Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Brandon Bolden
To mark 38 days until the New England Patriots open 2016, we are profiling the owner of the No. 38 jersey, running back Brandon Bolden.
Size: 5-foot-11, 220 pounds
College: Mississippi
NFL experience: Four years
2015 stats: 207 rushing yards (3.3 yards per carry), 19 receptions, 180 yards, two touchdowns
Bolden acts as a role model for the double digits of undrafted rookies trying out for the Patriots right now, as he made the team in 2012 despite not being selected in the draft. Bolden has gone on to become one of the more valuable parts of the roster.
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If you ask Bolden to block, he’ll do that. If he needs to take a carry or two on a series, he can do that. If Tom Brady needs an outlet out of the backfield, Bolden will be available to catch the pass. If the Pats need a special teams contribution, the Mississippi product will answer the call. Bolden is exemplary of what Bill Belichick looks for in a player: humble, hard working and most of all, versatile.
Recent installments in the series:
41 days – No. 41 Cedric Thompson
42 days – No. 42 Vinnie Sunseri
Bolden’s spot on the 2016 roster is pretty secure. Barring a jaw-dropping performance from Tyler Gaffney, D.J. Foster or another roster long shot, Bolden ought to fill the RB/ST role for the fifth year in a row. Bolden is so valuable becomes you can count on his special teams ability, but you can also count on him filling in decently enough should the running back get hit with the injury bug.
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Of course, Bolden is also vulnerable to be the perennial surprise roster cut. But as long as he does what he’s done the past four years, Bolden should be safe.
Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster
Be sure to stop by Musket Fire tomorrow morning as we mark 37 days until kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 37 jersey, second-year safety Jordan Richards.