New England Patriots Mock Draft Update: March 12th

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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) stiff arms against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 72: Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson

The Patriots are loaded on the offense with the additions of Brandin Cooks and Dwayne Allen. They’ve yet to re-sign LeGarrette Blount or another running back, though.

The team has addressed some of their defensive needs through trades and free agency also, so they can afford to make an offensive pick with their first selection.

Wayne Gallman is a big back at 6′ 215lbs, and he could create a new backfield trio with Dion Lewis and James White. He’s a hardnosed runner and one AFC East scout has said they love his style.

"“A lot of backs do some pretty things with their footwork and it gets people excited and then you find out they aren’t tough enough. Give me a guy who can bang like Gallman and let the coaches put him in a position to succeed.”"

Gallman is a one-cut, downhill runner. He’d be the perfect addition to New England’s running back committee. He added 28 touchdowns over the last two seasons for the Clemson Tigers.

Gallman is certainly not a finesse running back, but that’s not what the Patriots would ask him to do. Lewis and White are the finesse backs in a Tom Brady led offense.

Wayne Gallman has potential as a future starter in the NFL, but for now, he’d do best in a committee role. Few teams other than New England have the right fit for him. If Gallman falls to the third round, the Patriots should pounce. Don’t be surprised to see Gallman instead of Blount in 2017.

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