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Patriots: Ranking positions by strength

By Connor Fulton

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulates wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) after his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulates wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) after his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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James White Patriots
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Running back

Just like every other team in the history of football, the Patriots are better when they thwart a threatening ground attack. Look back on their victory in Super Bowl XLIX; strong running from LeGarrette Blount provided just the kind of security blanket Brady needed to neutralize the Seattle Seahawks’ pass rush.

The running back position is listed so low because of the questionable situation surrounding Blount, the only power back on the Patriots’ roster who isn’t over the hill (sorry, Steven Jackson). Dion Lewis, James White and Brandon Bolden are all very good in their individual roles, but until the Patriots have a dependable downhill runner on the roster not named Blount, the running back position will be a bit of a question mark.

What the Patriots should do over the offseason: Are they going to re-sign Blount? This writer doesn’t think so. What about the tantalizing option of free agent running back Matt Forte? Now that’s an idea. As for the 2016 NFL Draft, Notre Dame’s C.J. Prosise comes to mind as an intriguing option.

Next: 7. Wide receivers

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