Pondering potential Kevin Faulk understudies

[Box_O_Rocks]

I've been pondering potential draft prospects to replace Patrick Pass and develop behind Faulk - not that I don't think Pass is washed up yet, I expect he will be an inexpensive re-signing. I just wanted to look at the draft for someone who could fill that utility back role (which does not include Mills until I see him taking tailback reps and running well inside).

I have two prospects, one I've seen in a few televised games, he will also be in the Senior Bowl in 3 hours: Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rutgers. I consider him an excellent prospect to understudy Kevin.

I just happened on this South Carolina player in my browsing and he was the trigger for this thread: Syvelle Newton, WR/QB/RB/FS, South Carolina. Ochmed, I believe you've watched this team a bit, any thoughts on the kid?

Lorenzo Booker, RB FL State, seems to have good hands and speed out of the backfield (He's also in the Senior Bowl), but it seems some have him as high as the first round, a bit too expensive for my thinking.

Who else might we consider?

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

Whoever the Pats might consider, the job of PR might be an understudies job. Especially if Troy retires....

 

[Remix 6]

I've been pondering potential draft prospects to replace Patrick Pass and develop behind Faulk - not that I don't think Pass is washed up yet, I expect he will be an inexpensive re-signing. I just wanted to look at the draft for someone who could fill that utility back role (which does not include Mills until I see him taking tailback reps and running well inside).

I have two prospects, one I've seen in a few televised games, he will also be in the Senior Bowl in 3 hours: Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rutgers. I consider him an excellent prospect to understudy Kevin.

I just happened on this South Carolina player in my browsing and he was the trigger for this thread: Syvelle Newton, WR/QB/RB/FS, South Carolina. Ochmed, I believe you've watched this team a bit, any thoughts on the kid?

Lorenzo Booker, RB FL State, seems to have good hands and speed out of the backfield (He's also in the Senior Bowl), but it seems some have him as high as the first round, a bit too expensive for my thinking.

Who else might we consider?

leonard is an expensive draft pick(round 2) so no thanks

i like Booker a lot..hes very fast and quick..hands are being used more @ Senior Bowl..hes more a late 2 or 3rd rounder b/c his production..FSU offense blew..didnt know how to use him but hes a first round talent at a 2nd-3rd round selection

consider: Garrett Wolfe - pretty small..tremendous production at Northen illinois but hes 5"7, 182 pounds. was @ senior bowl but got hurt on tuesday i think..hes pretty fast aswell and quick. Mid rounder, probably wont be starter in league b/c his small size but he'll be a 3rd down back possibly..a Kr/PR..kind of like Darren Sproles but im willing to take a chance and develope him itno a Faulk

theres few others guys that im a little unsure if they can be a good receiver out of backfield like Faulk

 

[BelichickFan]

I think we're a year or two early for finding Faulk replacements. A JAG is OK for a backup but a replacement for when Faulk retires doesn't need to be found yet.

 

[PonyExpress]

Maroney has the talent to replace Faulk and Dillon. Add Tony Hunt and the backfield is set for 5 years. I am a big fan of Hunt.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Maroney has the talent to replace Faulk and Dillon. Add Tony Hunt and the backfield is set for 5 years. I am a big fan of Hunt.

What little I've read of Hunt looks very promising.

If Leonard was still there at 28 in the second round, I'd still consider him. Maroney may be able to replace Faulk, but I think he is the feature back if he can be taught to run down hill more consistently. Leonard would be a change of pace from Maroney and a weapon with more versatility in 3rd down situations - IMHO of course. I was ready to consider Wolfe, but we're giving up 30 pounds and I don't believe he could ever be the blocker Kevin is on blitz pick-ups.

We have Faulk, Andrews, Childress, and Jackson who have returned punts, I think Bam or Willie could be developed into a possession PR like Troy.

I don't believe BB/SP draft or hire for JAG skill sets. I believe Pass going to IR hurt us the most in Indy after Faulk went down. It may be that you wish to consider Pass a JAG, but he's proven himself in a Utility/3rd down Back role, which is what I'm shopping for here - someone who can create mismatches, block well, and convert first downs. I can't bring myself to consider such a player a JAG or to think filling the position with a JAG addresses the value of the role.

 

[cstjohn17]

For a couple of years I have wondered if the Pats would ever add an undersized speed RB to their roster. It just didn't seem to match their approach, maybe with the field turf it will change.

I don't think there will ever be an understudy for Faulk, either he has the role or he is replaced. The difficulty is the roster limitation, unless the player is an above average performer on special teams or is versatile enough to play WR in a pinch it is hard to have 5 or 6 positions tied up at RB. Imagine such a player is brought in, projected 2007 roster at RB.

Big bruiser - Dilion or other
Feature back - Maroney
3rd down back - Faulk
"Understudy" - ??? I like Booker, lets use him
FB - Evans
FB/TE - Mills

6 spots out of 53 for RB, this is hard to do. One of Faulk's most underestimated abilities is his blocking, he does more than just run patterns out of the backfield and try to beat LBs. He gets his nose into the middle of oncoming blitzers, despite his size he still holds up well. Most 3rd down backs are small (less than 200 pounds) and when they come out of college do not know how to block. It is too much of a risk to have Brady's blindside protected by a rookie, one missed block and the season is over.

That being said, Booker has impressive speed. Maybe he can earn a roster spot by being a KR/PR or 6th WR and play in special teams coverage. he has very good speed and would add an exciting dimension to the Pats offense. I expect him to get drafted in rounds 3-4 depending on how he runs at the combine.

My predication, the Pats pickup a power running back to replace Dillion who retires or is cut.

I've been pondering potential draft prospects to replace Patrick Pass and develop behind Faulk - not that I don't think Pass is washed up yet, I expect he will be an inexpensive re-signing. I just wanted to look at the draft for someone who could fill that utility back role (which does not include Mills until I see him taking tailback reps and running well inside).

I have two prospects, one I've seen in a few televised games, he will also be in the Senior Bowl in 3 hours: Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rutgers. I consider him an excellent prospect to understudy Kevin.

I just happened on this South Carolina player in my browsing and he was the trigger for this thread: Syvelle Newton, WR/QB/RB/FS, South Carolina. Ochmed, I believe you've watched this team a bit, any thoughts on the kid?

Lorenzo Booker, RB FL State, seems to have good hands and speed out of the backfield (He's also in the Senior Bowl), but it seems some have him as high as the first round, a bit too expensive for my thinking.

Who else might we consider?

 

[Seneschal2]

I've been pondering potential draft prospects to replace Patrick Pass and develop behind Faulk - not that I don't think Pass is washed up yet, I expect he will be an inexpensive re-signing. I just wanted to look at the draft for someone who could fill that utility back role (which does not include Mills until I see him taking tailback reps and running well inside).

Why now? And who would you bump from the roster to make room for the rookie?

I have two prospects, one I've seen in a few televised games, he will also be in the Senior Bowl in 3 hours: Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rutgers. I consider him an excellent prospect to understudy Kevin.

To me, a Faulk understudy would be a change-of-pace back. Leonard has the hands -- but not the quicks like Kevin.

I just happened on this South Carolina player in my browsing and he was the trigger for this thread: Syvelle Newton, WR/QB/RB/FS, South Carolina.

From what I've seen, he's better suited to be a replacement for Troy than Faulk.

 

[shirtsleeve]

I've been pondering potential draft prospects to replace Patrick Pass and develop behind Faulk - .....
I have two prospects, one I've seen in a few televised games, he will also be in the Senior Bowl in 3 hours: Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rutgers. I consider him an excellent prospect to understudy Kevin......

Yeah, when I saw him I thought Patrick Pass. No offense to Heath Evans, but I would rather groom this kid and lose Evans. And when...I mean if....Pass goes down yet again, we have a good replacement.

 

[TruthSeeker]

I like that RB from Notre Dame, Darius Walker I think his name is, a perfect Faulk replacement. As far as a 3rd down back and change of pace guy. Don't know if he can return punts though.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Why now? And who would you bump from the roster to make room for the rookie?

To me, a Faulk understudy would be a change-of-pace back. Leonard has the hands -- but not the quicks like Kevin.

From what I've seen, he's better suited to be a replacement for Troy than Faulk.

Why now? Why not now? Pass is a UFA if I remember correctly, he is Faulk's understudy just as Evans drew that assignment when Faulk went down (Maroney wasn't in on the two-minute drill). Re-signing Pass is the cheapest option, and I have no problem with Pass, but while we're looking at this draft why not think about whether we can upgrade his Utility back role.

Roster: Dillon drew a lot of criticism through the season when he wasn't used regularly late in the game. What does this mean when BB starts weighing roster spots? I can't say, but he wasn't playing during periods I would have expected to see him. Pass can handle competition if he is re-signed.

Leonard, in the games I've watched him, looks more like a larger version of Faulk than any other comparable back on the roster. He's quicker than he is fast, he will hold up better pounding inside, yet still be able to make the first person miss in the open field. As you noted, he has the hands. I don't know if you saw the game tonight, but he plowed for a first down on a 4th down play, winning the leverage battle with MLB Willis (planted him on his can) and caught a third down pass in the flat and made two people miss to get the first down. He's done that consistently in games I've watched. He run blocks and picks up blitzs. If Dillon doesn't play next season, he could be the short yardage plugger - is it run or pass? The Pats could do a lot worse.

 

[Seneschal2]

Why now? Why not now?

That's why I asked the question -- who would you bump? If we knew Evans or Pass was leaving -- then there's room for an understudy. Just have no idea which one's out the door.

And as we all saw...Evans was certainly not an adequate replacement for Faulk's quickness -- regardless of his position on the depth chart. Leonard's running skills and catching ability make him a major upgrade over Evans. If Leonard can be a lead blocker -- then Evans can hit the road. Wondering how important it is to BB to have a lead blocker for Mahoney...and in short yardage and goal line situations.

 

[Remix 6]

That's why I asked the question -- who would you bump? If we knew Evans or Pass was leaving -- then there's room for an understudy. Just have no idea which one's out the door.

And as we all saw...Evans was certainly not an adequate replacement for Faulk's quickness -- regardless of his position on the depth chart. Leonard's running skills and catching ability make him a major upgrade over Evans. If Leonard can be a lead blocker -- then Evans can hit the road. Wondering how important it is to BB to have a lead blocker for Mahoney...and in short yardage and goal line situations.

well Leonard was stupid..lost weight and wanted to be more of a RB. he doesnt realize hes white and not fast enough. Leonard = Pass

 

[PonyExpress]

well Leonard was stupid..lost weight and wanted to be more of a RB. he doesnt realize hes white and not fast enough. Leonard = Pass

I like Leonard. Leonard= Craig James.

 

[Remix 6]

i like Kolby Smith and Jason Snelling

 

[TruthSeeker]

I like Leonard. Leonard= Craig James.

Craig actually had decent speed though. I believe he actually ran a 4.5, not bad for back in the mid 1980's.

 

[chunkypony]

I've talked to Tony Hunt a couple of times here at school. He seems like a decent individual, and in games his most positive attribute is the fact that he doesnt give up on a play ever. I picture being a great Dillon replacement. They run somewhat similar.

 

[DaBruinz]

leonard is an expensive draft pick(round 2) so no thanks

Why is it expensive? Leonard is BUILT. He could be a very good alternative to Maroney. Many teams are going to using 2 backs. Leonard could, very easily, become a short yardage specialist for the Pats. As well as being a solid 3rd down back. Heck, putting him back there with Maroney similar to how the Saints use McCallister and Bush would allow for a LOT of variations.

 

[Remix 6]

Why is it expensive? Leonard is BUILT. He could be a very good alternative to Maroney. Many teams are going to using 2 backs. Leonard could, very easily, become a short yardage specialist for the Pats. As well as being a solid 3rd down back. Heck, putting him back there with Maroney similar to how the Saints use McCallister and Bush would allow for a LOT of variations.

do you realize we would need to waste a late 1st for him? do you realize if Asante is gone that we have 0 proven CBs who can play pro bowl caliber for a season? Do you realize our LBs are on the DECLINE? do you realize Caldwell wont be a great 1? (maybe jackson can but nothing yet). Do you realize Safety is a bigger need than a RB? Do you realize we have a power back in Dillon and if we want a Leonard type of player we have a guy who can get reisnged cheap by the name of Pass?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I've talked to Tony Hunt a couple of times here at school. He seems like a decent individual, and in games his most positive attribute is the fact that he doesnt give up on a play ever. I picture being a great Dillon replacement. They run somewhat similar.

Tony looked pretty good, I wouldn't mind him in the backfield to complement Maroney, I do think he earned himself at least a high second round grade.