Running backs expected to be taken between Rounds 4-7

[thunderingsquid]

At this point, anything less would be a disappointment.

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

At this point, anything less would be a disappointment.

And, what usually happens with those kind of expectations? DISAPPOINTMENT

[mjt328]

If it the "best" RB draft, why are the Patriots signing Gillislee?

 

Tom Brady has already defied the odds by playing at a high level this long. He wants to continue going like this for 6-7 more years, but the chances of that actually happening are very small. Regardless of his training/diet, there will be a point that Brady drops off. And I think the Patriots know this.

 

All of their moves this off-season have been VERY unlike typical Patriot behavior. This is a team that historically has shunned big-name free agents, traded away big players before their contracts expire, and stockpiled draft picks. But this year, the Patriots have:

 

1. Been reluctant to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, despite the fact he is a free agent next season

2. Traded a 1st Rounder for Brandin Cooks. Next year, his 5th year option will jump his salary to over $8 million. Then he is also a free agent.

3. Signed one of the most overpriced free agents on the market in Stephon Gilmore.

 

 

The Patriots are obviously mortgaging their future for another Super Bowl run.

[dbflaBill]

 

Tom Brady has already defied the odds by playing at a high level this long. He wants to continue going like this for 6-7 more years, but the chances of that actually happening are very small. Regardless of his training/diet, there will be a point that Brady drops off. And I think the Patriots know this.

 

All of their moves this off-season have been VERY unlike typical Patriot behavior. This is a team that historically has shunned big-name free agents, traded away big players before their contracts expire, and stockpiled draft picks. But this year, the Patriots have:

 

1. Been reluctant to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, despite the fact he is a free agent next season

2. Traded a 1st Rounder for Brandin Cooks. Next year, his 5th year option will jump his salary to over $8 million. Then he is also a free agent.

3. Signed one of the most overpriced free agents on the market in Stephon Gilmore.

 

 

The Patriots are obviously mortgaging their future for another Super Bowl run.

You say obviously like any one has an Idea as to why they do what they do. They have been so far in front of the curve that nothing with them is obvious. To think otherwise would be foolish.

[thunderingsquid]

 

Tom Brady has already defied the odds by playing at a high level this long. He wants to continue going like this for 6-7 more years, but the chances of that actually happening are very small. Regardless of his training/diet, there will be a point that Brady drops off. And I think the Patriots know this.

 

All of their moves this off-season have been VERY unlike typical Patriot behavior. This is a team that historically has shunned big-name free agents, traded away big players before their contracts expire, and stockpiled draft picks. But this year, the Patriots have:

 

1. Been reluctant to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, despite the fact he is a free agent next season

2. Traded a 1st Rounder for Brandin Cooks. Next year, his 5th year option will jump his salary to over $8 million. Then he is also a free agent.

3. Signed one of the most overpriced free agents on the market in Stephon Gilmore.

 

 

The Patriots are obviously mortgaging their future for another Super Bowl run.

 

 

You have to admit that this is very uncharacteristic of them so far this offseason.

[FireChan]

I hope we take one in the fifth. Let's really spin those tires.

[JESSEFEFFER]

Looks like running back is a need now. So let's take a look at the large number of talented backs that will be available in the mid-to-late rounds.

 

Ordered by overall class ranking according to CBSSports NFL Draft team. The grade in parantheses after the ranking indicate the NFL.com rating. The players' programs that the Bills visited on Pro Day is indicated.

 

116. (5.5) Marlon Mack, RB, USF, 5-11, 215, 4.50 40

123. (5.5) Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo, 5-10, 215, 4.62 - Pro Day

125. (5.6) Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma, 5-11, 235, 4.65 - Pro Day

129. (5.4) Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson, 6-0, 215, 4.60 - Pro Day

140. (5.7) D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas, 6-0, 235, 4.46 - Pro Day

144. (5.3) Jamal Williams, RB, BYU, 6-0, 210, 4.59

148. (5.6) Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State, 5-9, 215, 4.49 - Pro Day

156. (5.2) Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin, 5-10, 220, 4.68 - Pro Day

160. (5.4) Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming, 6-1, 220, 4.54

162. (5.4) James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh, 6-1, 235, 4.65

174. (5.3) Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State, 5-8, 175, 4.48

180. (5.4) Matthew Dayes, RB, NC State, 5-9, 205, 4.66

194. (5.3) De'Angelo Henderson, RB, Coastal Carolina, 5-7, 210, 4.48

196. (5.3) TJ Logan, RB, North Carolina, 5-9, 195, 4.37 - Pro Day

203. (5.0) Elijah McGuire, RB, Lafayette, 5-10, 215, 4.53

217. (5.4) Tarik Cohen, RB, NC A&T, 5-6, 180, 4.42

225. (5.0) Aaron Jones, RB, UTEP, 5-9, 210, 4.56

261. (4.9) De'Veon Smith, RB, Michigan, 5-11, 225, 4.85 - Pro Day

279. (5.4) Joe Williams, RB, Utah, 5-11, 210, 4.41

 

A lot of these guys fit the bill for big running back that would compliment Shady. D'Onta Foreman and James Conner intrigue me the most.

 

 

Me too.

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

If it the "best" RB draft, why are the Patriots signing Gillislee?

 

I think they're going committee because of Brady. Theyd rather have a bunch of options. Gillislee, burkhead, White, Lewis.... they can hurt you in a bunch of ways.

[sjjr]

Mack would be a steal in the 5th round. Dayes, Gallman or Williams would fit too.

[Beef Jerky]

RB isn't a need now... The Bills have like 5 on the roster.

Everyone forgets we have Tolbert.

[fansince88]

Maybe I'm just in the minority's of people who aren't too concerned if MG leaves. I certainly wouldn't call RB a nerd at that point.

Especialy if he is bigger than you

[bigK14094]

If it the "best" RB draft, why are the Patriots signing Gillislee?

Because their guy is a pain in the butt.

[KollegeStudnet]

UDFA a running back.

 

There are quality guys that can be had after the draft.

[H2o]

Would love to have Foreman. That would be my guy.

[xsoldier54]

If it the "best" RB draft, why are the Patriots signing Gillislee?

Patriots are signing him as much to weaken the Bills as to fill a need in NE.

[Dr. Fong]

If it the "best" RB draft, why are the Patriots signing Gillislee?

 

If you had your choice which would you pick, someone that you know can get the job done in the NFL or someone you think might be able to? It's not like that fifth round pick is going to bring their dynasty down, but it gives Tom Brady someone else to work with while he is still playing.

Would love to have Foreman. That would be my guy.

That's who I like. I would think Mike Tolbert could teach him a thing or two.

[CommonCents]

3.3

4.1

2.1

3.6

3.4

 

What are those numbers? Mike Tolberts YPC.

One touchdown in the last three seasons.

His signing rivals the Ducasse signing for stoooopidness.

[BobbyC81]

Looks like running back is a need now. So let's take a look at the large number of talented backs that will be available in the mid-to-late rounds.

 

Ordered by overall class ranking according to CBSSports NFL Draft team. The grade in parantheses after the ranking indicate the NFL.com rating. The players' programs that the Bills visited on Pro Day is indicated.

 

116. (5.5) Marlon Mack, RB, USF, 5-11, 215, 4.50 40

123. (5.5) Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo, 5-10, 215, 4.62 - Pro Day

125. (5.6) Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma, 5-11, 235, 4.65 - Pro Day

129. (5.4) Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson, 6-0, 215, 4.60 - Pro Day

140. (5.7) D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas, 6-0, 235, 4.46 - Pro Day

144. (5.3) Jamal Williams, RB, BYU, 6-0, 210, 4.59

148. (5.6) Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State, 5-9, 215, 4.49 - Pro Day

156. (5.2) Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin, 5-10, 220, 4.68 - Pro Day

160. (5.4) Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming, 6-1, 220, 4.54

162. (5.4) James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh, 6-1, 235, 4.65

174. (5.3) Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State, 5-8, 175, 4.48

180. (5.4) Matthew Dayes, RB, NC State, 5-9, 205, 4.66

194. (5.3) De'Angelo Henderson, RB, Coastal Carolina, 5-7, 210, 4.48

196. (5.3) TJ Logan, RB, North Carolina, 5-9, 195, 4.37 - Pro Day

203. (5.0) Elijah McGuire, RB, Lafayette, 5-10, 215, 4.53

217. (5.4) Tarik Cohen, RB, NC A&T, 5-6, 180, 4.42

225. (5.0) Aaron Jones, RB, UTEP, 5-9, 210, 4.56

261. (4.9) De'Veon Smith, RB, Michigan, 5-11, 225, 4.85 - Pro Day

279. (5.4) Joe Williams, RB, Utah, 5-11, 210, 4.41

 

A lot of these guys fit the bill for big running back that would compliment Shady. D'Onta Foreman and James Conner intrigue me the most.

 

So, then it's either Jamal Williams of BYU or Joe Williams of Utah.

Edited April 19, 2017 by LittleJoeCartwright

[Beef Jerky]

Patriots are signing him as much to weaken the Bills as to fill a need in NE.

Well that would be dumb since it wouldn't weaken this team.

[outsidethebox]

If Shady goes down, we would be left with Williams (who has shown nothing to convince me he will even make the team) and Tolbert. Maybe a rookie if we draft one late. We would be in the same position as last year with the WR's. Y ou need depth in the NFL. MG is great depth. We lose him, it will hurt the team.