As the 2017 NFL Draft draws closer we\u2019ll profile some of the players that may be on the Patriots radar or\u00a0that\u00a0we feel would be a great fit.<\/p>\n
The Patriots\u2019 offense needs a big bodied running back to replace LeGarrette Blount. Blount is a free agent and is unlikely to return at this point. He was terrific in 2016 rushing for over 1100 yards and a league leading 18 touchdowns but he\u2019s 30 years old now, a time when big backs begin to break down. He slowed considerably down the stretch.<\/p>\n
The Patriots have a slew of pass receiving backs, James White, Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead, and D.J. Foster. While all of them can catch the ball out of the backfield, they are not the big, physical downhill style runners they need to move the chains.<\/p>\n
Jamaal Williams <\/strong>from BYU would fit that description nicely. He\u2019s got good size at 6\u20190, 220 pounds and is physical, productive back who can carry the ball between the tackles and churn out the yardage when the game has to be closed out.<\/p>\n When healthy (he\u2019s had injury issues), he runs quick to the hole and with solid instincts and vision to see where the play will develop. He is not a dancer at the line, he\u2019ll lower his head, runs with a low pad level and gets good yardage after contact. He carried the ball 234 times for 1375 yards \u00a0(5.9 yd avg) and 12 touchdowns in 2016 and added seven receptions for 80 yards.<\/p>\n Williams rarely gets knocked backward, always keeps his feet moving and has excellent ball security. He fumbles once for every 140 touches which is good news for Bill Belichick as his pet peeve for running backs is turning the ball over.<\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n – Good, NFL sized running back<\/p>\n – Played in a Pro-style Offense<\/p>\n –\u00a0Runs hard, low and smart and gets yards after contact<\/p>\n – Good hands although not used much in the passing game<\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n – Injury history<\/p>\n – Not a breakaway threat<\/p>\n – Pass protection needs work<\/p>\n What his Role Will Be:<\/strong> Will his Role Change from Year 1-2? How Many Downs Can He Play? What Current Player on the Roster Will He Replace? What is his ST Value? Conclusion: His vision and lack of dancing at the line will be a boost to the Patriots short-yardage and goal line packages. He\u2019s been used in a rotation at BYU and doing so with the Pats won\u2019t be an issue at all for him. The Patriots are a pass first team especially with the backs in the system already but Williams will definitely have a chance to carve out a nice role for himself.<\/p>\n He\u2019ll need to work on his pass protection, something that is prevalent with most of the big backs coming out of the draft this year. But he has good hands and could be used a bit in the passing game but those opportunities will have to be earned.<\/p>\n Williams isn\u2019t the whole package yet, and with his injury history will no doubt fall to the mid rounds of the draft. That should place him in a perfect spot to be targeted by Belichick and the Patriots. I see him as a 4th<\/sup> round prospect that will have the ability to become a solid, contributor in the NFL. He\u2019d be a tremendous fit for the Patriots offense.<\/p>\n William\u2019s highlight reel tape can be seen here:
\nWilliams role will be as the Patriots big, physical, move-the-pile back. He\u2019d take over the Blount role, especially as red zone, goal line back<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Yes, with his good hands, and work with the coaches on his pass blocking skills he could find himself as a bigger target in the passing game.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Three<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>LaGarrette Blount, and Brandon Bolden. Tyler Gaffney was already released.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Minimal, but that may change once he gets into training camp.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Williams is an impressive, physical back when he\u2019s healthy. While he\u2019s had some injury concerns and off-field issues, he is a tough runner inside between the tackles, that will make yards after contact and keeps the pile moving.<\/p>\n