No question that good running backs are there to be had from the 4th round on and through undrafted free agency. That is particularly true for the Patriots who are looking for specific roles in the backfield. For 2017, they seem all set at pass catching, change of pace backs with White and Lewis, and at fullback with Develin (who is 6-0 in the playoffs with two Super Bowl rings. #binkie.)
They still need a big back, and if Blount's speed is still there in OTAs, they might be able to bring him back at a little more than the $1 million they paid him last year. He loves the Patriots system that used him perfectly in 2016.
Rex Burkhead is a head scratcher for me, but the idea of a 5'10 - 220 bruiser with slot pass catching skills is interesting. Burkhead in the slot would pose all sorts of problems for linebackers. When the Patriots signed him, it struck me that they have plans to alter the slot position, especially with all that speed outside in Hogan, Cooks and Mitchell.
Burkhead in the slot with Gronk at TE would be a punishing duo underneath and up the seams while Cooks, Hogan and Mitchell terrorize the secondary.
6-2 Devin Lucien is a very interesting player to me. He's entering his second season and could compete for the role that Michael Floyd filled for a few weeks as the tall outside receiver. I don't think the Patriots have ever been loaded like this with veteran receivers.
