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Dillon analysis

ANALYSIS

With Corey Dillon saying he will retire in 2007, here is a look at how it affects the team’s running back position:

Laurence Maroney returns for his second season and could take on a larger role. Maroney, the team’s first-round draft choice in 2006, rushed for 745 yards on 175 carries (4.3 avg.) last season. He is signed through the 2010 season.

In addition to Maroney, the Patriots also have third-down running back Kevin Faulk inked through 2009. Faulk is coming off a terrific season, with 43 catches (for 356 yards, 2 TDs) to go with 25 rushes for 123 yards (4.9 avg.).

The question is who will be joining Maroney and Faulk?

Heath Evans and Patrick Pass are both scheduled for unrestricted free agency. Re-signing Evans, who adds value as a blocker and runner, becomes a bit more important.

Assuming Evans or Pass returns, the Patriots would probably still add one more player at the position in either the draft or free agency. Ron Dayne and T.J. Duckett are two running backs in free agency who could fill a Dillon-like role.

In the draft, assuming the Patriots wouldn’t want to use another high-round pick on a player at the position, mid-to-late-round possibilities are Penn State’s Tony Hunt, Ohio State’s Antonio Pittman, Fresno State’s Dwayne Wright and Notre Dame’s Darius Walker, among others.