New England Patriots Position Grades: Running Back
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Travaris Cadet: An interesting player in the running back group who could prove to be the Patriots biggest offseason acquisition this year. With the departure of Shane Vereen to the New York Giants, the Patriots will look to fill the role of their receiving and third-down back. Last season, with the New Orleans Saints, Cadet pulled in 38 receptions for 296 receiving yards. Even as the Saints third or fourth option at running back in most games, Cadet managed to finish the 2014 season in the top 25 for receptions and receiving yards by a running back. He played a limited number of snaps last season however, so how he will perform in an increased role is still unknown.
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Brandon Bolden: Bolden is the longest tenured Patriot of the running back group having spent the last three seasons with the team. Bolden is a tough player to judge because he has flashes of greatness but lacks consistency. Although he runs with great burst, the Patriots offense needs more from Bolden for him to be able to move up on the depth chart. He had the worst season of his career last year after only rushing for 3.2 yards per carry. This offseason may be Bolden’s last shot to make a name for himself in New England.
James White: James White will have to fight hard to shine on the New England Patriots but that is nothing new to him. White has been a complimentary back for so long that he may be more comfortable in that role. In high school White was the backup to now Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovanni Bernard. When he arrived at Wisconsin he was behind Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball. Finally just when White thought he would shine as a senior, Melvin Gordon had a breakout season and is now the starting running back for the San Diego Chargers. White has never let this stop him though. He still managed to get a scholarship to a great football University, fill the record books at the University of Wisconsin, and be drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Patriots. If any player can find his role on a team, it is James White.
Next: Let's See What The Final Grade Is