New England Patriots: 5 First Round Targets in 2017 NFL Draft

4. Christian McCaffrey: Stanford

Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook will be gone. Christian McCaffrey should still be available to take with the 32nd pick, and they should take a real good look at him.

It only makes sense for the Patriots to take a potential future lead back, seeing as LeGarrette Blount is currently hitting free agency, and James White hits free agency next year. McCaffrey would provide stability to a running back group who hasn’t had a long-term option since Kevin Faulk.

LeGarrette Blount is approaching the wrong side of 30, and running backs heading into their 30’s usually start a sharp decline afterward. Retaining Blount is a good idea for the Patriots, but having his predecessor on the roster doesn’t hurt either.

Christian McCaffrey, a junior at Stanford, rushed for 1,603 yards along with 13 TD’s this season, according to Sports-Reference.com. He averaged above six yards per rush attempt in his collegiate career, and can offer that type of stability in the pros.

Bill Belichick loves having a lead back, and McCaffrey has lead back material. Compared to other college running backs, McCaffrey hasn’t had a large load of carries, only having 632 over a 3 year span.

It seems like a good fit for both sides, and I think he has the chance to fall into their lap at the 32nd pick in the draft.