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Will Mike Gillislee be the top running back for New England Patriots?

By Tommy Butler

Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Mike Gillislee (35) against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field. Miami beats Buffalo 34 to 31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Mike Gillislee (35) against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field. Miami beats Buffalo 34 to 31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The  New England Patriots have arguably the most dangerous backfield in the NFL at the moment which begs the question: who’s number one?

The New England Patriots are notorious for being impossible to predict. They always seem to be a two steps ahead of the competition in nearly every aspect of the game.

It makes drafting basically any Patriots players (besides Tom Brady) in fantasy drafts a difficult choice.

One of the hottest debates around the defensing Super Bowl champs right now is about which running back will take the lead.

At the moment the Patriots have eight players designated as running backs on their roster. They include Brandon Bolden, Rex Burkhead, LeShun Daniels Jr., James Devlin, D.J. Foster, Mike Gillislee, Dion Lewis and James White.

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Daniels Jr. and Foster are both rookies and aren’t even a lock to make the team. Bolden and Devlin both have roles on the team (special teams and fullback respectively) that they are unlikely to move from.

The main four with a chance to start are Gillislee, Lewis, White and Burkhead with Gillislee seemingly in the lead.

The case for Gillislee

At 5’11, 208 lbs. Gillislee isn’t as big of a back as LeGarrette Blount. Where he lacks in sheer “Blount force” if you will Gillislee makes up with added agility and speed.

You can watch some of his 2016 highlights here.

Though he isn’t nearly as much of a power runner, Gillislee does have the biggest body of the likely starting candidates.

Gillislee will be the back the New England Patriots will turn to to get tough yardage, like Blount, but his speed and agility will make him even more useful all over the field.

Other likely roles

With the way the Patriots play football we know that Gillislee starting will still leave plenty of opportunities for the other three.

They will all certainly see the field during the season but I expect Rex Burkhead to see the most behind Gillislee.

Dec 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Burkhead has the ability to play as a utility player all over the field, including at receiver if the need were to arise. He also has kick returning experience which is always valuable.

Here are some of Burkhead’s highlights from last year.

James White, who many argue should have been the Super Bowl LI MVP, doesn’t have the right stuff to be the starter for the Patriots this year.

He’s still young, entering his fourth season in the NFL, and will continue playing in the same role as last year until his consistency improves.

Dion Lewis will also continue with his role last year. His biggest problem being durability as he’s only managed to play in seven games in each of his two seasons with the Pats.

Next: Red Sox prospect Michael Chavis making a name for himself in minors

Lewis hasn’t played a complete season since his rookie year in 2011. In 15 games that year he only had 23 rush attempts.

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