The Patriots entered the draft with two productive running backs on their roster -- BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead -- and left with four versatile, young players at the position.
The additions of Cal’s Shane Vereen and LSU’s Stephan Ridley gives Bill Belichick what he wants at the position: A ton of option for his running back committee that are comfortable in a variety of roles. It also makes the Patriots backfield much younger.
Fred Taylor is surely gone, and it looks like Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk will follow. Sammy Morris, 34, indicated to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald that he wants to continue his NFL career. Faulk, who should one day make the “Patriots Hall of Fame,” has also hinted he wants to put off retirement despite a torn ACL last year.
Belichick reveres Faulk’s place in the franchise so much, Faulk figures to get a chance to make the team if Faulk can’t find a better opportunity elsewhere. After the additions Belichick made, Faulk will be fighting an uphill battle.