Expectations of third-year Patriots players

3. James White

2014 stats: 38 rushing yards, five receptions; five receptions, 23 receiving yards

2015 stats: 56 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 40 receptions, 410 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns

As the numbers indicate, White’s role grew significantly in his sophomore season. Tasked with filling-in for the injured Dion Lewis, White established his own in a crowded group of Patriots’ playmakers. While maybe not as quick and nimble as Lewis, White proved that he is a slippery player himself.

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White’s catch-and-run touchdown off a screen pass in Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans made our list of the 15 best Patriots moments from 2015. He displays patience and impressive vision, traits which should help to keep him relevant in the Patriots’ offense for years to come.

Certainly not a guy you wanting running in the trenches all that much, White will continue to make his living catching passes out of the backfield.

2016 expectations: 61 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns; 28 receptions, 301 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns

Operating under the assumption that Lewis will be healthy for all 16 regular season games, White will see a dip in production. However, as long as he catches all the balls thrown his way and displays that open-field elusiveness, White will be doing just fine as a third-year pro.

Next: 2. Cameron Fleming