Vereen vs. Ridley (1 Viewer)

[zilladog]

Who ends up being the better fantasy option out of the two? Vereen appears to have a better all around skill set especially in the passing game. Ridley definitely has the power to gain extra inches and yards on short yardage plays and is great at punching through the goal line. Vereen has better cuts imo, but Ridley has decent, but not eye popping cuts running between the tackles. Both are not afraid of contact but Ridley clearly better at lowering his shoulders and taking it to the defenseman. How does this play out in NE? Is lawfirm still entrenched?

Fwiw, I think NE made 2 really great picks with these guys and totally reinvented their running game in the draft, ala 2010 when the reinvented the TE position for that team.

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

Vereen easily. I don't think Ridley ever has the potential to be a feature back either. Too slow. He's a plodder - probably will steal GL carries from Vereen. But, Vereen will be valuable in PPR leagues imo.

 

[simdog]

Vereen easily. I don't think Ridley ever has the potential to be a feature back either. Too slow. He's a plodder - probably will steal GL carries from Vereen. But, Vereen will be valuable in PPR leagues imo.

Ridley is a better runner than Green-Ellis IMO, and look how he produced last year. With Green-Ellis a free agent, and Belichick looking to overhaul the position i think Ridley can become the Benjarvis to Vereen's Woodhead. He's not ever going to be a top 10 guy but depending on how the Pats gameplan, has the upside to pull off a benjarvis-like performance and finish in the top 20 in non-ppr by 2012. Vereen might be the better talent, but Ridley offers by-far the best value.

 

[sihaokills]

Would go with Vereen hands down

 

[Tony Soprano]

I think people sometimes forget that the Patriots are very very good at getting rid of players that are still in their prime and going younger/cheaper/multiple players as a replacement. Dumping Drew Bledsoe in 2001 was gutsy... he was "The Dynasty", having just signed a huge extension... but they let him go for the 2nd year, 6th round pick Brady. They dumped Richard Seymour for a first round draft pick. They got rid of the very popular Mike Vrabel. And they (in retrospect) pillaged MIN in the Randy Moss trade. Just a few of many examples.

I don't think the Pats will have an issue with getting rid of BJGE and/or Danny Woodhead. Maybe the Pats keep one or both vets on the roster for 2011 since the lockout may affect the readiness of the rookies to play at a high level. 2011 could be a rough year for owners of Pats RBs.

From a dynasty standpoint... conventional wisdom says Vereen is the guy, and he very well might be, especially in PPR leagues. But don't sleep on Ridley in non-PPR leagues as I think he could take some of the BJGE role and eventually expand it. I think it's likely to be a timeshare, with BB featuring the back that fits their gameplan for any given week (similar to Hernandez/Gronkowski at TE last year).

Regardless, you can pick Ridley up on the cheap in comparison to Vereen. In a dynasty rookie draft I just completed (non-PPR), Vereen went at 1.08; Ridley was selected at 3.12.

If I'm going to invest in the NE backfield in my rookie drafts, it's more likely to be Ridley.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Vereen easily. I don't think Ridley ever has the potential to be a feature back either. Too slow. He's a plodder - probably will steal GL carries from Vereen. But, Vereen will be valuable in PPR leagues imo.

Ridley is a better runner than Green-Ellis IMO, and look how he produced last year. With Green-Ellis a free agent, and Belichick looking to overhaul the position i think Ridley can become the Benjarvis to Vereen's Woodhead. He's not ever going to be a top 10 guy but depending on how the Pats gameplan, has the upside to pull off a benjarvis-like performance and finish in the top 20 in non-ppr by 2012. Vereen might be the better talent, but Ridley offers by-far the best value.

He'll still be a RFA once the CBA is reached since he's only been in the league for three seasons and the Pats gave him a second round tender - so he's not really a FA and will be back.

 

[Warhogs]

It seems the Patriots felt they needed to bring in a couple of RB to build up that position as they transition away from Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk. They always seem to use a committee approach so it would seem that 2 or 3 guys will get a chance to see a fair amount of action. I believe Vereen has a better chance than Ridley to see the higher number of touches but he also costs you a pick in the late round 1 range. Ridley seems to be going about 2 rounds later so is a lot cheaper. The answer to the question originally asked is I think Vereen looks to be the better fantasy option but he also costs a lot more to acquire.

 

[Warpig]

These are the RB's currently on the Pat's roster in some form or another:

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Kevin Faulk

Thomas Clayton

Shane Vereen

Eric Kettani

Danny Woodhead

Sammy Morris

Stevan Ridley

Fred Taylor

Faulk, Morris, and Taylor are Oooold. But the Pats have a history of keeping older vets around (see Faulk and Morris especially). And, I wouldn't be surprised if they bring in one of the FA RB's (Bradshaw, Williams, Addai, Brown). Sure, more than likely atleast a couple of those RB's currently on their roster will be shown the door, but it still remains a murky situation.

Even though Vereen may be the best all around player, you still have Woodhead who was very effective when he got his touches. Woodhead averaged 5.6 YPC...2nd in the league behind Jamaal Charles. I think Woodhead will still have a decent role. I also think Vereen and Woodhead are similar in what they bring to the table.

In closing, I don't think I would want any part of this backfield situation. The Pat's just can't be trusted. And they still don't have a bellcow or workhorse back. None of the backs on the roster are a jack of all trades type of back. Therefore I suspect they will continue to rotate their backs at a frustrating rate...even if they do bring in a FA.

 

[Zimm]

I don't see how Ridley gets bashed as much as he does....Vereen is a two down back at this point and Ridley is a straight downhill runner and is a very very good WR out of the backfield and can line up in the slot. Pre draft i had Ridley rated ahead of Vereen and i still think he is a better option in NE. Vereen is the shinny penny and Ridley can be had for next to nothing.

 

[thriftyrocker]

Ridley is a straight downhill runner and is a very very good WR out of the backfield and can line up in the slot.

Is this a typo? I like Ridley but he will line up in the slot for NE about as many times as I do. Maybe you meant Vereen here?Ridley reminds me a lot of LeGarrette Blount. I don't expect anything out of him this year, but he can be a great 2 down RB and closer.

 

[Zimm]

Ridley is a straight downhill runner and is a very very good WR out of the backfield and can line up in the slot.

Is this a typo? I like Ridley but he will line up in the slot for NE about as many times as I do. Maybe you meant Vereen here?Ridley reminds me a lot of LeGarrette Blount. I don't expect anything out of him this year, but he can be a great 2 down RB and closer.

No Ridley lined up at WR for LSU quite a bit. Kind of surprising given his size and running style but he has very very soft hands and is versatile player.

 

[Miro Z]

These are the RB's currently on the Pat's roster in some form or another:BenJarvus Green-EllisKevin FaulkThomas ClaytonShane VereenEric KettaniDanny WoodheadSammy MorrisStevan RidleyFred TaylorFaulk, Morris, and Taylor are Oooold. But the Pats have a history of keeping older vets around (see Faulk and Morris especially). And, I wouldn't be surprised if they bring in one of the FA RB's (Bradshaw, Williams, Addai, Brown). Sure, more than likely atleast a couple of those RB's currently on their roster will be shown the door, but it still remains a murky situation. Even though Vereen may be the best all around player, you still have Woodhead who was very effective when he got his touches. Woodhead averaged 5.6 YPC...2nd in the league behind Jamaal Charles. I think Woodhead will still have a decent role. I also think Vereen and Woodhead are similar in what they bring to the table.In closing, I don't think I would want any part of this backfield situation. The Pat's just can't be trusted. And they still don't have a bellcow or workhorse back. None of the backs on the roster are a jack of all trades type of back. Therefore I suspect they will continue to rotate their backs at a frustrating rate...even if they do bring in a FA.

A previous post of mine on this subject:

It is my unscientific observation that the Patriots under Belichick like to have two kinds of back - a speedy pass-catching back, and a real grind-it-out RB. The speedy pass-catchers would include Kevin Faulk and Danny Woodhead, and the grinders would include Antowain Smith, Corey Dillon and BJGE.When the sun is shining in September and early October and Brady is airing it out the speedy pass-catching back often gets most of the snaps and gets good reception numbers, while the "grinder" doesn't get a ton of carries.But then when the wind and snow of a New England winter draws in they start really feeding the grinder, and it's then that the back playing that role starts to put up big numbers.Look at the late-season numbers of Antowain Smith, Corey Dillon or BJGE - they've all put up excellent numbers that have won many folks championships (including yours truly). Heck, even Maroney put up good numbers one season.

 

[KeithKow]

The Pats backfield is going to be great for the Pats as an NFL football team, and we Pats fans couldn't be more excited about it. That being said, I don't think you want anything to do with any of these guys from a fantasy perspective, unless it is a backup or Flex RB.

I follow the Pats closely, and this is how I see things playing out, FWIW. The roster will likely consist of the following:

1. BJGE

2. Woodhead

3. Vereen

4. Ridley

5. Faulk

They will likely not be bringing back Morris or Taylor. Clayton and Kettani will be practice squad, at best. I also can't see them bringing in a big FA like Bradshaw...no way. The talk is that they will resign Faulk as a veteran presence or mentor. They like BJGE alot because he produces (4.4 ypc) and never fumbles (ZERO fumbles during regular season). No way Bill gets rid of a guy like that, who obviously is the anti-Maroney. Ditto Woodhead: productive, and even better, he is cheap (only ~700K this year). Woody isn't going anywhere - he is the prototype Belichick player. So, both those guys are entrenched.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Vereen and Ridley. Like most here have said in this thread, Ridley seems to be more the plodding short-yardage guy while Vereen may be a Faulk type 3rd-down back. The difference is that Vereen has the potential to be more of an every down back than Faulk was, which Woodhead also somewhat became last year. The pats love Woodhead because they can split him out for screens on 0 back formations, like they have done with Welker at WR. It seems that Vereen may also be able to do this. As you likely know, these quick screens are the Pats bread and butter, and the more people they can do this with the better.

I think the future is bright for all 4, which obviously limits their fantasy value. However, if one is taking a flyer in the late rounds or for keeper purposes, i think Vereen and/or Woodhead may be the way to go in PPR. Ridley and BGJE will certainly be around, but i can't see either of them being a full-time workhorse, and I think that would limit their value to RB3/flex in non-PPR.

 

[Willie Mays Hayes]

This is a pretty good assessment. I wasn't that familiar with Vereen and Ridley's skills until recently watching their highlight films. It seems that they are v2.0 of BGE and Woodhead - but potentially more talented versions. I can totally see Vereen in the backfield with Woodhead in the slot. That has Bellichick versatility written all over it. Ridley may be the guy that it takes a little while for him to fit in. You're right though, the future does look bright in New England.

The Pats backfield is going to be great for the Pats as an NFL football team, and we Pats fans couldn't be more excited about it. That being said, I don't think you want anything to do with any of these guys from a fantasy perspective, unless it is a backup or Flex RB.I follow the Pats closely, and this is how I see things playing out, FWIW. The roster will likely consist of the following:1. BJGE2. Woodhead3. Vereen4. Ridley5. FaulkThey will likely not be bringing back Morris or Taylor. Clayton and Kettani will be practice squad, at best. I also can't see them bringing in a big FA like Bradshaw...no way. The talk is that they will resign Faulk as a veteran presence or mentor. They like BJGE alot because he produces (4.4 ypc) and never fumbles (ZERO fumbles during regular season). No way Bill gets rid of a guy like that, who obviously is the anti-Maroney. Ditto Woodhead: productive, and even better, he is cheap (only ~700K this year). Woody isn't going anywhere - he is the prototype Belichick player. So, both those guys are entrenched.It will be interesting to see what happens with Vereen and Ridley. Like most here have said in this thread, Ridley seems to be more the plodding short-yardage guy while Vereen may be a Faulk type 3rd-down back. The difference is that Vereen has the potential to be more of an every down back than Faulk was, which Woodhead also somewhat became last year. The pats love Woodhead because they can split him out for screens on 0 back formations, like they have done with Welker at WR. It seems that Vereen may also be able to do this. As you likely know, these quick screens are the Pats bread and butter, and the more people they can do this with the better. I think the future is bright for all 4, which obviously limits their fantasy value. However, if one is taking a flyer in the late rounds or for keeper purposes, i think Vereen and/or Woodhead may be the way to go in PPR. Ridley and BGJE will certainly be around, but i can't see either of them being a full-time workhorse, and I think that would limit their value to RB3/flex in non-PPR.

 

[zilladog]

I too am a big Pats fan and follow them closely. I found the drafting of both Vereen and Ridley in the 2nd round curious. I can't help but think there is a re-imagining of the position going on here. If it was simply a matter of replacing Morris and Taylor with younger talent, I would think that Belichick would've drafted his RB's much later, choosing not to pay as much for the position while they learn. It seems there is a definite plan here in terms of how he sees the running game going forward. While the run game was a relative success last year, my guess would be that Bill found something lacking, and sought to make up for that in this draft. I just don't believe it was all about depth here. Ridley brings an element of one cut power and strength that they haven't had since Corey Dillon. Vereen is an all purpose back that fits the mold perfectly of a "Patriots back", and I have a strong feeling they will both play prominent roles out of the gate (if they can learn the pro game, of course). There's no 'flash' with these tow, either. They seem to be productive runners with a sense of professionalism and maturity to them (based on my limited knowledge of them). In other words, the two together are everything Maroney wasn't by himself.

I certainly agree that BJGE and Wood have earned thier roles on this team. They likely aren't going anywhere. They will likely carry 5 backs as always. But I think it could be the Vereen/Ridley show sooner than later.

Maybe I'd think differently if I didn't see the exact same kind of thing happen last year with the tight end position. Just wondering if anyone else felt the same.

 

[wilked]

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