New England Patriots Need to Address Their Future Running Back Situation

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Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) runs against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Natrez Patrick (6) during the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Draft Prospects

The New England Patriots could opt to select a running back in the 2017 NFL Draft. Ideally, they would pick a big, power back this year. Each of these running backs could be available when the Patriots finally get on the board in the third round, and some will be available even later.

D’Onta Foreman, Texas

2016 Stats: 323 attempts, 2,028 yards, 15 touchdowns

D’Onta Foreman was near the top of the leaderboards in terms of rushing yards for the entirety of the 2016 college football season. Projected to be drafted between the first and third rounds, the 6’0″ 233lbs running back could become the feature back for New England. Foreman is not an incredible receiving back, but the Patriots would not need him to be one. Foreman had a workout with the Patriots after meeting with the team at the NFL Combine.

Brian Hill, Wyoming

2016 Stats: 349 attempts, 1,860 yards, 22 touchdowns

In my mock drafts, I continue to have the Patriots selecting Brian Hill out of Wyoming. He’s a big back at 6’1″, and is able to power through the line up the middle. Experts project Hill as a first and second down back in the NFL.

Wayne Gallman, Clemson

2016 Stats: 232 attempts, 1,133 yards, 17 touchdowns

The National Championship winning running back should be available for the Patriots in the third or fourth round of the draft. Wayne Gallman is 6’0″ 215lbs and is a slasher. Scouts think he lacks power for the NFL game, but only time will tell.

Samaje Perine, Oklahoma

2016 Stats: 196 attempts, 1,060 yards, 12 touchdowns

The top Oklahoma running back off the board will be Joe Mixon, but the New England Patriots have said they have no interest in him. At 5’11” 233lbs Samaje Perine is a thick running back. In 2016 he averaged 5.6 yards per carry while rushing for over 1,000 yards.

Elijah Hood, North Carolina

2016 Stats: 145 attempts, 858 yards, 8 touchdowns

Elijah Hood from UNC should be available in the fifth round. He’s a north-south runner that would likely become a situational player in the NFL.

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