New England Patriots: Dealer’s Choice at Running Back

Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) and running back LeGarrette Blount (29) warm up before the start of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

When you operate with a running back-by-committee approach you are going to experience turnover. That is exactly what is facing the New England Patriots this season as their two longest-tenured players at the position, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, will be playing in New York in 2015 with the Jets and Giants respectively.

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As such, the Patriots face some serious questions at the position. one which Around The NFL Editor Gregg Rosenthal named in his “Weakest offensive position groups” article. LeGarrette Blount is likely to receive the majority of the carries, but Rosenthal has doubts about his ability to be an effective starter for the entire season. If Blount falters, the Patriots are left with the promising but inexperienced Jonas Gray or special teams stand-out Brandon Bolden.

The “big back” role is less of a mystery than the “passing back” role, which belonged to Vereen for the past two seasons. He is likely to be replaced by second-year player James White, although White will have to compete with free-agent signing Travaris Cadet, the former New Orleans Saint.

Let’s take a look at each running back on the Patriots roster and see where they could carve out space on the 2015 roster.

Next: Blount the main man in Foxboro