Crazy Patriot Guy

I think BJGE and Woodhead were fantastic for us last season and will be important parts of this team going forward. However, I see us being one injury away from being totally screwed at the position. We need someone better than Taylor and Morris. (though I wouldn't mind having Morris back for STs and spot duty)

Free agency could cure this problem, allowing us to focus on other areas in the draft. If it doesn't though, I don't have a problem with us using a 1st or 2nd on the position. Again, BJGE and Woodhead did great but I don't think it's a position that can't be upgraded.

skinnydog

I think because the needs seem to be greater along the O-line and D-line. That and you can pick up a RB later in the draft or as a free agent.

Sciz

Because "solid but unspectacular" is what we need, and is what lasts until the end of the draft.

BelichickFan

It's a deep, though not top heavy, year at RB. We could get a Bilal or Ridley type in the mid rounds. Draft a guy like that and sign a midling free agent and there's no issue.

Snarf

I really think that BJGE has the potential to turn into a real playmaker over the next couple of years.

Yes, we do need better backups.

jmt57

To me it's more or less a combination of the four previous responses.

1. - Higher priority to the bigger needs at OLB, DE and OL

2. - Upgrade the OL and the running game improves

3. - Because they are the focus of the entire defense once they get the ball in their hands and are being simultaneously hit by multiple larger players, the career of a starting running back is usually shorter than that of any other position in the NFL. Combine that with the success many running backs selected later in the draft have had, and it probably makes more sense to use the early picks on another position.


It's not that the Pats don't need to revamp and upgrade the position - any or all of Taylor, Morris and Faulk may not return - it's just that to me it is the not as high a priority as other positions. My best guess is that the Pats will have at least three new faces in training camp at the position: a veteran free agent, a draftee and an undrafted free agent.

Froob

What I'd love to see is this going into opening day.
Benjarvus Green-Ellis
Danny Woodhead
Ricky Williams
John Kuhn
3rd-4th round draft pick
MAYBE Sammy Morris(good special teamer)

chicowalker

Is kuhn a FA?

signbabybrady

I really think this team would benifit enormously from a back that teams have to gameplan for both offensively and defensively.

I think we have enough amo to really solve this need.

I think we need to bring back Light and Mankin and upgrade at the RG or center and fill RB everything else we do this offseason should be geared to OLB and DL.

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Froob

I believe so, I doubt the packers let him get away though.