New England Patriots: Drafting a new look 2020 monster offense

The 2020 New England Patriots running backs

The New England Patriots running back corps is OK. Just, OK. One member who is much more than that, however, is the incomparable James White. Pro Football Reference points out this excellence pointing out that White caught 87 in 2018 and 72 in the poor offensive Patriots’ performance last season when he was targeted far fewer times.

In short, James White is a Pro Bowl level player whether he has been selected or not. He’s one of the best if not the best pass-catching backs in the league.

Running back is not the same story. The Patriots need at least one addition here. Their complement of Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden is not Super Bowl-caliber absent the presence of an all-time quarterback.

Patriots’ third-round pick in 2019 Damien Harris was a complete non-factor and wasted pick, at least as far as last season was concerned.

In fairness, however, Harris never got a chance to show what he could do. I suppose we can read into that what we will.  A major addition or additions need to be made.

Battering ram fullback James Develin if healthy makes the team as does recent addition Danny Vitale who will also make a solid addition to the running back squad.

One draft addition that fits the bill is Mike Warren II of Cincinnati.  A short, powerful back, Warren is the key to obtaining the short-yardage gains the team needed in 2019.

Warren will be a two-down back challenging defensive teams on every carry with his power. He will also be called upon to get the one or two yards to keep a drive alive or to get into the end zone when they need it.

Warren added to bolster the New England Patriots backfield.