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
Brian Hill <\/strong>from Wyoming is a big, running back who can shoulder a heavy load. In 2016 he carried the ball 349 times for 1,860 yards, (ranked third in the FBS) 5.3-yard average, and 22 touchdowns (fourth) in 14 games on his way to first-team All-Mountain West honors. He added eight catches for 67 yards out of the backfield.<\/p>\n Hill has been productive, albeit against lesser competition but has compiled nearly 3500 yards in his last two seasons at Wyoming. He has good vision and will make the correct call in picking the hole and following his blockers.<\/p>\n He possesses nice cutback moves but doesn\u2019t run with enough power for a man his size. He also needs work in pass protection. He has good hands but was rarely used in the passing game.<\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n – Excellent production in his final two years<\/p>\n – Works well between the tackles<\/p>\n –\u00a0Has some nice moves to make tacklers miss<\/p>\n – Good hands although not used much in the passing game<\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n – Not explosive and needs more strength<\/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: He\u2019s the kind of player that grows on you the more you watch his tape. He\u2019s adept at squeezing into tight gaps, has the size (6\u20191,219) that will make him an attractive target in the power running game.<\/p>\n With the Patriots offense, he won\u2019t be counted on to put the kind of workload on that he\u2019s done with the Cowboys, with 349 carries in 2016. He could become a nice rotational back in New England arsenal. He has the size to be a good, serviceable power back in the NFL. He runs a bit too upright at times however and that is something that running back coach Ivan Fears would work on with him.<\/p>\n Hill has good vision and balance and will follow his blockers and pick the right gap to run to daylight. He\u2019 an intriguing, dark horse prospect that could be a nice late round pick up.<\/p>\n If he\u2019s around in Round 5 or Round 6, it will be an intriguing choice for the Patriots to make. If he played in the SEC or the Big 10, he may be looked upon as a much more touted prospect.<\/p>\n Hill\u2019s highlight reel tape can be seen here:
\nHill\u2019s role will be as the Patriots big, physical, move-the-pile back. He\u2019d take over the Blount role, especially as short yardage, goal line back<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Yes, he\u2019ll need to get stronger and run with more power. With some work on his pass blocking skills and a bit as a receiver, he could push for a bigger role.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Three<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>LaGarrette Blount, and Brandon Bolden.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Minimal<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Hill is one of those players that will generate widely varying scouting reports. While many scouts point to his lack of explosiveness and power running, there can be no arguing with his production the past two years.<\/p>\n