With Sony Michel entering his third season as a former first-round pick and Damien Harris on mothballs after being a third-round selection last year, the Patriots wouldn't seem to have many needs at running back in this year's draft.
But with James White, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden all entering contract seasons, the Patriots could be heading for a continued rebuild in this group. Ideally, White gets signed to a contract extension to be the wise-old hand, Bolden sticks around on a cheap deal to bring leadership and special teams, the rest of the Patriots backfield stays young and looks for dynamic playmakers out of the draft each year.
This year's draft has some top headliners, but even among our best of the rest, there are names that are going to become known pretty quickly to NFL fans because they are used to playing in space and speed is the name of the game in college.
I wasn't overwhelmed with the top-level talent in this class — it drops off pretty quickly after DeAndre Swift and J.K. Dobbins — but the depth was impressive and value can be found.
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D’Andre Swift, Georgia (5-8, 212, 4.48, Round 1-2): Very similar to former teammate Sony Michel, but Swift appears to be slightly better in virtually ever area. Has a little more explosiveness, a better ability to make people miss, is a better receiver and, most importantly, has better natural instincts for the position. But not a no-doubt prospect. Needs room to work. Inconsistent. He is built well, and better than JK Dobbins.
J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State (5-9 1/2, 209, n/a, Round 1-2):
Dynamic playmaker, good receiver but won't block very much — and doesn't pick up the blitz well at all. Not as thickly built as Swift so durability will be a concern. Better as an inside runner than outside. Used to having the defense's attention and still makes plays. But it gets tough to judge these players who come from teams with vast talent around them. More of a level playing field in the pros.
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin (5-10 1/2, 222, 4.39, Round 2-3): Really good one-cut runner who would be best in a zone scheme. Speed is startling at times and he has good instincts for the position. Doesn't seem like he loves contact or inside running, but give him a gap and he'll explode through it. Rushed for 6,174 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, and 50 TDs in three seasons with nearly 1,000 touches. Workload always an issue with Badger backs. Ball security is a huge issue.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU (5-7, 207, 4.60, Round 2-3): If there was ever a Patriots running back prospect, he would be it. Reminds a lot of Kevin Faulk, his position coach at LSU, but is a much better prospect. Plays much faster than timed speed and has terrific quickness. Some would say he's a poor man's Barry Sanders with jitterbug moves between the tackles, even the spin move. Dynamic as a receiver. A money playmaker who was QB Joe Burrow's favorite teammate. A natural replacement for James White who returns kicks.
A.J. Dillon, Boston College (6-0 1/2, 247, 4.53, Round 2-3): An old-school, throwback franchise back who is unselfish and a workhorse. Doesn't look flashy or overly fast, but he's just productive and falls forward time and time again. Not nearly the upside or size of Derrick Henry, but he's that kind of player. Hard to really project on the next level. Will need a good team and line around him because he doesn't just invent plays.
Darrynton Evans, App State (5-10 1/2, 203, 4.41, Round 3-5): The only thing holding him back is his size. A dynamic underrated playmaker who is my sleeper pick at the position. Will also be an asset in kick returns. Could have an instant impact similar to Phillip Lindsay of the Broncos.
Cam Akers, Florida State (5-10 1/2, 217, 4.47, Round 3-5): Looks the part and has playmaking ability, but a lack of natural instincts for the position holds him back. Just doesn't wow in any area but productive with over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Zack Moss, Utah (5-9 1/2, 223, 4.65, Round 2-4): Stubbly built tailback who runs with short, choppy steps and doesn't have much long speed. Solid ability out of the backfield in the passing game — will adjust on passes for a big guy — but isn't dynamic and runs with high pad level. As a result, has had injury issues. Will be a solid pro but doesn't have a high ceiling. Breaks a lot of tackles. PFF has him as its No. 1 back, which puzzles me.
Joshua Kelley, UCLA (5-10 1/2, 212, 4.49, Round 4-5): Doesn't have good playing speed but he's a good, solid all-around back. Appears to be a great teammate and a leader. Type of player who will contribute on special teams, which enhances his value. A straight-ahead, one-cut runner.
Antonio Gibson, Memphis (6-0 1/2, 228, 4.39, Round 4-6): One of the most versatile playmakers you'll see out of college, especially with just one year in college after not qualifying and going the junior college route. Lined up all over the field from receiver to tailback, and can return kicks. Soft hands and bounces off tacklers. A very intriguing player who is a sleeper if he lands with the right team. Would make an interesting Patriot.
Lamical Perine, Florida (5-11, 216, 4.62, Round 4-6): Very solidly built all-around back who should find a place in the NFL as a committee back. Real hard-worker who bought a bus ticket for a camp in Gainesville in high school after getting rejected from home state Alabama schools, and turned that into a scholarship. A team captain as a senior, he averaged 5.1 yards per rush and caught 40 passes. A very poor man's Emmitt Smith, down to wearing No. 22. Has similar stellar balance, one-cut ability and vision. Tough to bring down.
Best of the rest: Anthony McFarland, Maryland; JaMychal Hasty, Baylor; Reggie Corbin, Illinois; Darius Anderson, TCU; Levante Bellamy, Western Michigan; J.J. Taylor, Arizona; Raymond Calais, La-Lafayette; Javon Leake, Maryland; Eno Enjamon, Arizona State.