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Inside the New England Patriots Draft Room: Who Will Join the Super Bowl Champions

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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James White Patriots draft
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

The Patriots have been active in the running back market this offseason, and after seeing the limited options that fit their system, it’s easy to see why. The team re-signed Brandon Bolden and added Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee in free agency. LeGarrette Blount is still a free agent and an option to bring back as well. With James White and Dion Lewis also on the roster, and D.J. Foster likely landing on the practice squad, it doesn’t appear the Patriots need to add another through the draft.

If they do, the options are limited. The only prospect to score above all minimum thresholds is William Stanback. Stanback played at the Division II level last season after being dismissed from Central Florida. ESPN reported his dismissal was the result of multiple failed drug tests.

Highly-valued skills:

height, weight, bench press, vertical, broad jump, three cone (134 prospects graded)

1. William Stanback (Virginia Union) – 17.6%

Fell below the minimum threshold in one category, but still finished with a positive score:

1. Chris Carson (Oklahoma State) – 29.4%

2. Leonard Fournette (LSU) – 23.5%

2. Christian McCaffrey (Stanford) – 23.5%

4. Trey Edmunds (Maryland) – 17.6%

4. Aaron Jones (UTEP) – 17.6%

6. Joel Bouagnon (Northern Illinois) – 11.7%

Adding a Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey would have New England fans rocking out to Bon Jovi again, however the undrafted free agent route is the most likely scenario.

The most intriguing backs are Chris Carson (below minimum threshold in three cone) and Aaron Jones (bench press). Both are reliable pass catchers who could challenge Bolden and Foster for a roster spot.

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