Running Back and Fullback - Help From Other Teams

Teams cut to 75 this week and 53 next week. There are players out there now. I expect that Belichick will bring in someone. We could use a 3rd down back. We could use a pure fullback. We also could use backup RB who can double as a fullback.

Obviously, other teams are probably calling Belichick about trades before they make their cuts.

IMO I don't think BB will look to get a RB or FB. Develin was used just 19% of total plays last year at FB. I think BB may try to use Hooman or an O-lineman until he is back.

- I think our 3rd down starting back will be either Lewis or White and Bolden will be backup
- Gray has been ok this preseason. No need for a change there.
- Blount was injured and I think he is just a little slow getting back to form. Plus the O-line issues havent helped. I think he had 3.9 ypc last night....not terrible.
- I think we keep only 4 RB's

Lewis in limited opportunities.

Fine hands including adjusting to poor throws.

Great running ability. When have we had a better compact running back in terms of elusiveness and decent power?

Fights on every play, hates to go down at all.

Who are these guys on the waiver wire better than that?

RayClay said:

Who are these guys on the waiver wire better than that?

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Aaah, let's look at the crystal ball!

We will find out when the cuts get made in the next 10 days. Also, we don't know who is available for a trade of a late draft pick.

I'm curious as to why you think we need a 3rd down back? White and/or Lewis seem to have locked that down.

manxman2601 said:

I'm curious as to why you think we need a 3rd down back? White and/or Lewis seem to have locked that down.

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I think it that is quite possible that there will be a better 3rd down back available. Considering that many were having us carry as many as 6 RB/FB's, the addition of a veteran 3rd down back is certainly possible.

And yes, I'm not as high on Lewis as many here.

mgteich said:

Aaah, let's look at the crystal ball!

We will find out when the cuts get made in the next 10 days. Also, we don't know who is available for a trade of a late draft pick.

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I think we're lucky to find Lewis. I don't think running back is our biggest need.

mgteich said:

I think it that is quite possible that there will be a better 3rd down back available. Considering that many were having us carry as many as 6 RB/FB's, the addition of a veteran 3rd down back is certainly possible.

And yes, I'm not as high on Lewis as many here.

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Who? If such a great player were possibly available, he'd be on the bubble somewhere.

RayClay said:

Who? If such a great player were possibly available, he'd be on the bubble somewhere.

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So, your analysis is that it would take a GREAT player to beat out one of Lewis or White?

I think just use blount at times. He is 250. Him leading Grey on power runs could and should work.

Frankly I am not a fan of FBs much anyway as far as my football philosophy. Doesn't mean i wanted Develin hurt mind you.

mgteich said:

I think it that is quite possible that there will be a better 3rd down back available. Considering that many were having us carry as many as 6 RB/FB's, the addition of a veteran 3rd down back is certainly possible.

And yes, I'm not as high on Lewis as many here.

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Can I ask who those "many" was? Last year we had 4 backs basicly all the time. Bolden + Veeren + Veeren replacement ( White ) - Then Ridley and later Blount. Sure we had Gray also, but that was a lap between Ridley doing down and Blount arriving, and BB couldn't waiver Gray after the colts game....

So Pats had 4+1 Red shirt +1 FB on the roster but ONLY 3 TE. Other years, we had 4 RB + 3 TE + Hooman as FB/TE. And I see Hooman falling back into the FB/TE roll with Develin out.

mgteich said:

I think it that is quite possible that there will be a better 3rd down back available. Considering that many were having us carry as many as 6 RB/FB's, the addition of a veteran 3rd down back is certainly possible.

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I don't see the need to look for another 3rd down back. We're doing just fine with the players have.

But even if there was a 3rd down veteran back available, I don't see why Bill would want to spend more cap money, when he has White on a rookie contract, and Lewis for a bargain deal.

Luxusdk said:

Can I ask who those "many" was? Last year we had 4 backs basicly all the time. Bolden + Veeren + Veeren replacement ( White ) - Then Ridley and later Blount. Sure we had Gray also, but that was a lap between Ridley doing down and Blount arriving, and BB couldn't waiver Gray after the colts game....

So Pats had 4+1 Red shirt +1 FB on the roster but ONLY 3 TE. Other years, we had 4 RB + 3 TE + Hooman as FB/TE. And I see Hooman falling back into the FB/TE roll with Develin out.

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Perhaps I wasn't clear.

On rosters made last week, many posters had us carrying 5 running backs and a fullback. I'm fine with a total of four RB's and no fullbacks.

BobDigital said:

I think just use blount at times. He is 250. Him leading Grey on power runs could and should work.

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I like it

mgteich said:

So, your analysis is that it would take a GREAT player to beat out one of Lewis or White?

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What flaws do you see in Lewis for that role?

Lewis has looked really good, RB isn't a need but the interior OL is going to have to really step it up come regular season.

Ivan said:

Lewis has looked really good, RB isn't a need but the interior OL is going to have to really step it up come regular season.

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Hopefully, Wendell can provide some stability as some more young players are gradually worked in. More talent than last year, and a year's experience for some of the backups.

If you guys think that Belichick won't be looking at waiver wire running backs and fullbacks, I understand. My understanding is that Belichick is the most active CM/coach in the NFL in the weeks from the first cut to the beginning of Game 2. My opinion is that RB/FB is a position where there MIGHT be an upgrade. Obviously, you all are all set.

mgteich said:

I think it that is quite possible that there will be a better 3rd down back available. Considering that many were having us carry as many as 6 RB/FB's, the addition of a veteran 3rd down back is certainly possible.

And yes, I'm not as high on Lewis as many here.

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Fair enough. I'm a fan of both, mainly in space.

mgteich said:

If you guys think that Belichick won't be looking at waiver wire running backs and fullbacks, I understand. My understanding is that Belichick is the most active CM/coach in the NFL in the weeks from the first cut to the beginning of Game 2. My opinion is that RB/FB is a position where there MIGHT be an upgrade. Obviously, you all are all set.

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Specifically at RBs? I doubt it. OL, CB, maybe blocking TE now, WR. He'll look at RB and 3rd down backs too. Maybe QB. He'll look at DE and DT too.