Why the New England Patriots did not draft a running back
Everyone and their mother thought the New England Patriots were going to select a running back in the 2016 NFL Draft. That includes this writer. But after nine picks came and went, the Patriots’ draft class did not include a ball carrier. Two wideouts, two guards, two linebackers, a quarterback, a defensive tackle and a cornerback, but no running back.
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Even the only “running back” they signed as an undrafted free agent, D.J. Foster is not a traditional running back; Foster doubles as wide receiver. Although certainly capable of running the ball, Foster is more of a receiving threat, and most people envisioned the Patriots taking a power back to echo LeGarrette Blount.
Here’s the thing: the Patriots already have depth of the more thunderous nature behind Blount. Don’t forget about Joey Iosefa, a menacing downhill runner who could fill-in for Blount (and has before) if need be. In addition, Tyler Gaffney, if he ever shakes the injury monkey hanging onto his shoulders, is a more traditional straight-line ball carrier.
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But the underlying reason the Patriots contentedly avoided drafting a running back in the 2016 NFL Draft is the fact that the current backfield personnel is perfectly fine. Blount is a proven workhorse, a perfect compliment to the shiftiness of Dion Lewis and James White.
Look, the Patriots can only take on so many running backs. Considering Blount, Lewis, White and Brandon Bolden are locks to make the final roster, there really isn’t room for another fixture in the rotation unless the Patriots activate less offensive linemen on game day, for instance.
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The Pats will probably let Iosefa and Gaffney duke it out in training camp for the right to remain on the practice squad in the event Blount goes down. Meanwhile, the Patriots will get by fine with Lewis taking the occasional carry, but mainly focusing in the receiving game out of the backfield. Same with White.
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In closing, the Pats are all set at running back. We’ll see what Foster brings to the table, but if you stop and think about it, running back was never a position of need for the Pats once Blount was re-signed.