One more reason to hate the Patriots
Edjerrin James is now a Cardinal. Jamal Lewis remains a Raven via the largest deal ever given to a running back. Chester Taylor, the most coveted 2005 backup in the league, was given starter money in Minnesota. The three teams that were originally considered a lock to be taking a running back early into round one now have satisfied their need through free agency. First-round talents in the running back field will be slipping come draft day. Few teams have a need for a running back in the first half of round one. The Eagles would love to add an inside-the-tackles runner to compliment Brian Westbrook, but this is not their primary need. The Broncos do not trust Tatum Bell as a starting back to the point where they have been listening to trade offers. They would love to acquire an every-down back, but -like the Eagles- this is really not their primary need in the draft.
It is very realistic to assume that both the Eagles and Broncos will address needs different from the backfield at 14 and 15. The Eagles absolutely need to upgrade their defense up front. The Broncos would be presented with more value by taking a Wideout at 15 and a Running Back at 22 than vice versa. Both elite receivers -Chad Jackson and Santonio Holmes- will surely be gone by 22; however, it is very likely that either Laurence Maroney, LenDale White, or Deangelo Williams will fall to 22. Welcome the Patriots back into the foreground of everyone's mind as a hated entity. At pick 21, it is almost certain that they will be getting extraordinary value to pick the successor to Corey Dillon. Dillon is a capable runner, but his durability and longevity has to be in question after his injury struggles last season. Backup, Kevin Faulk, is just that: a backup. He can not anchor a running game single-handedly. If the proper value presents itself, the Patriots will be very willing to choose a running back in round one.
If the Eagles and Broncos both pass on a running back, Patriot fans will be pinching themselves. Deangelo Williams from Memphis is one of the most productive running backs in NCAA history. His only drawback is size at 5'9"/214. He is incredibly instinctive and patient as a runner. His can run with power, even at 5'9". He is equally adept at running inside and outside of the tackles. He times at 4.50, and plays even faster on the field. Most of all, he possesses a leadership quality that was felt during his entire college career and immediately during day one of practice for the Senior Bowl. Other players at the Senior Bowl seemed magnetized to Deangelo's personality. His complementary hard-working attitude and on-field production made Williams the easy choice for captain of his squad. These qualities are exactly what the Patriots value highly. Deangelo Williams would be a perfect fit and a steal at 21.
Lets assume that someone either grabs Deangelo Williams in position or moves up to acquire him. Now, the running back field will be one back shorter by the time the Patriots pick. This is no concern. Bring on LenDale White. LenDale is simply a production machine. He has averaged 17 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards per year during his three-year career at USC. His 6'1"/238 size is large, even by NFL standards. He uses his size to hit holes with authority, but retains excellent footwork and balance. Even at that size, he times at 4.50 in the 40-yard dash. He is incredibly reliable. Just like Deangelo Williams, LenDale White possesses a magnetic personality. He was the soul of the USC team that won two national titles. In the national championship game this year, he was the unstoppable force in the backfield: not Reggie Bush. At #21, LenDale White would still present the requisite value to garner a selection by the Patriots to address their future needs at running back.
One way or another, the Patriots will find value. Recall last year when they drafted Logan Mankins with their first round pick. He was given a third round grade by the NFL advisory committee. However, Mankins started for the Patriots this past season, and performed well up to his first round clout. With either Deangelo Williams or LenDale White, the Patriots will sure up their running game for years to come. Both are potential Hall of Fame running backs, and one of them is likely to end up a Patriot at pick 21. Let the frustration begin.
It is very realistic to assume that both the Eagles and Broncos will address needs different from the backfield at 14 and 15. The Eagles absolutely need to upgrade their defense up front. The Broncos would be presented with more value by taking a Wideout at 15 and a Running Back at 22 than vice versa. Both elite receivers -Chad Jackson and Santonio Holmes- will surely be gone by 22; however, it is very likely that either Laurence Maroney, LenDale White, or Deangelo Williams will fall to 22. Welcome the Patriots back into the foreground of everyone's mind as a hated entity. At pick 21, it is almost certain that they will be getting extraordinary value to pick the successor to Corey Dillon. Dillon is a capable runner, but his durability and longevity has to be in question after his injury struggles last season. Backup, Kevin Faulk, is just that: a backup. He can not anchor a running game single-handedly. If the proper value presents itself, the Patriots will be very willing to choose a running back in round one.
The Patriots will frustrate non-Patriot fans come Draft Day
If the Eagles and Broncos both pass on a running back, Patriot fans will be pinching themselves. Deangelo Williams from Memphis is one of the most productive running backs in NCAA history. His only drawback is size at 5'9"/214. He is incredibly instinctive and patient as a runner. His can run with power, even at 5'9". He is equally adept at running inside and outside of the tackles. He times at 4.50, and plays even faster on the field. Most of all, he possesses a leadership quality that was felt during his entire college career and immediately during day one of practice for the Senior Bowl. Other players at the Senior Bowl seemed magnetized to Deangelo's personality. His complementary hard-working attitude and on-field production made Williams the easy choice for captain of his squad. These qualities are exactly what the Patriots value highly. Deangelo Williams would be a perfect fit and a steal at 21.
Lets assume that someone either grabs Deangelo Williams in position or moves up to acquire him. Now, the running back field will be one back shorter by the time the Patriots pick. This is no concern. Bring on LenDale White. LenDale is simply a production machine. He has averaged 17 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards per year during his three-year career at USC. His 6'1"/238 size is large, even by NFL standards. He uses his size to hit holes with authority, but retains excellent footwork and balance. Even at that size, he times at 4.50 in the 40-yard dash. He is incredibly reliable. Just like Deangelo Williams, LenDale White possesses a magnetic personality. He was the soul of the USC team that won two national titles. In the national championship game this year, he was the unstoppable force in the backfield: not Reggie Bush. At #21, LenDale White would still present the requisite value to garner a selection by the Patriots to address their future needs at running back.
Whether Williams or White, the Patriots will get a steal at 21
One way or another, the Patriots will find value. Recall last year when they drafted Logan Mankins with their first round pick. He was given a third round grade by the NFL advisory committee. However, Mankins started for the Patriots this past season, and performed well up to his first round clout. With either Deangelo Williams or LenDale White, the Patriots will sure up their running game for years to come. Both are potential Hall of Fame running backs, and one of them is likely to end up a Patriot at pick 21. Let the frustration begin.