Keep An Eye On New England Patriots’ Travaris Cadet In 2015
One of the least-talked about developments of the New England Patriots’ eventful offseason was the signing of free agent running back Travaris Cadet. As the Patriots adjust to life without Shane Vereen, Patriots fans should be aware of Cadet and what he could bring to the offense.
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After being buried in the New Orleans Saints’ crowded running back depth chart for the past three seasons, Cadet joins a Patriots’ backfield that needs a guy with receiving ability. As Sean Payton described to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe earlier this spring, Cadet is better suited as a receiver out of the backfield; as an undrafted rookie back in 2012, he even spent time in the Saints’ wide receiver meetings.
Without Vereen, the Patriots will need a back to step-up and contribute in the passing game. LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray are better suited for the bruising variety of the work, and sophomore pro James White is largely unproven. That leaves the door wide open for Cadet to march in to Foxboro and contribute immediately.
Keep in mind that Vereen hauled in 52 passes in the regular season before recording 11 crucial receptions in Super Bowl XLIX. The Patriots’ aerial attack really needs that receiving threat out of the backfield. Cadet caught 38 balls in 2014; don’t be surprised if he threatens to double that total this year.
Another thing Cadet has going for him: a large frame for a receiving-specialist running back. At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Cadet should be able to snag the tall passes that Vereen couldn’t always handle last season, and he won’t get knocked around too easily.
Poor blocking technique is the main drawback in Cadet’s game, so expect him to be used primarily in passing situations.
There you have it. Cadet is worthy of your attention moving forward because his skill set fills a very important void for the Patriots in the wake of Vereen’s departure. And every year it seems like the Patriots really nail it with an unkown free agent signing (last year it was Brandon LaFell).
In closing, fantasy football players should file Cadet away as a late-round sleeper.