Stevan Ridley (1 Viewer)

[Carter_Can_Fly]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.

Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.

BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before.

Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed.

He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.

He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.

I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

 

[ctrlaltdefeat]

I agree about him being underrated and a sleeper. It is New England but he can be a feature back if he develops better blocking and catching skills and that's not far off at all. I've been trying to grab him in all leagues possible, especially at his cheap price right now. You never know, he could be this years Arian Foster.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

I personally prefer Vereen, but I think both have legitimate value heading into 2012 as RBBC. It's also a very good sign the Pats didn't draft RB at all even though there were RB's still on the board late in the draft. They must feel pretty comfortable with Ridley and Vereen. There was a post voting on Ridley vs Vereen awhile back, I'll find and post here for you.

As far as value I'd trade Ridley for a rookie pick 9-14.....after Wilson and Wright are selected. That's just my value on him. I value Vereen a bit higher with a rookie pick of 7-12.......right around the same value I'd give Wilson currenlty.

 

[TS Garp]

There's definitely upside here, but my own personal belief is that Vereen is more talented and will surpass him. I do think one of them will emerge with considerable value a some point this year.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Leading up to the playoffs he was looking quite studly. They should have stuck with him in the playoffs.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

Here's the post regarding which people favor to own:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=634209&st=50&p=14230927&hl=vereen&fromsearch=1entry14230927

 

[BallparkFrank]

I own Vereen and Ridley and my biggest fear is the Pats signing Tim Hightower. A healthy Hightower would give the Pats an all-around back that would instantly be the best pass-blocking RB on their roster. If he signs, I think he becomes a significant player in their offense as he really is a perfect fit, imo. For the sake of my team, I hope he re-ups with the Skins.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley.

Vereen and Ridley both came out as juniors after having good years.

Vereen's junior year: 231, 1167 yards, 13td's.. 22 receptions 209 yards, 3 td's

Ridley's junior year: 249, 1147 yards, 15td's...11 receptions 61 yards

They seem to be pretty close in talent one way or the other, but Ridley has a year more of experience in the NE offense and running for portions with the first team last season. He also is 20 pounds heavier than Vereen and will be the goal line guy this season barring him failing at it which I don't think he will.

 

[BallparkFrank]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley.

This horse has been beaten to death but the simple fact is that Vereen was basically red-shirted last year due to health and numbers and his own organization selected him over Ridley. Gotta give Vereen the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise on the field. By no means is it a knock on Ridley or a statement that he couldn't actually be better than Vereen. We just don't know yet and we're all in the business of projecting.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley. Vereen and Ridley both came out as juniors after having good years.Vereen's junior year: 231, 1167 yards, 13td's.. 22 receptions 209 yards, 3 td'sRidley's junior year: 249, 1147 yards, 15td's...11 receptions 61 yardsThey seem to be pretty close in talent one way or the other, but Ridley has a year more of experience in the NE offense and running for portions with the first team last season. He also is 20 pounds heavier than Vereen and will be the goal line guy this season barring him failing at it which I don't think he will.

I think it's mostly because draft analysts in general viewed Vereen as a complete RB whereas Ridley wasn't classified as such. Also the Pats had Vereen higher on their boards than Ridley. We got to see Ridley play last year and he did pretty well, but we haven't seen what Vereen can do yet. Vereen was also the better athelete. 4.50 vs 4.65 forty yard dash. 31 bench reps vs 18 for Ridley. I for one can't wait to see Vereen play! Vereen has the measurables to be great and should get a chance to shine this year! The coaches were raving about Vereen before he pulled his hammy. We know Belichick normally lets rookies mature for a year anyway before unleashing. Like I said I think they both have a lot of value, but I'm on the Vereen side on who's going to be the better RB.

 

[finito]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley. Vereen and Ridley both came out as juniors after having good years.Vereen's junior year: 231, 1167 yards, 13td's.. 22 receptions 209 yards, 3 td'sRidley's junior year: 249, 1147 yards, 15td's...11 receptions 61 yardsThey seem to be pretty close in talent one way or the other, but Ridley has a year more of experience in the NE offense and running for portions with the first team last season. He also is 20 pounds heavier than Vereen and will be the goal line guy this season barring him failing at it which I don't think he will.

I don't know if comparing stats and saying people are close in talent based on those stats is the right way to go. Vereen is more explosive and in theory a better all around player. Ridley might end up being the more consistent between the tackles guy. Tough to figure out. If I had to choose I'd take Vereen, but if possible I'd get both of them and see who rises to the top. I actually think NE is going to be pretty good for RBs fantasy-wise in the near future, and one of these guys will pay off.

 

[djmich]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley. Vereen and Ridley both came out as juniors after having good years.Vereen's junior year: 231, 1167 yards, 13td's.. 22 receptions 209 yards, 3 td'sRidley's junior year: 249, 1147 yards, 15td's...11 receptions 61 yardsThey seem to be pretty close in talent one way or the other, but Ridley has a year more of experience in the NE offense and running for portions with the first team last season. He also is 20 pounds heavier than Vereen and will be the goal line guy this season barring him failing at it which I don't think he will.

I don't know if comparing stats and saying people are close in talent based on those stats is the right way to go. Vereen is more explosive and in theory a better all around player. Ridley might end up being the more consistent between the tackles guy. Tough to figure out. If I had to choose I'd take Vereen, but if possible I'd get both of them and see who rises to the top. I actually think NE is going to be pretty good for RBs fantasy-wise in the near future, and one of these guys will pay off.

Besides the stats shouldn't be dismissed as the same. Vereen averaged half a yard more per carry and clearly was more productive receiving.

 

[Sabertooth]

I grabbed both off the scrap heap last season. I prefer Vereen for the reasons mentioned above. But I know enough to know that I don't have any idea how the New England rushing plan unfolds. So I'm taking these two and hoping to hit a lottery ticket. I put both up for trade and couldn't even get a 2013 first rounder for the pair. So I'm just going to hold for now.

 

[gregjcross]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before. Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed. He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

It looks good on paper for Ridley but looking closer at last year he is always going to be one play, better said one fumble, away from being benched. Then all the value that has built up disappears. This is why people refuse to rate him high. BB trusted Bennie Law Firm and its going to take a lot of effort to get that kind of trust. Ridley has a long way to go just like Vereen but that is what training camp is about.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before. Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed. He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

It looks good on paper for Ridley but looking closer at last year he is always going to be one play, better said one fumble, away from being benched. Then all the value that has built up disappears. This is why people refuse to rate him high. BB trusted Bennie Law Firm and its going to take a lot of effort to get that kind of trust. Ridley has a long way to go just like Vereen but that is what training camp is about.

I don't think your statements are valid at all....and you really added nothing to the conversation here. Every RB fumbles....name one that doesn't. Now if it's repeated fumbles like Blount, that's when you get yourself in the doghouse.

 

[BallparkFrank]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.

Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.

BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before.

Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed.

He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.

He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.

I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

It looks good on paper for Ridley but looking closer at last year he is always going to be one play, better said one fumble, away from being benched. Then all the value that has built up disappears. This is why people refuse to rate him high. BB trusted Bennie Law Firm and its going to take a lot of effort to get that kind of trust. Ridley has a long way to go just like Vereen but that is what training camp is about.

I don't think your statements are valid at all....and you really added nothing to the conversation here. Every RB fumbles....name one that doesn't. Now if it's repeated fumbles like Blount, that's when you get yourself in the doghouse.

BJGE...the guy Belichick trusted!

 

[King of the Jungle]

Ridley impressed me the few times I saw him run. He really has an incredible burst for a guy his size. I have not seen Vereen play. Ridley looked the part and with a full offseason hopefully he makes the necessary improvements to earn some playing time. I agree with a previous poster, adding Hightower would present an obstacle (or even an Addai who is very proficient in pass protection) for the young rbs prospects. On the other-hand I cannot imagine that the Pats are not going to make a veteran move in regards to the running back position.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

A couple things that have been mentioned in other threads and I want to bring to attention again.

Belichek does not care about draft status once you are on the team. It is about production and fitting a role. Remember in 2008 BJGE sigend on as an undrafted FA and was put on their practice roster before finally getting his shot at producing with the team. He does have 24 td's over the last 2 years.

Those pointing to Vereen being a superior athlete to Ridley I am just really not sold on that quite yet.

At the combine Vereen measureables at 5'8" 203 pounds did run a quicker 40, and did bench press 30 to Ridley's 18 reps but after that Ridley by combine stats was better. Ridley who weighed in at 5'11 225 pounds ran a quicker 3 cone drill, a quicker shuttle and also had a better vertical jump and broad jump. Those stats are impressive for the extra 22 pounds that Ridley is carrying on him.

Vereen who was drafted 56th in comparison to Ridley at 73 is noteable but probably marginal in the grand scheme of things especially witht he Patriots. Most were saying that these young backs were drafted to fit roles. Vereen was drafted for what seems to be the COP role while Ridley was drafted for the heavy lifting role based on what the Patriots do.

I want the guy in NE who will get a chance at those td's. BJGE had 13 two years ago and 11 last year. If Ridley steps into that role which it appears he will then I am guessing he will be good value. BJGE at his combine in 2008 weighed in at 219 pounds and ran a 4.6 40. He did not do the shuttle or cone drill and had 24 bench reps. Ridley had a better vertical jump and an equal broad jump.

I guess I am saying that Ridley like BJGE is/was might be a tad underrated in fantasy for the price and what you can get out of them.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.

Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.

BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before.

Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed.

He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.

He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.

I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

It looks good on paper for Ridley but looking closer at last year he is always going to be one play, better said one fumble, away from being benched. Then all the value that has built up disappears. This is why people refuse to rate him high. BB trusted Bennie Law Firm and its going to take a lot of effort to get that kind of trust. Ridley has a long way to go just like Vereen but that is what training camp is about.

I don't think your statements are valid at all....and you really added nothing to the conversation here. Every RB fumbles....name one that doesn't. Now if it's repeated fumbles like Blount, that's when you get yourself in the doghouse.

BJGE...the guy Belichick trusted!

If BJGE was really that valuable to Belichick he would have kept him! The Patriots are going with talent over safety! On another note, does Belichick bench Brady for Hoyer after he throws his first INT of the year? LOL. Just ridiculous! BJGE didn't even muster 700 yards rushing last year. I don't care how well you protect the ball if you aren't productive!

 

[Sabertooth]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.

Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.

BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before.

Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed.

He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.

He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.

I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

It looks good on paper for Ridley but looking closer at last year he is always going to be one play, better said one fumble, away from being benched. Then all the value that has built up disappears. This is why people refuse to rate him high. BB trusted Bennie Law Firm and its going to take a lot of effort to get that kind of trust. Ridley has a long way to go just like Vereen but that is what training camp is about.

I don't think your statements are valid at all....and you really added nothing to the conversation here. Every RB fumbles....name one that doesn't. Now if it's repeated fumbles like Blount, that's when you get yourself in the doghouse.

BJGE...the guy Belichick trusted!

If BJGE was really that valuable to Belichick he would have kept him! The Patriots are going with talent over safety! On another note, does Belichick bench Brady for Hoyer after he throws his first INT of the year? LOL. Just ridiculous! BJGE didn't even muster 700 yards rushing last year. I don't care how well you protect the ball if you aren't productive!

Don't move the goalposts. You asked for a running back that didn't fumble. He answered you. Acknowledge that and people will take you more seriously. The Pats simply do not pay a lot of money to backs. Never have. But to say that the rushing attack wasn't productive is silly. They made it to the Super Bowl with BJGE.

 

[David Yudkin]

I think the Pats will add someone else at RB before the season starts, so it may be premature to try to decipher what their master RB plan may be.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.

Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.

BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before.

Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed.

He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.

He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.

I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

It looks good on paper for Ridley but looking closer at last year he is always going to be one play, better said one fumble, away from being benched. Then all the value that has built up disappears. This is why people refuse to rate him high. BB trusted Bennie Law Firm and its going to take a lot of effort to get that kind of trust. Ridley has a long way to go just like Vereen but that is what training camp is about.

I don't think your statements are valid at all....and you really added nothing to the conversation here. Every RB fumbles....name one that doesn't. Now if it's repeated fumbles like Blount, that's when you get yourself in the doghouse.

BJGE...the guy Belichick trusted!

If BJGE was really that valuable to Belichick he would have kept him! The Patriots are going with talent over safety! On another note, does Belichick bench Brady for Hoyer after he throws his first INT of the year? LOL. Just ridiculous! BJGE didn't even muster 700 yards rushing last year. I don't care how well you protect the ball if you aren't productive!

Don't move the goalposts. You asked for a running back that didn't fumble. He answered you. Acknowledge that and people will take you more seriously. The Pats simply do not pay a lot of money to backs. Never have. But to say that the rushing attack wasn't productive is silly. They made it to the Super Bowl with BJGE.

They made it to the Super Bowl with Tom Brady and would have won the Super Bowl if they had a better RB than BJGE.

 

[Sabertooth]

I am trying to gauge a proper value on Ridley in my dyansty league and feel that everyone is shying away from not only Ridley but the Patriots RB situation as a whole.

Now I don't think Ridley is going to be a RB 1 at all, but I don't see why he can't have high upside RB 2 value going forward.

BJGE who is no longer with the team finished in my draft as RB 26 last year and RB 15 the year before.

Ridley looked very good in his limited work last year. He is a 5 foot 10, 228 pound RB that showed good vision and hit the hole with burst last year yet showed the patience when needed.

He also was originally drafted to be a power type guy that would be good at punching in td's. I think he has a leg up on Vereen who will have to earn BB trust before carving out any type of role for himself. Woodhead will still get some touches, but if Ridley ends up being the gl guy mixed in with closing out games he can be worth a flier in redraft and in dynasty as he is dirt cheap.

He will have to correct his fumbling issues as he had a couple of bad ones last year and it cost him touches and playing time which BB just won't put up with.

I know you can't NE is less than ideal for relying on a RB, but at his price it seems like a no brainer to grab him where you can and wait and see.

It looks good on paper for Ridley but looking closer at last year he is always going to be one play, better said one fumble, away from being benched. Then all the value that has built up disappears. This is why people refuse to rate him high. BB trusted Bennie Law Firm and its going to take a lot of effort to get that kind of trust. Ridley has a long way to go just like Vereen but that is what training camp is about.

I don't think your statements are valid at all....and you really added nothing to the conversation here. Every RB fumbles....name one that doesn't. Now if it's repeated fumbles like Blount, that's when you get yourself in the doghouse.

BJGE...the guy Belichick trusted!

If BJGE was really that valuable to Belichick he would have kept him! The Patriots are going with talent over safety! On another note, does Belichick bench Brady for Hoyer after he throws his first INT of the year? LOL. Just ridiculous! BJGE didn't even muster 700 yards rushing last year. I don't care how well you protect the ball if you aren't productive!

Don't move the goalposts. You asked for a running back that didn't fumble. He answered you. Acknowledge that and people will take you more seriously. The Pats simply do not pay a lot of money to backs. Never have. But to say that the rushing attack wasn't productive is silly. They made it to the Super Bowl with BJGE.

They made it to the Super Bowl with Tom Brady and would have won the Super Bowl if they had a better RB than BJGE.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley. Vereen and Ridley both came out as juniors after having good years.Vereen's junior year: 231, 1167 yards, 13td's.. 22 receptions 209 yards, 3 td'sRidley's junior year: 249, 1147 yards, 15td's...11 receptions 61 yardsThey seem to be pretty close in talent one way or the other, but Ridley has a year more of experience in the NE offense and running for portions with the first team last season. He also is 20 pounds heavier than Vereen and will be the goal line guy this season barring him failing at it which I don't think he will.

I don't know if comparing stats and saying people are close in talent based on those stats is the right way to go. Vereen is more explosive and in theory a better all around player. Ridley might end up being the more consistent between the tackles guy. Tough to figure out. If I had to choose I'd take Vereen, but if possible I'd get both of them and see who rises to the top. I actually think NE is going to be pretty good for RBs fantasy-wise in the near future, and one of these guys will pay off.

Besides the stats shouldn't be dismissed as the same. Vereen averaged half a yard more per carry and clearly was more productive receiving.

can't go off college stats for receiving b/c alot of college offenses just don't throw to the RB. there are probably better examples but i've used this in this same discussion before with friends, marshall faulk caught 82passes in 3years of stardom at san diego state.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

I think the Pats will add someone else at RB before the season starts, so it may be premature to try to decipher what their master RB plan may be.

Who is out there that offers up anything more than what they have? I am not disputing that they might not add a RB, but I am unsure of who really is worth bringing in Benson? Grant?

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

I think the Pats will add someone else at RB before the season starts, so it may be premature to try to decipher what their master RB plan may be.

i think that happens as well, whether its a veteran presence or just depth will be key. i think they only have ridley/vereen/woodhead rostered right now. with vereen's injury marred season and woodhead also easily nicked up they'd rationally have to add someone.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

I think the Pats will add someone else at RB before the season starts, so it may be premature to try to decipher what their master RB plan may be.

Who is out there that offers up anything more than what they have? I am not disputing that they might not add a RB, but I am unsure of who really is worth bringing in Benson? Grant?

i think they have the 2down RB's in hand with ridley/vereen if anyone they'd want another protector/3rd down RB(ala Hightower). for the pats i think its in their best interest, but i have ridley and vereen so i'm praying they just add some depth-special teams type guy

 

[LawFitz]

Cedric Benson (Corey Dillon redux)

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

Cedric Benson (Corey Dillon redux)

Except Corey was much more talented. And while enigmatic he was much less selfish. Corey was smarter in the sense he always wanted out of cincy and Cedric desperately wanted to stay

 

[RavenLunatic]

They throw every down so it's not necessarily an offense that D's pin their ears back on just 3rd down. And with the flexibility of Aaron Hernandez who knows how they line up at anytime.

I own Vereen in one league but I wouldn't point to his combine measurables either.

Jordan Todman ran faster (4.4) and benched 25 reps (six less than Vereen) but has generally been only considered a 3rd down back. And his Big East career was rather impressive and had over 1500 yards and 14 TDs his final year at UConn.

I bring up Todman because he has never been thought of as a future featured back.

 

[David Yudkin]

I think the Pats will add someone else at RB before the season starts, so it may be premature to try to decipher what their master RB plan may be.

Who is out there that offers up anything more than what they have? I am not disputing that they might not add a RB, but I am unsure of who really is worth bringing in Benson? Grant?

No one said it had to be a street free agent. They could still trade with someone. Even if it is a free agent, that could still cut into the workload of the other guys.IIRC, the following are still available (not saying they would be worth signing, but I believe they are free agents): Addai, Benson, RBrown, Grant, Hightower, MMoore, Norwood, CTaylor, LT, Torain, and Caddy Williams.

 

[FF Ninja]

I grabbed both off the scrap heap last season. I prefer Vereen for the reasons mentioned above. But I know enough to know that I don't have any idea how the New England rushing plan unfolds. So I'm taking these two and hoping to hit a lottery ticket. I put both up for trade and couldn't even get a 2013 first rounder for the pair. So I'm just going to hold for now.

That sounds extremely enticing. If it weren't for fear of an Addia, Benson, Grant type coming in then it would be crazy NOT to take that trade. Even right now, I'd say there is a 75% chance that one of those two guys puts up at least RB2 (RB13-RB24 overall) number next year.I honestly can't pick between the two. I know people are pretty opinionated on both of them, but if I had them both I'd be very happy and not looking to deal them unless I was absolutely loaded. A mid to late 1st round pick is much less certain to pan out than the combination of these two, in my opinion. I think the lack of takers on your trade is a direct result of rookies being extremely overvalued in keeper and dynasty formats.

 

[footballnerd]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley.

I watched Vereen play at Cal and I've only seen Ridley play for the Pats, but from what I've seen I'd take Vereen. That fool almost made it a tough decision whether to give the ball to Jahvid Best at times.

 

[FF Ninja]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley.

I watched Vereen play at Cal and I've only seen Ridley play for the Pats, but from what I've seen I'd take Vereen. That fool almost made it a tough decision whether to give the ball to Jahvid Best at times.

It's not so much about flashy talent as it is about who will get that BJGE role that leads to double digit touchdowns?

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley.

I watched Vereen play at Cal and I've only seen Ridley play for the Pats, but from what I've seen I'd take Vereen. That fool almost made it a tough decision whether to give the ball to Jahvid Best at times.

It's not so much about flashy talent as it is about who will get that BJGE role that leads to double digit touchdowns?

Agreed.The Pats seem to implement a running game that is different weekly depending on match ups and who they play. The only thing that seems to be a constant is whoever will get the majority of the TD looks.

 

[David Yudkin]

I am curious to know why everyone thinks Vereen is more talented than Ridley.

I watched Vereen play at Cal and I've only seen Ridley play for the Pats, but from what I've seen I'd take Vereen. That fool almost made it a tough decision whether to give the ball to Jahvid Best at times.

It's not so much about flashy talent as it is about who will get that BJGE role that leads to double digit touchdowns?

Agreed.The Pats seem to implement a running game that is different weekly depending on match ups and who they play. The only thing that seems to be a constant is whoever will get the majority of the TD looks.

But not all the time. Dillon and BJGE were goal line backs. In the middle, they didn't really have one. For fantasy purposes, it would be nice if they gave all the short TD runs to one and only one guy. But that might not happen. Or they could run play action all the time deep in the red zone and give even more TD chances to Gronk. I don't think we will know what the Pats will do until we see them actually doing it. I wouldn't put it past NE to stay put RB wise and let all the fantasy drafts go by . . . and at the last minute add a RB to get most of the short yardage carries. Anything is possible in NE.