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Sorting out the RBs

Email|Link|Comments (12) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 6, 2009 04:50 PM

The Patriots' running back corps has had some moving parts this offseason, with LaMont Jordan (Broncos) and Heath Evans (Saints) departing, and Fred Taylor arriving.

As these moves unfolded, some Patriots fans were putting the pieces together as to what the team's final 53-man roster will look like at running back.

Three of the most prevalent questions were:

1) Will the team keep five running backs like it did last season (Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, LaMont Jordan, Heath Evans)?

2) Will the role that Evans played -- primarily as a lead-blocking fullback in two-back sets -- be filled?

3) Does BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who showed impressive flashes at times as a rookie, have any practice squad eligibility left?

The answers to the first two questions will come in time.

As for the third question, I checked with the NFL today and was informed that Green-Ellis does not have any practice squad eligibility.

So when looking at the Patriots' running back corps, it appears that Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and Laurence Maroney would fill out the top of the depth chart. A player like Green-Ellis would be vying for a fourth spot (against Maroney) or a fifth spot (against a draft pick).

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12 comments so far...

Maroney=B-U-S-T

Posted by Scott April 6, 09 05:07 PM

I still say Maroney's a goner after this season, so why not try and get the youngster outta Liberty. He's an Ox at around 220 and standing 6'1, 6'2. Downhill runner who is not looking for a place to fall like the earlier referenced. And he should be around in the mid 2nd to early 3rd.

Posted by BRadyMOssWELker April 6, 09 05:16 PM

i say keep Green-Ellis and put Maroney on the practice squad!

on second thought, that practice squad slot is to valuable. just waive Maroney during camp.
yes, i am joking now but don't be to surprised if BB get tired of this dude and cuts him loose if it's short money and Maroney has nothing left bye bye!

Posted by Zak April 6, 09 05:31 PM

Practice squad eligibility? can you please explain that a bit more?

Is that some rule preventing the crafty coaches like Double-B from stashing players on the practice squad?

Posted by afxjzs April 6, 09 05:45 PM

Mike, what are your thoughts about Green-Ellis converting to a full-time FB? Do you think he has the build? What about Morris in the role, similar to what he did in his final year in Buffalo?

Posted by MarkZ April 6, 09 06:26 PM

On the surface it appears BenJarvus Green-Ellis is assuming Heath Evan's roster spot...

Posted by CN April 6, 09 06:29 PM

get rid of maroney and let jarvis-green in there...maroney is a never was....

Posted by leon mckanas April 6, 09 06:29 PM

People are throwing Maroney to the wolves far too quickly, imo. He can't stay healthy, but in those small glimpses we get of him when he is (end of 2007) he can be a VERY good back. Hopefully he can put together a full season. I don't think they should get rid of Green-Ellis. Keep 5 halfbacks and no fullbacks, and draft a TE/HBack who could potentially line up in a fullback's position when you need him to.

Posted by Alex April 6, 09 07:45 PM

Maroney is great depth to have as an additional RB. He can still be traded for value before the season starts

Posted by Sweat master April 6, 09 09:49 PM

Keep The Firm!

Posted by Alex April 6, 09 11:01 PM

I think it is interesting that Mike has listed a battle between Maroney and the "lawyer" BenJarvis Green-Ellis. From what we saw last year I would have to agree with that. What seems to me missing is a Full Back on the roster. A Full Back with good hands who was big 240-250 and could block would be great to have on the roster.

Posted by sandpoint_idaho April 7, 09 12:16 AM

Haven't been much of a Pat's fan, but Taylor was a great pick-up. He's got a bit of anger now and hunger for a title. Now that he's out of a tiny market, people will get to see how good he really is - one of the best backs to play the game; fast, big, quick, great ability to cutback and runover a DB and find the zone. Looking for the Pat's to win the SB this year. A first for me, but; GO PAT's - that didn't hurt...too much... ;)

Posted by Stan April 7, 09 12:29 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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