patsinthesnow

The RB core for 2011 should be the most changed position from 2010-2011.

All 5 of the 53 man RBs contracts end after the 2010 season.

*Laurence Maroney-Many, including myself, highly doubt he will be resigned.

*Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are two of the oldest in the league and they will probably retire. Highly unlikely to be resigned.

*Kevin Faulk could stay for 1 more year in his role.

*BJGE could either be let go or have a Sammy Morris/Fred Taylor role for 2011.
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So which RB(s) in the 2011 class do you want? I think you need to commit the patriots 1st rounder and maybe a late round flyer on the RB position.

the wrothbroughterer

I'm expecting complete turnover in that department at the end of the year. Faulk and Taylor will likely retire, Sammy Morris could retire but I wouldn't be shocked if he hit FA, and BB will probably try and find an upgrade over the Law Firm.

There could be a very deep group of backs coming out in the draft. I've been beating the Mark Ingram drum since the draft ended and will continue to do so. I'd also like to see them take Noel Devine from West Virginia. Those two would would make a fierce 1-2 punch. Ingram would be that ideal bruiser/burner back who just grinds out 1st downs, is money on short yardage(imagine him on that 4th and 2 last year against IND), and kills clock the way Corey Dillon did for us in the 4th quarter. Noel Devine would present a completely different challenge for defenses. He brings great speed out of the backfield, would be a great addition to the spread offense as a pass catcher, and could of course spell Ingram as necessary.

The 3rd RB should be another Fred Taylor type, a vet with a little gas in the tank to pick up the slack. I'd like to see if a UDFA/small school player make the roster in the Law Firm's role.

BillBelichickFan79

Ryan Williams, VATech

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Defsoul

He is very impressive. Runs hard, good vision and balance and can catch the football out of the backfield. But will he declare? He may stay another year since he is only a redshirt sophomore.

stinkypete

Don't forget blitz pickup. A true replacement for Faulk must be able to pick up the blitz and protect the QB.

Some interesting FA names to look at next offseason: Joseph Addai, Michael Bush, Ahmad Bradshaw, Steven Jackson, Leon Washington. IMO, Bradshaw would look great in Faulk's role.

chowder

Keep an eye on Shane Vereen at Cal. He's almost as fast as jahvid best and more durable.

Criptonite

I doubt Ryan Williams comes out next year. As for Devine, he's too small to be a starter and too talented not to be selected within he first few rounds. I think that combination would rule him out as far as the Pats are concerned. Ingram would be fantastic, but we'd need to use an early pick on him which may be better spent on other positions like a stud DE or a stud pass rushing LB. I'd rather have either of those than a stud RB. On the other hand, there could be a huge dropoff after Ingram whereas the 3-4 DE class looks extremely deep. Maybe a guy like Evan Royster would make more sense. I've always liked the skills of Brandon Saine, but he's constantly injured. Maybe if he can actually stay healthy he could be an option too.

Criptonite

Oh I forgot about him! Yeah I'm on board with Vereen. Good call.

patsinthesnow

I like Jacquizz Rodgers with our late 2nd round pick. He's 5'7 193 pounds, so even though he's short, he has a good size build for his height. He carried it 273times last season so I bet he could carry it 15-20 times in the NFL.

For a 1st round RB, I only like Mark Ingram and if Ryan Williams declared.

Defsoul

Jacquizz Rodgers is one of my favorite players in college football right now. He not only carried the ball 273 times for 1,440 yards, but also had 78 catches for 522 yards receiving.

Another running back I will keep my eye on is John Clay. He is pretty big at 6-1, 248 lb and runs with good balance for a guy his size.