First looking to 2015: Running backs

[PATS16N0]

Considering our high priced FA needs and the potential to sign FA's at other positions, I really don't think targeting a running back through FA is the answer when we have so many already. I'd rather just try to get Ridley for cheap and roll with Blount & Company (Vareen back would be a bonus.)

 

[supafly]

Ridley imo is 'the fumbler' in BB's mind. Ridley isn't coming back. He's going to get nice money from some team because he's a former 1,000+ yard guy but not from us.

I wouldn't be so sure of that.

When was the last time that Ridley fumbled, since addressing the issue in the early teens (week #) in 2013? When you take that into account and realize that it also carried over into 2014 as well, we've got to be talking about 10 games straight (approx). That sure seems like he at least addressed the issue quite nicely.

One may also argue the fact that Ridley was our clear cut lead back again in 3/5 games this year, having 19+ carries until he became injured in week six vs. BUF.

 

[dliverey]

I gotta say that the biggest improvement in the run game will be 2 drive blocking OG's. Connolly and Wendell and good pass blockers but do not get much push in the run game (unless its against the Colts).

Ridley did not fumble because it is easier to hold a deflated football....DUH

 

[supafly]

I think to make another title run this team NEEDS a stronger running attack. I don't know what the draft or FA prospects are, but I dream of a tough Corey Dillon type who can assume a featured role and take the heat off Brady and the passing game. Blount has been a decent stop-gap but I don't feel he's the answer. Too many question marks on Ridley. A rookie "find" would be great.

One could certainly argue that once again, we're in a fairly reasonable position of luxury to take the best player available in every single round, meaning that a rookie RB certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.

This is of course debatable, but the argument is definitely there, especially if the right guy like you describe is still available in one of the middle rounds.

 

[Joker]

Frank Gore

 

[Deus Irae]

One could certainly argue that once again, we're in a fairly reasonable position of luxury to take the best player available in every single round, meaning that a rookie RB certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.

This is of course debatable, but the argument is definitely there, especially if the right guy like you describe is still available in one of the middle rounds.

I don't want to make a full page long type of post responding to you (I'm going to be using the idea elsewhere), but you make a good point. Assuming a good retention rate with their own players, this draft could be similar to last year, in the sense of taking the 'luxury' picks.

 

[Deus Irae]

Frank Gore

I'd love to get lucky enough that Gore jumps ship to N.E. for reasonable coin.

Gore
Blount
Bolden
Develin
3rd down RB

I'd take that right now, and consider that a huge win.

 

[Joker]

Welker's agent?? Why would ANY Patriot player want an agent who screwed the pooch like Welker's did? OTOH,if anywhere is plausible it's Denver as a landing spot.

 

[Ross12]

Doesn't a "Gore-Blount" combo sound just perfect to your ears?

"The Pats Gored their opponent, and then hit them with Blount force trauma..."

Seriously though, I think Gore could have a really successful 2 or maybe 3 seasons here. At least 1 season of Gore and Blount together would be awesome.

 

[Ross12]

I also think Roy Helu would be a good fit if Vereen were lost. Don't know how cheap he would be.

 

[mgteich]

I think that paying an extra million of so for Vereen might be a better option than much of what is being suggested.

 

[supafly]

I think that paying an extra million of so for Vereen might be a better option than much of what is being suggested.

The third down back is certainly a bigger concern for me vs. the more conventional lead back type of role, but I think it will all depend on how much that "extra million or so" really amounts to. As we know, Belichick is the kind of coach that will take advantage of much less than that, so the term is basically meaningless to us as fans.

As we've seen, Belichick passed on retaining Danny Woodhead for relatively small money. Of course, the fact that we had Vereen waiting in the wings certainly contributed to that decision.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

Reiss sounds pessimistic about re-signing Vereen, expecting him to go for top dollar, and further noting this his agents have a history of making unrealistic salary demands, specifically when they represented Welker.

Mike Reiss also seems inclined to envision Steven Ridley coming back on a (1) year "show me" type of deal.

 

[supafly]

Mike Reiss also seems inclined to envision Steven Ridley coming back on a (1) year "show me" type of deal.

I would agree, especially when you take the specific position into account.

I just have a difficult time envisioning another team giving him something substantial enough on a multi year deal, that's all. I think he stays here in hopes of bumping himself up a couple/few notches on the open market for 2016.

 

[nabwong]

Ridley hasn't proven he can carry the load. I'd rate Blount above him on value, ball security and big play ability. How many times have we seen Ridley beat a defense only to be caught from behind for running out of gas?

There are a lot of teams that would pay for Vereen. Just ask Danny woodhead. And Vereen is 10x the player woodhead is (ability wise). Funnily, if beast mode doesn't resign, I can see Pete Carroll going after Vereen.

I'd love helu if fit. He can be a 3 down back. Imagine how versatile our O can be. With Tim Wright up to speed, this could be a chameleon O. Just need to upgrade the interior line like the cowboys.

 

[meatface]

Blount signed a 2 year deal. He definitely will be back and resuming the powerback role. That makes Jonas Gray kind of expendable. For some reason he's been in the doghouse anyways.

Ridley imo is 'the fumbler' in BB's mind. Ridley isn't coming back. He's going to get nice money from some team because he's a former 1,000+ yard guy but not from us.

Of our FA RBs I feel that Vereen is the only must-sign of the bunch. He made the #1 ranked Seahawks defense look silly. They simply had nobody to cover him in the flats and underneath. He runs routes like a receiver. Vereen's pass-blocking has also come a long way.

As long as Shane's salary demands are reasonable, I feel we need to lock him up. He's more athletic and faster than Woodhead. There's a reason we let Woodhead go, because the coaches felt Vereen could become this good. He simply delivers in the playoffs.

Gray and Blount are very doesn't types of runners and while Blount is big he really isn't a guy who makes holes.
Ridley's fumbling was always overrated, lots of guys fumbled more than he did, but I think you're right and another team will offer him more money.

 

[meatface]

I see little if any chance bb resigns Ridley. I see little to any chance we outbid other teams for vereen.

White had a red shirt year in my opinion. He should be much stronger and in much better shape come training camp. Still not a guarantee that he had mastered the playbook, but if he has then he could be a breakout role player and decent contributor next season.

People do seem to be writing off White a little quickly

 

[manxman2601]

This looks to be a tremendous draft class at RB potentially with both CBS and ESPN currently ranking 6 RBs in the top 64 and Gurley is giving me a bit of a Gronk vibe as a 'best in the league weapon' falling in to our range. I can think of plenty of reasons not to draft Gurley but Brady-Gronk-Gurley-Edelman has me salivating.

 

[Ivan]

I think Vereen has become the priority and is the safety valve Brady will need for the next few seasons. RB is another unit done on the cheap and they can afford him. I think they can spend less on the guys carrying the ball and more on Vereen because he can do so many things.

And that comes from a Ridley fan. I would love to see him back but the price will be low.

 

[ATippett56]

The New England Patriots carried four halfbacks and one fullback on the 53 man roster this past season. I don't expect that allotment to change going forward.

Halfback (4) - Blount, Bolden, xxxx, xxxx
Fullback (1) - Develin

On the bubble:
Gaffney, Gray, Lewis, White

A running back with pass receiving skills selected no earlier than the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft could be the most cost effective solution to the potential loss of Shane Vereen in unrestricted free agency.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1137327/david-johnson