Box_O_Rocks

I expect Faulk back and productive in 2009, but your argument overlooks a key element - blitz pick-up.

Sammy Morris was someone I expected to be a decent third down back, and he can fill the role, but he's no Faulk on draws, screens, as a receiver, and as we've learned, blitz negater. Patrick Cobb was an option who came along too soon, he's developing nicely for Miami. BJeepers may or may not develop as a receiver and blocker, but like Morris he needs that extra step to get up to speed that Faulk doesn't.

I'll concede the average college RB can learn to tote the rock okay in the pros, it's those auxiliary duties that requires getting them into camp and working with them in an NFL system. BB doesn't have to draft a Faulk replacement, Pioli can scour the UDFA market and waiver wires for prospects and may find one - but finding another Faulk isn't going to be easy and I'd rather take a chance on someone like Ian Johnson with a late round pick - or BB can replace Hobbs and convert him back to RB (high school).

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mesoslo

L Maroney, is taking longer than one season to develope. Both Faulk and Welker are key to the patriots offense, so having the ability to put a Small RB that can be shifty and catch the ball would really help. Especially if welker or kevin faulk gets injured. Faulk is old, and welker is not shy of contact, so there is a chance that one of them could get injured.

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Box_O_Rocks

Ian Johnson was doing plenty of blocking against TCU in their bowl game. He needs some work with his technique and reads, and he'll need to get stronger, but the potential I suspected looked more realistic after watching that game.

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Warren94

Box,

I agree with a solid NFL program. Plust he can find the endzone.

dryheat44

I love the underdog types, but I suspect Johnson is going to find himself too limited athletically to be an NFL RB. He could be a dynamite Special Teams player, though.

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ALP

count me in the maroney-replaces-faulk group...

i think w/ a little work, maroney will be ready for the role in 2-3 years

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Box_O_Rocks

That's why I project him as a Third Down/Change of Pace Back and was watching to see if he showed any aptitude (using Kevin Faulk as the standard for comparison). I don't see him as the next Brian Westbrook, but I think his hands are soft enough as a receiver out of the backfield, his heart isn't in doubt, and he's shown this year that he's got the team first mentality to play wherever and howsoever the coaches want to use him - Returner, Change of Pace Back, Waterboy, I think this kid will be there Rd 5 or later and is worth a flyer (I'm projecting him to clear waivers and camp on the Practice Squad until Faulk retires).

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mgteich

Would that be after his contract ends at the end of the 2010 season?

Maroney has two years left on his contract. The team will find a role for him. For example, I would like to see him returning kicks, and perhaps even punts.

Box_O_Rocks

Maroney will take care of himself. Faulk is still playing well, and doesn't have the mileage of a feature back, so he should be good for the rest of his contract and maybe longer, God willing. I just like the idea of obtaining late round/UDFA backs who have similar tools and letting them work on their blitz pick-up and receiving skills. Of course Johnson could also make a fine Gunner/Outside Contain man, I also think he might be a good understudy to Welker as a PR, and he's already worked as a KR.

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Ochmed Jones

I would love to see Maroney returning kicks. It would help Hobbs to stay healthy.