Patriots Predicted To Draft 1,000-Yard, 10 Touchdown Rusher In Sixth Round
Patriots Predicted To Draft 1,000-Yard, 10 Touchdown Rusher In Sixth Round originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New England Patriots could be targeting running backs on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, and may be able to land a National Champion in Kaelon Black.
Black is only 5-foot-9 and 208 pounds, but he was an effective rusher for the Indiana Hoosiers. He helped them win a National Championship by rushing for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. After releasing Antonio Gibson, The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed predicted that the Patriots would draft Black in the sixth round.
"After releasing Antonio Gibson, the Patriots need more competition for a depth roster spot behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson," wrote Kyed on Wednesday. "A sixth-round pick like Black would compete with Terrell Jennings and Lan Larison. " Before Gibson got hurt, the trio of him, Henderson and Stevenson were all getting work in the offense.
Black could replace Gibson in a way if he can win the third running back job. He is talented enough to do it, but he has a different skillset than Gibson. Gibson's receiving ability was a huge part of his role.
Black could still be an absolute steal in the sixth round. Late-round running backs have been able to find success in the NFL, and Black could be next in line. He was not used much in the passing game last season, but in his two seasons at James Madison, he had 44 receptions for 431 yards.