The vision and balance of Patriots fourth-round pick James White headlines a rookie running back trio. (USA Today Sports Images)
NEPD Editor: Oliver Thomas
The New England Patriots’ offseason roster delves eight deep at the running back position. But even after Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden, fullback James Develin and first-year player Jonas Gray, viable competition remains.
It comes in the form of rookies Stephen Houston, James White and Roy Finch.
Only one of whom was selected in May’s draft, yet each of whom carries the serviceability to warrant a 53-man roster selection.
The reality, though, is that not all of whom will. There are only 11 offensive players on the field at a time, and there’s only one football to go around. And given the sheer volume of candidates in New England’s wide-open rushing committee, taking part in both will be a tall order this summer.
Each will have to carve a role.
Based on the ways in which the trio was utilized in college, however, doing so won’t be far outside the realm of possibility. (more…)
