A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 26-28.
The Patriots lost one of their most dynamic players this offseason when Dion Lewis signed with the Tennessee Titans. The Pats already have enough depth, on paper, at running back, but factoring in contract status, injury history and recent performance, it becomes clear that they could use some long-term help.
Last month, [...]
A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 26-28.
The Patriots lost one of their most dynamic players this offseason when Dion Lewis signed with the Tennessee Titans. The Pats already have enough depth, on paper, at running back, but factoring in contract status, injury history and recent performance, it becomes clear that they could use some long-term help.
Last month, Rex Burkhead signed a three-year deal to remain with the Patriots. When healthy, Burkhead showed he was more than capable of helping. But multiple injuries (ribs and knee) set him back last season.
After losing Lewis, the Patriots signed Jeremy Hill to a one-year deal. Hill rushed for 1,124 yards as a rookie in 2014 but failed to hit the 1,000-yard mark or average more than 3.8 yards per carry in the last three seasons.
James White gives the Pats stability as the third-down back. He is signed for the next three seasons.
Mike Gillislee also returns in 2018. He’s in the final year of his contract. He looked like he was bound for big things last year before being inactive for seven of the final eight games. Brandon Bolden is also back on a one-year deal.
The team has bodies, but plenty of question marks. An addition of a young back on a four-year deal could help the situation. The Pats currently have eight draft picks, including two first-rounders. Here’s a look at some candidates:
First-round candidate:
Derrius Guice, LSU
Guice is an explosive back with a violent running style. He dealt with injuries last year, but still ran for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry over his career. He led the SEC in rushing in 2016 and also has experience as a kickoff returner. Guice is one of the Patriots' 30 pre-draft visits.
Second-round candidate:
Sony Michel, Georgia
Michel is a hard-nosed, north-south runner. He ran for 1,227 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last season. He also led the SEC in yards per rushing attempt (7.9). He has the capability to catch the ball out of the backfield and also has special-teams experience. Michel is a two-time captain at Georgia. Michel met with the Patriots at the combine. Bill Belichick was at his Pro Day.
Third-round candidate:
Nyheim Hines, N.C. State
Hines is an explosive athlete who profiles as a third-down back. One of the top all-purpose backs in college, he ran for 1,113 yards last year. Also a solid receiver, he had 89 career receptions. He was also one of the ACC’s best returners with two career kickoff touchdowns and one punt return touchdown. Hines met with the Patriots at the combine. Belichick was also at his Pro Day.
Sixth-round candidate:
Akrum Wadley, Iowa
Wadley is an explosive athlete with the ability to make defenders look silly. He ran for 1,109 yards and scored 10 touchdowns last year. He’s a capable receiver and has 71 career receptions to go with seven receiving touchdowns. Wadley also has ability as a returner. Wadley met with the Patriots at the combine. The Pats were also at his Pro Day.
Seventh-round candidate:
Ito Smith, Southern Mississippi
At 5-foot-9, Smith is undersized, but was very productive for Southern Miss. He ran for 1,415 yards last year and scored 13 touchdowns. He finished with 42 career rushing touchdowns. Also a capable receiver, Smith caught 140 passes in college and averaged 10.3 yards per catch. He was also used as a kickoff returner. Smith had a private workout with the Patriots.