You just described the role of passing-down/shotgun/whatever back on the Patriots. He should be somewhat competent as both a WR and a between-the-tackles RB. He should be more than competent on the pass plays and runs that will actually be called for him. He should be a good backfield pass blocker. And guys with that skill set are likely to also be useful on kick/punt return units.
Name all of the Patriots who have been able to fill all of those roles during this era?
It's a short list, Kevin Faulk and Shane Vereen.
You can find a couple who filled some of them, like Woodhead, but only those two have been good at all of them.