The first week of the Felger & Mazz Big Board wrapped its first week of this year up on Friday. The guys closed the week out by throwing for running backs.
This year’s running back’s class is very middle-heavy. Unlike last year, when two running backs went in the first round, this year no backs are projected to go in the top 50. At the same time, there are more backs projected in the 50-150 range than usual. Then, the class drops off pretty significantly to the projected UDFA group.
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That shouldn’t be a problem for the Patriots. Running back is a need, but not a primary need. They certainly don’t need to address it until Day 3.
Once they get outside of the top 100 though, adding a running back could make sense in multiple ways. At the very least, adding a back later on Day 3 to compete with Kevin Harris for the third running back role behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson would be smart. If they want to invest a little more and have more of an eye on the future, they could look in that 100-150 range for a back who could potentially take over in a top-two spot on the depth chart if Rhamondre Stevenson leaves after this season when his contract expires.
Are any of the Felger & Mazz Big Board backs candidates for roles like that? Here’s who stood out to me…
Dylan Laube, UNH
Sep 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New Hampshire Wildcats running back Dylan Laube (20) returns a kick-off against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
There aren’t many running backs that come into the NFL more polished at receiver than Laube. In fact, some experts have suggested during the pre-draft process that he may be more of a slot receiver than a running back as a pro. Laube’s success comes from his quickness – the way he’s able to stop on a dime, put his foot in the ground, and explode in and out of cuts. If the Patriots want to find their first true ‘receiving back’ since James White, Laube would be a logical target early on Day 3.
Daijun Edwards, Georgia
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 16: Daijun Edwards #30 of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Sanford Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Edwards has a well-rounded skillset, but doesn’t flash in any one area (besides maybe pass blocking) and doesn’t have the size (5-foot-10, 207 pounds) or athleticism to stand out at the NFL level. He could be a good depth back and special teams player in the right situation, making him a logical target for the Patriots later on Day 3. In New England, he’d compete with Kevin Harris for the third running back role and play in the kicking game. Brandon Bolden wouldn’t be an unfair comparison for him.
