For the Patriots, the running back position is one of the few that doesn’t necessarily need another body. The team didn’t have a great year running in 2019, as backs only produced 1,489 yards on the ground. Not all of that can be contributed to their play, some of the blame can fall on the injuries to the fullbacks and offensive line.
In 2020, New England is expected to return all five of their running backs from last season.
Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, and Brandon Bolden are all currently under contract for at least 2020. Each back has his own role, and even then some may be left out.
Michel is the workhorse back, doing a majority of his damage on first and second down. White is a consistent pass-catching back with some ability to run if need be. Burkhead provides versatility to play all four downs. Bolden is a special teamer who can step up and produce if his number’s called. And, Harris is the unknown second-year back who could steal reps from any of these guys.
So, the running back room might be a little full, but that doesn’t mean those at 1 Patriot Pl. aren’t going to take a stab at the position in the draft. These seven running backs could find their way to Foxboro by the end of the week.
Round 1 – D’Andre Swift, Georgia
There’s just something about Georgia running backs. It seems as though all of their starters become top prospects in the draft, and it’s no different with Swift. The former Bulldog ran for 2,885 yards and 20 touchdowns in his three years at Georgia, bringing in 73 receptions for 666 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns as well.
Swift is the top back in the draft for a reason. He’s able to run through defenders or make them miss. He can run just about any route as a receiver out of the backfield. And, he can pick up the block if he’s needed. The Patriots probably aren’t looking to get a number one runner in this draft after drafting Michel just two years ago, but if they are Swift should be the target.
Round 2 – Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Edwards-Helaire spent three years at LSU, totaling 2,103 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. Most of the damage was done in 2019 when he became the starter, running for 1,414 and 16 touchdowns while also adding 55 receptions for 453 yards and a receiving touchdown.
The 21-year-old’s winning experience could be welcomed into New England quickly. His skill-set as a receiving back would make him an obvious nominee to learn from White and potentially replace him at the end of his contract. While he struggles to pick up blocks, Edwards-Helaire could be an instant producer with the Patriots.
Round 3 – Zack Moss, Utah
Now, Utah isn’t exactly a breeding-ground for running backs the way LSU and Georgia are, but Moss could change that narrative. In four college seasons, he ran 4,067 yards and 38 touchdowns and brought in 66 receptions for 685 yards and three touchdowns in the passing game.
At 5-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Moss can be a wrecking ball. He’s powerful with a solid burst to the line. In New England, Moss may be able to contribute in his rookie year as the short-yardage/red-zone threat that the Patriots have been missing. From there, he could develop into an old school three-down back, one that’s slower but has the sure hands and the power.
Round 4 – A.J. Dillon, Boston College
Dillon brought some relevance back to Boston College, even if it was only a little. Over three seasons, Dillon totaled 4,382 yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground. Due to his performance, he was named First-team All-ACC all three years and earned a Third-team All-American nomination in 2019.
The former Eagle has a lot to offer the Patriots. Obviously, at 6-foot, 250 pounds he’s a big guy who can do a lot in short yardage. That’s something New England lacks. However, Dillon proved at BC that he can be a workhorse. If the Patriots decide they want a back who can carry the ball 300 times in a season, Dillon has done it and should be able to do it again.
Round 5 – Joshua Kelley, UCLA
Before UCLA, Kelley spent two seasons at UC Davis, running for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns in his time there. After a redshirt year to transfer, Kelley took over as the lead back for the Bruins at UCLA pounding the rock for 2,303 yards and 24 touchdowns over his final two seasons of eligibility.
Kelley is a physical, strong runner who looks to run over anybody in front of him. This style is something different than the Patriots already have. As a runner, he looks to hit the hole hard. There aren’t a lot of cuts in his game and his vision needs to be worked on, but he can produce under the right coaching and that could come from running backs coach Ivan Fears.
Round 6 – James Robinson, Illinois State
Illinois State, like Utah, hasn’t produced many elite running backs. In fact, they’ve only ever produced one other back who was drafted – Ron Bell in 1973. Robinson looks to change that. He’s second all-time in both rushing yards (4,444) and rushing touchdowns (44) in Illinois State history.
The questions surrounding Robinson will be about making the jump from the FCS level to the NFL which is always difficult. However, he’s been noted to be an extremely hard worker and has great vision. The lack of speed could be what keeps him from making an impact in the NFL, but he has the size and ability to be a back-up running back and special teamer.
Round 7 – DeeJay Dallas, Miami
Dallas did a little bit of everything with the Hurricanes. In his three seasons, he totaled 1,527 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground and added 28 receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns through the air. On top of his offensive duties, he also served as both a punt and kick returner at points.
With New England, Dallas could play the role of “athlete.” Put him on the field anywhere and he will be able to compete. He could come out of the slot or in the backfield. Most importantly for the Patriots, he can play special teams. If Dallas can work his way onto the roster as a returner, he may be able to find some work on offense in some interesting packages. And, since he’s fairly new to the running back position, there may be untapped potential that could just be waiting for the right coaching.
