2016 NFL Draft: Running Back Targets For Patriots
BOSTON (CBS) -- After already tackling the offensive line and the defensive line, Adam Jones and Rich Keefe took a look at potential targets for the Patriots at running back, if they choose to go that route with their top picks (Nos. 60 and 61 overall).
"Dion Lewis is working his way back from injury. LeGarrette Blount is back in the fold, also working his way back from injury. James White, working his way back from an awful AFC Championship Game," Jones said. "So what could the Patriots do at the running back position?"
Jones and Keefe took Ezekiel Elliott and Derrik Henry off the board, because both will surely be gone by the time the Patriots' pick pops up.
So, who will be there?
Jones threw out the following names:
Devontae Booker, Utah
Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech
C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame
Alex Collins, Arkansas
Paul Perkins, UCLA
Jordan Howard, Indiana
Kenyan Drake, Alabama
Tyler Ervin, San Jose State
Keefe said that Booker is probably the most talented and productive player, but there is some concern about him coming off a knee injury.
"C.J. Prosise is a guy that I like. He played wide receiver and safety for Notre Dame," Keefe said. "He never played running back, and then they had injuries and were like, 'Hey, can you play running back?' And he certainly could."
"You know Bill loves that," Jones said of Belichick's love for versatility.
Keefe said most of the available players have good size, which is something the Patriots need.
Keefe also threw in a late-round possibility: Keith Marshall from Georgia and also Daniel Lasco from Cal.
"Injury problems, but fastest guy at the combine," Keefe said of Marshall.
Keefe said he's down on Jordan Howard for being a Big 10 back.
All of that being said, what's the pick?
"I like C.J. Prosise out of Notre Dame," Keefe said. "Having never played running back -- so there's still a lot of growth there -- but showed tremendous potential. He had 6.6 yards per carry -- that's 13th in the entire nation as far as guys who got over 100 carries. That is really good stuff. I already mentioned his versatility at a couple of different positions, so he is raw, but he was productive. He ran for over 1,000 yards, he had 11 touchdowns on the ground, 26 catches, so he can do that a little bit."
Jones went with another pick.
"I like Kenneth Dixon, who has visited the Patriots," Jones said. "I like him. I feel like you can use him in the passing game. I feel like he's a very versatile back out of the backfield. I'd just want a good player at that position. Ideally, they need another hammer, another big back to replace LeGarrette Blount, but I think Kenneth Dixon would fit perfectly with what they do."
Listen to the full discussion below:
