The Patriots haven't seemingly put a lot of value in the running back position in recent years. New England utilizes a committee approach to running the football with the likes of mid-round picks, trade pickups and practice squad call-ups.
Heck, the NFL hasn't put a premium on the position in the draft in recent years as no running back has been taken in the first round in the last two springs.
But that is likely to change this April and a guy who might just be the best running back prospect in years – Georgia's Todd Gurley – could bring elite skills to a team next Thursday night. Gurley is recovering from a torn ACL, though, and that could be a part of why the Patriots will host the running back for a visit leading up to the draft, according to CSNNE.com.
CSNNE.com also passes along word that a WWE Monday Night Raw appearance might be in Rob Gronkowski’s future. The site breaks down why Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates might be a fit in New England.
The Boston Globe's Sunday notes have cornerback Alfonzo Dennard working hard "to get back in the Patriots good graces" after a disappointing third season that saw him play in just six games with four starts last fall.
The Boston Herald points out that 78 days have passed between the Super Bowl and the Patriots officially kicking off their offseason program today at Gillette Stadium. The Herald's Sunday notes column says the Patriots should work on a contract extension with linebacker Dont’a Hightower rather than simply picking up the former first-round pick's fifth-year option. The Herald blog pre-draft series looks at LSU cornerback Jalen Collins.
The Providence Journal comes up with a mock draft for the Patriots as we continue to roll closer toward the big weekend.
ESPNBoston.com passes along Julian Edelman’s Star Pats video, a take on the recent Star Wars movie trailer. The site has quotes from Sebastian Vollmer’s recent interview with 98.5 the Sports Hub talking about his two rings from the last year – Super Bowl and wedding. And Mike Reiss' always interesting Sunday notes includes a focus on Cameron Fleming spending a lot of time working on the guard position this offseason.
WEEI.com passes along Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo taking a little jab at the Patriots in an appearances in Dallas at the Academy of Country Music Awards. WEEI's own Sunday notes include nuggets on backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo. And the site's latest mock draft gives the Patriots FSU OL Cameron Erving at No. 32.
NFL.com looks at former Patriots backup quarterback Tim Tebow reportedly signing with the Eagles.
