Patriots Roster Building Just Begun, Options Still At RB

PatsFans.com Article · May 4, 2015

Patriots Roster Building Just Begun, Options Still At RB

Steve Balestrieri

the Patriots could boost their running back core by adding Pierre Thomas, a still reliable receiver out of the backfield as a third down option

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jmt57 · May 4, 2015

Pierre Thomas could be an interesting addition. Even though he is now 30, he has never been overused - i.e., plenty of tread still left on the tires. He missed several games last season with a rib injury, but the only other time he missed any appreciable time was in 2010. The injury should be fully healed by now, and it's not like a knee injury that would slow him down.

Thomas is an excellent pass-catcher and can also pick up blitzing pass rushers. It was only the season before last that he had 77 receptions (on just 84 targets), and 1,062 yards from scrimmage. Not a bad option at all to compete for the third-down back now that Shane Vereen has departed.

Ross12 · May 4, 2015

jmt57 said:
Pierre Thomas could be an interesting addition. Even though he is now 30, he has never been overused - i.e., plenty of tread still left on the tires. He missed several games last season with a rib injury, but the only other time he missed any appreciable time was in 2010. The injury should be fully healed by now, and it's not like a knee injury that would slow him down.

Thomas is an excellent pass-catcher and can also pick up blitzing pass rushers. It was only the season before last that he had 77 receptions (on just 84 targets), and 1,062 yards from scrimmage. Not a bad option at all to compete for the third-down back now that Shane Vereen has departed.

I agree, but would the team want to sign both Cadet and Thomas? Then again, perhaps Thomas wanted more $ in March and now realizes it's not happening, or perhaps they've always wanted him and are just waiting til May 12. I believe Cadet did not count against the comp picks formula since he was an RFA who was not tendered.

mgteich · May 5, 2015

Ross12 said:
I agree, but would the team want to sign both Cadet and Thomas? Then again, perhaps Thomas wanted more $ in March and now realizes it's not happening, or perhaps they've always wanted him and are just waiting til May 12. I believe Cadet did not count against the comp picks formula since he was an RFA who was not tendered.

Cadet wasn't guaranteed much. Many think of him and White fighting it out for a roster spot. Thomas would be a fine addition.

Ivan · May 5, 2015

Knowshon Moreno is still out there. He's coming off b the one injury but with a look when healthy.

DarrylS · May 5, 2015

Isn't Tyler Gaffney a pass catching option??

It seems as though the Pats are trying to get younger... so not sure about Thomas.

http://www.gostanford.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208167743

BlueThunder · May 5, 2015

Gaffney is this year's BINKIE for me. Probably means he is doomed.

Ross12 · May 5, 2015

Where's my boy Roy Finch at?! I miss the little jitterbug...

mgteich · May 5, 2015

DarrylS said:
It seems as though the Pats are trying to get younger

http://www.gostanford.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208167743

Why do you believe that the youngest roster in the NFL is trying to get even younger?

Deus Irae · May 5, 2015

Thomas could serve as a rotational back that actually threatens in both the passing and running game. Outside of Danny Woodhead, the Patriots haven't really had that kind of player since Sammy Morris, or maybe even back to Kevin Faulk.

jmt57 · May 5, 2015

DarrylS said:
Isn't Tyler Gaffney a pass catching option??

It seems as though the Pats are trying to get younger... so not sure about Thomas.

http://www.gostanford.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208167743

The way I see it, why not sign Thomas as well? That way the team gets to see both players for four months and then make the decision at the beginning of September with the benefit of all those reps, playing time, etc. - rather than in the beginning of May when you don't have that information.

Ross12 · May 5, 2015

A roster of Blount, Gaffney, Thomas and Bolden could provide a varied and effective rotation of backs that fills most roles you would need while still only taking up 4 roster spots.

eom · May 5, 2015

mgteich said:
Why do you believe that the youngest roster in the NFL is trying to get even younger?

oldrover · May 6, 2015

Rebuilt O-line... RB's that can churn for the extra yard... without adding backs, I'm saying...

Patriots Roster Building Just Begun, Options Still At RB

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