in everything,” he said. “We have a plan that’s in place for all of our businesses. … Let’s see what happens over the next two or three years.”

But right now he wants to see what happens this year, as the owner of the team that has won six Super Bowls craves a winning season.

“After my family, this team is the most important thing in my life, and the bottom line is winning games,” he said. “These last two years have been brutal, really.”