New England Patriots: Ralph Webb standing out among undrafted players

New England Patriots running back Ralph Webb has been a standout among the undrafted free agents.

The New England Patriots have a deep backfield this offseason. The group of running backs they have this season is arguably the most talented group that they have had since Bill Belichick took over.

New England retained Rex Burkhead in free agency, bringing him back into the fold along with third-down specialist James White. Mike Gillislee is also still around from last season’s group.

In addition to them, the Patriots also used a first-round pick on Sony Michel out of Georgia and signed Jeremy Hill in free agency.

This is a deep, talented group that brings a lot to the table. All are versatile and can fill different roles, giving Josh McDaniels the opportunity to give opponents multiple looks throughout a game.

Throughout the offseason, a lot of focus has been on Hill and Gillislee. They are presumably battling it out for one roster spot as the short-yardage, big back. The battle between the two was named as the biggest looming decision the team has to make. However, a third player could be pushing his way into the discussion.

While the Patriots used a lot of resources on running backs this offseason, that didn’t stop them from adding another one after the draft. Undrafted free agent Ralph Webb has entered a crowded backfield but is doing what he can to showcase his talents.

Over at Bleacher Report, a standout undrafted free agent from each team was selected. Webb was selected as the Patriots standout thus far, and it is tough to argue against that.

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With Michel battling an injury, an opportunity has arisen and Webb is looking to take full advantage. In the preseason opener against the Washington Redskins, Webb opened up some eyes.

Webb carried the ball 14 times, tied for the team lead with Mike Gillislee. He ran for 46 yards and scored two touchdowns. Both scores came in the fourth quarter, as Webb scored from eight yards out and had a one-yard touchdown as well.

Belichick is high on the undrafted free agent, talking him up following Thursday’s victory over Washington.

"“He’s got good strength … and he runs hard.” head coach Bill Belichick said after the game, per Forbes‘ Oliver Thomas. “… He showed us that in the spring, in training camp. He’s a tough kid that runs with good pad level.”"

Webb had two seasons in which he ran for at least 1,100 yards at Vanderbilt but saw his workload scaled back during his senior season. He showed some receiving chops as well, catching 68 passes in four seasons with the Commodores.

Webb has a tough task ahead of him cracking the 53-man roster, but he is doing what he can with his opportunities. He is someone that the Patriots could certainly look to keep around on the practice squad if they do not find a spot for him on the final roster.