New England Patriots: Case for Drafting a Running Back
Bottom line
The New England Patriots must draft and develop a running back in order to stabilize the offense and make the future quarterback feel more comfortable.
Yes, the offensive line is priority, because they’re the ones who are responsible for creating the gaps that the runner uses. However, much like what Minnesota did by using Adrian Peterson to make Teddy Bridgewater‘s development easier, New England might be looking to do that with Jimmy Garoppolo in the coming years.
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Don’t be surprised if the Patriots don’t even draft a running back but instead pick up an undrafted kid, which has worked out for the Patriots well in the past (see: Butler, Malcolm).
Dion Lewis will bring new life to the backfield next season with this savvy moves and ability to slip out of tackles. With him back, the screen passes Tom Brady throws will go for longer yards and more first-downs.
Whatever the Patriots decide to do draft night pertaining to their running game, it doesn’t change the fact that Tom Brady cannot throw the ball 50 times a game anymore.
Next: Patriots on Fourth Down: Analytics vs. Real Life
If this organization wants to win its fifth Superbowl, a running game must be established starting in Week 1.