New England Patriots: Finding a Power Running Back is Biggest Need

The New England Patriots have had a great offseason, but that doesn’t mean they still don’t have a hole or two to fill.

It has been an excellent offseason for the New England Patriots, but that doesn’t mean they still don’t have some work to do. With some good free agents still available and the NFL Draft less than a month away, there is still some work to be done.

Recently, ESPN had their writers say what the biggest need for all 32 NFL teams was. For the Patriots, Mike Reiss pointed out the lack of a power running back for the Patriots as their biggest need. Here’s what he had to say.

"The Patriots haven’t re-signed 250-pound LeGarrette Blount (18 rushing TDs in 2016), which means their running back corps currently includes Dion Lewis (5-8, 195), James White (5-10, 205), Rex Burkhead (5-11, 210) and D.J. Foster (6-0, 195). The team will look closely at this year’s draft prospects, as the position is considered a deep class. If the Patriots don’t select a rusher in the draft, perhaps they revisit talks with Blount or consider signing Adrian Peterson, who they hosted on a visit on Monday. — Mike Reiss"

Reiss nails it on the head with this one. Last season, LeGarrette Blount may not have had a good yards per carry average, but he certainly was a productive runner in between the tackles and in the red zone.

Last season, Blount set the single-season rushing touchdown record. Despite this, Blount hasn’t drawn much interest in free agency. Recently, the Patriots met with Adrian Peterson. Even though Peterson isn’t in his prime anymore, he would still be a solid option for the Patriots for a power running game.

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In addition to options in free agency, the Patriots could also use the draft to fill this need. Even though they don’t have a draft pick in the first two rounds, they could certainly find a power running back in the mid to late rounds.