The Patriots enter the 2016 season with a deep running back corp that features veterans LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and Donald Brown as well as James White, Brandon Bolden, DJ Foster and Tyler Gaffney.
With Tom Brady suspended the first four games, the Patriots will be relying on their running game early on to support back up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Here are the strengths and weaknesses of each running back entering camp.
LeGarrette Blount, 6-3 250, Oregon
Strengths
– Physical tackle to tackle back runs downhill and punishes defenders.
– Blount has quick feet and he runs with good balance for a big back.
– He has good open field speed for a big back and can separate once he’s in the second level.
– A willing pass blocker who squares up defenders, gets inside hand placement and can re-route them away from the pocket.
– Blount can absorb carries. The Patriots can give him the ball 20-25 times a game.
Weaknesses
– Takes time to get going. Blount gets hit a lot in the back field for a loss.
– Blount has no value as a receiver and he’s ineffective in the screen game.
– He has a tendency to get lazy at times.
Bottom Line: Blount is a hammer who is ideally suited to run the ball on early downs and close games out in the four minute offense.
Dion Lewis, 5-7 190, Pittsburgh
Strengths
– Lewis is a one cut scatback who runs with good vision and balance.
-Versatile. Lewis can line up anywhere in a formation and be effective as a running back or receiver.
– Lewis has plus hands and is a terrific route runner. He sets up defenders one on one and creates separation.
– Effective on running back and perimeter screens.
– Fundamentally sound as a pass blocker. Fits into defenders and stays with them when they try to disengage.
Weaknesses
– Lewis is not an every down back. He cannot handle more than 10-15 carries a game.
– Injury prone. Lewis has been in the league five years and he’s had two major injuries.
– Lewis has a tendency to over cut some times. One cut is enough.
Bottom Line: Lewis is one of the best scatbacks in the league. The Patriots missed his versatility after he got hurt last season. His return will be a big boast to the offense.
Donald Brown, 5-10 210, UCONN
Strengths
– Brown is the best pass blocker in this group. He is fundamentally sound in terms of his technique. He gets inside position on defenders, moves well laterally and can punch and recoil.
– Brown can run inside the tackle in the power run game and outside the tackle in the zone running game.
– Brown has plus hands. He catches the ball well on the run and can separate after the catch. Brown has deceptive quickness in the open field.
– Bill Belichick likes guys like Brown because he is a high I.Q guy who can play all three downs.
– Versatility. Brown can carry the load and be the third down back.
Weaknesses
– Brown is inconsistent. He just doesn’t do enough to separate himself in any area of his position.
– Lacks the strength to push the pile as an inside runner.
– Brown doesn’t play special teams which hurts his chances of making the team.
Bottom Line: Brown can make the Patriots out of camp because he’s experienced and a smart player. It’s going to take more than that however.
The Rest of the Backs
James White, Wisconsin, 5-9, 205: White showed flashes last season after Lewis got hurt but he is going to need to do more this pre-season to make the team. Returning kicks helps White’s cause but it might not be enough.
Brandon Bolden, 5-11 215, Ole Miss: Bolden is old reliable and he’ll make the team because he can carry the ball effectively when called upon and he plays on all special teams.
D.J Foster, 5-10, 193, Arizona State: The undrafted free agent offers a lot of upside. Foster has the look of an every down back both physically and in terms of his production. He is a prime candidate to make the practice squad.
Joey Iosefa, 5-10, 235, Hawaii: Iosefa made for a nice story last season when the Patriots were short at running back but his chances of making the team are slim. Iosefa will need a great camp and prove he can play on all special teams.
Tyler Gaffney, 5-10, 193, Stanford: Gaffney is a big back who is use to running inside the tackles at Stanford and pushing the pile. Maybe that’s why he’s so injury prone. Gaffney will have a hell of a time making the team. The potential is there but he hasn’t shown the Patriots enough.
James Devlin, 6-3, 260, Brown: Devlin is back after missing all of last season with a knee injury. The Belichick favorite should make the team because he plays on all of the special teams and can be used in short yardage and goaline situations.