CheeseMonkeys

Near the beginning of the season we had what most thought was a mediocre group of RB's due to lack of success and the struggles to stay healthy. After Maroney was let go, Fred Taylor and BJGE were the guys to carry the load with Faulk as the 3rd down back/change of pace back. Suddenly, Taylor and Faulk both went down, which left us even weaker at the RB position. Of course we acquired Danny Woodhead after he was released from the Jets, and I'm sure at the time nobody thought he would make much of an impact. It was not looking good at all for us.

Things got better and week after week BJGE and Woodhead have continued to impress. Fred Taylor looks like he should be back soon and there is always Sammy Morris to take some carries if needed. Overall, I'm feeling good about the RB situation this season and now with Woodhead signed through 2012, it looks like we have our new 3rd down RB for the future. Of course there is a chance that if healthy, Faulk may return for another season and I hope he does.

I know a lot of people want us to get Mark Ingram or another top RB in next years draft, but I'm just not thinking it will happen. BJGE looks like he is the guy next year along with Woodhead. I don't expect Taylor to be around and Faulk is questionable. I think we still will draft a RB but I don't see it being in the first couple rounds, especially with our Raiders 1st round pick slipping further and further back. Does anyone think that the RB position is still much of a problem anymore?

BelichickFan

We do have to remember that Indy and Detroit are weak against the run. That said, I've moved from "BJGE is a backup and we need a real starter" to "BJGE is good and can be a solid part of a rotation". Instead of needing an Ingram, now we just need a good back to compete with and probably rotate with. Benny and the Jet (Woody) never, ever fumble which is proving to be really nice.

Not sure why you have the Raider pick slipping further and further back, though, it's a solid #14 right now and likely will be no worse than that at the end given their schedule. It's 5 or so spots below what I expected but not "further and further" back.

DOGWARZ

New england Will draft a RB next draft. There are many good Backs coming out into the draft next year. But tthey will not use a 1st round pick unless one an elite type falls into their lap ala Steve jackson. I see the a early 3rd round maybe late 2nd round. Jordan Todman Should be available around there.

CheeseMonkeys

Yes, #14 or #15 is still a great pick for us with the Raiders 1st, but it was originally thought to be a sure top 10 pick. At least I thought it was.

Free Agency is also a possibility to grab a RB.

convertedpatsfan

I agree. I'd be shocked if we spent a 1st rounder on RB, but we should nab someone later on in the draft.

andrewgarrr

I don't think they should draft skill positions on offense in the first round this year. I think they will be fine at those positions. I would be OK with taking a tackle or guard in the first round depending on the Mankins/Light situation. I still think DE and OLB are needs, in terms of youth and productivity. Generally, Bill does not draft on need so if a very talented RB falls to our spot, I'm sure Bill would pull the trigger, or of course... trade down.

BJGE, Woodhead, Faulk, Taylor, Morris. Faulk, Taylor, Morris are all FA after this year. I could see us taking an RB in the 2nd-3rd round, picking up a FA, and resigning Faulk and/or Morris.

patsfan13

We will add 1 or 2 backs next year. I see Faulk coming back but not Morris and Taylor.

1 back in the draft is what I see. Depend on value on the board where we draft. Biggest need young OL

__________________
"Some guys play in all-star games, some guys don't. I don't know who picks all those all-star teams. In all honesty, I don't know who picks the combine, for that matter," Belichick said. "How does (Miami-Ohio offensive lineman Brandon) Brooks not get invited to the combine? How did Vollmer not get invited to the combine? I don't know. We can't really worry about that. We just have to try to evaluate them the best we can."

betterthanthealternative

Why, why, why do we keep seeing posts that indicate that BB will pay ANY attention to positional needs when the draft roles around? Year after year after year they draft the best player available on their board regardless of the status of the roster. Year after year after year he explains this to us before and after each draft. Yet year after year after year we speculate on the draft as if he is paying attention to the position of the players first, rather than the quality of their play.

Year after year after year....

CheeseMonkeys

Yeah, your right. If there isn't a RB at the top of their board when their turn comes then they aren't getting one. Even if we are extremely thin at the RB position they won't draft one because one isn't at the top of their board.

Hey mods, he is right. You can go delete the draft forum we have because it is all a waste of time.

102 Pat

Actually, Woodhead signed a deal last week to keep him here till at least 2012!

Patriots, Danny Woodhead agree on contract extension - BostonHerald.com

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This offseason, it's almost like Belichick is saying, "I'm never going to let that happen again."

Mike Reiss 7/19/12