Pats sign RB Dion Lewis to reserves/futures contract

[patsinthesnow]

Adam Caplan?@caplannfl
#Patriots signed RB Dion Lewis to a reserve/future contract.

RBs signed through 2015:

Blount
Gray
White
Gaffney
Lewis

 

[Joey007]

Heard of this guy but I don't know much about him.

 

[VrabelJr]

Definitely more in the mold of scat back type. I view him as good insurance in the event that we can't/don't extend Vereen.

 

[Ross12]

If we don't bring back Ridley or Vereen, that's really not a bad stable of backs at all for very little $.

 

[varjao]

If we don't bring back Ridley or Vereen, that's really not a bad stable of backs at all for very little $.

I know it's not gonna happen but I would like to see the Pats address a little more seriously the position.

 

[Ross12]

I know it's not gonna happen but I would like to see the Pats address a little more seriously the position.

I would love to have a "higher end" RB on the team too, but thinking realistically, if we find ourselves looking at having only these guys listed next preseason, it's not so bad. Could be a lot worse. Imagine if Ridley hadn't hurt himself and it was just Gray, White and Gaffney in reserve? Gray and Gaffney would still be almost completely unknown quantities and White is pretty unknown still too... At least at this point, we know what we have in Blount & Gray, White has seen SOME snaps, and Gaffney and Lewis are in the wings.

 

[flasox27]

I know it's not gonna happen but I would like to see the Pats address a little more seriously the position.

Don't worry. We will in all likelihood have an extra third and fourth round picks where we can find a serviceable back.

 

[Kontradiction]

Don't have time research it, but didn't he go to Pitt?

 

[mayoclinic]

Don't have time research it, but didn't he go to Pitt?

Yes. Very productive player there. 5'7" 193#. A bit of a poor man's Darren Sproles, though he hasn't had the pro success.

 

[manxman2601]

Lombardi brought him to Cleveland in a trade so a possible Lombardi move.

 

[mayoclinic]

The Pats have also signed DT Antonio Johnson and DE Rufus Johnson to futures contracts. They tried them out a few weeks ago. Rufus Johnson is similar to Zach Moore - a division 2 guy with good size (6'5" 272#) and measurables, and positional versatility. We discussed this briefly in the draft thread.

 

[dliverey]

In 2011 I wanted the Pats to draft Lewis instead of Vereen so I am pumped about this. I think that he runs with more power than Vereen and is also more shifty. I am confident that he could make a player miss 1 on 1 in the open field.

He honestly reminds me of Lesean McCoy in running style and also the way he holds the ball when he runs...
Not saying he will be that productive so please do not start yelling at me. I think though that once we improve the OL that the current backs will be very productive.

 

[woolster22]

In 2011 I wanted the Pats to draft Lewis instead of Vereen so I am pumped about this. I think that he runs with more power than Vereen and is also more shifty. I am confident that he could make a player miss 1 on 1 in the open field.

He honestly reminds me of Lesean McCoy in running style and also the way he holds the ball when he runs...
Not saying he will be that productive so please do not start yelling at me. I think though that once we improve the OL that the current backs will be very productive.

If he runs better than Vereen and is effective as a pass catcher out of the backfield...see ya Shane.

 

[DaBruinz]

Dion Lewis - 5'06 5/8" - 193 lbs - Pitt

40 - 4.56
20 - 2.63
10 - 1.56

Bench: 17
Vertical: 34.5"
Broad: 9'04"
Short Shuttle: 4.18
3-cone: 6.90

By comparison;
Shane Vereen - 5'10 2/8" - 210 lbs - UCLA

40 - 4.49
20 - 2.58
10 - 1.56

Bench: 31
Vertical: 34."
Broad: 9'07"
Short Shuttle: 4.28
3-cone: 6.95

What's interesting is that Lewis is listed as more of an inside runner with a lack of vision and an inability to get outside. He also, supposedly, doesn't break many tackles, though he can make people miss.

Lewis only played 2 years of college ball.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

DLs & LBs will not be able to find that dwarf