Vereen (1 Viewer)

[ChuckLiddell]

From Rotoworld...

"The Boston Herald suggests second-round RB Shane Vereen could in up on injured reserve once the season starts.

Vereen has only participated in a few full practices all preseason thanks to a hamstring injury. With the Patriots loaded at running back, the Herald suggests that Vereen could even end up with a "redshirt" year if he doesn't get back on the field soon. Since Vereen did participate in a few practices, he's not eligible for the regular season PUP list. "

For those that have not yet had rookie drafts, what does this do to his draft position? Has to affect it, even though it is very uncertain. Between Leshore going down, Donald Thomas generating no buzz whatsoever, and this news, the middle of the first round is taking a beating. Cam Newton has to be shooting up from the second round to the mid first at this point.

Shark move may be to get the heck out of the middle of the first...if you can find someone willing to give anything for the spot.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Our rookie/free agent draft starts Monday and I'm not very interested with my 10th pick. Was a little interested in Vereen, but there are just too many mouths to feed there, and with this news I think he's borderline undraftable until the mid 2nd or later. Starting to have a bust feel to him...

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Our rookie/free agent draft starts Monday and I'm not very interested with my 10th pick. Was a little interested in Vereen, but there are just too many mouths to feed there, and with this news I think he's borderline undraftable until the mid 2nd or later. Starting to have a bust feel to him...

I have the 8/9 picks, and had Vereen ticketed for one of those picks. After seeing Ridley go off (albeit in preseason, but 3 TDs?), and then seeing this news, I dont think I can do it, but the talent at that point is really thinning out now. Especially the RB talent.

 

[CentralPA]

Our rookie/free agent draft starts Monday and I'm not very interested with my 10th pick. Was a little interested in Vereen, but there are just too many mouths to feed there, and with this news I think he's borderline undraftable until the mid 2nd or later. Starting to have a bust feel to him...

I have the 8/9 picks, and had Vereen ticketed for one of those picks. After seeing Ridley go off (albeit in preseason, but 3 TDs?), and then seeing this news, I dont think I can do it, but the talent at that point is really thinning out now. Especially the RB talent.

Drafted him but Ridley is still out on the wavier wire. Wonder how long they will take to decide on this?

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Our rookie/free agent draft starts Monday and I'm not very interested with my 10th pick. Was a little interested in Vereen, but there are just too many mouths to feed there, and with this news I think he's borderline undraftable until the mid 2nd or later. Starting to have a bust feel to him...

I have the 8/9 picks, and had Vereen ticketed for one of those picks. After seeing Ridley go off (albeit in preseason, but 3 TDs?), and then seeing this news, I dont think I can do it, but the talent at that point is really thinning out now. Especially the RB talent.

Drafted him but Ridley is still out on the wavier wire. Wonder how long they will take to decide on this?

If you have anyone that you can drop, I would grab Ridley. BJGE and Woodhead do not represent huge challenges to playing time going forward, and if Vereen goes to IR, Ridley may become a 1st round (rookie draft) pick.

 

[Sweet Love]

From Rotoworld...

"The Boston Herald suggests second-round RB Shane Vereen could in up on injured reserve once the season starts.

Vereen has only participated in a few full practices all preseason thanks to a hamstring injury. With the Patriots loaded at running back, the Herald suggests that Vereen could even end up with a "redshirt" year if he doesn't get back on the field soon. Since Vereen did participate in a few practices, he's not eligible for the regular season PUP list. "

For those that have not yet had rookie drafts, what does this do to his draft position? Has to affect it, even though it is very uncertain. Between Leshore going down, Donald Thomas generating no buzz whatsoever, and this news, the middle of the first round is taking a beating. Cam Newton has to be shooting up from the second round to the mid first at this point.

Shark move may be to get the heck out of the middle of the first...if you can find someone willing to give anything for the spot.

Wouldn't Steven Ridley just take his place in a dynasty draft...maybe a couple of spots below where Vereen would have gone, but he is basically a rookie taking the same spot on the same offense.

 

[DigiVoX]

My rookie draft is coming-up very shortly...

Bloom, Yudkin, or Waldman, can you offer any insight into this topic?

 

[Boston]

Once the Pats re-signed Sammy Morris I thought the Pats would put Faulk on the injured list early...that may still happen...the Pats have a log-jam at WR and if the put Vereen on the list they could keep six and see how things shake out early at that position although the gossip is don't be surprised to see some type of trade with Tate being a possibility (especially with the new kick-off rule)...another thing to watch is if the Pats give this Medlin kid some reps early in the game tonight...it maybe a stretch but he looked pretty good in mop-up duty last week and if he performs well they could list both Vereen and Faulk and ride BGJE/Woody/Ridly/Morris/Medlin early...by the time Faulk and/or Vereen are ready to come back someone else will probably be injured...since this is the Pats the exact opposite will probably happen and they'll open the year with Antowain Smith and JR Redmond...

 

[David Yudkin]

While anything is certainly possible with New England, I think this is simply a case of Belichick stirring the pot and keeping people guessing.

At this point, I would think the Pats go with BJGE, Woodhead, Vereen, and Ridley to start the season and Faulk goes on the PUP. Given that there will be a lot fewer kickoffs to cover, I think that makes Sammy Morris a roster casualty as he had been playing mostly on special teams these days.

The problem for the Pats is that they have so many people that are roster worthy at many positions that it's really hard to guess which spots they will keep. I read today that they have in the neighborhood of 75-80 players that are roster worthy somewhere in the NFL (so they obviously have to at some point cut down to 53 players).

As far as Vereen goes, it would not shock me if he played sparingly or not at all the rest of the preseason (like Randy Moss did a few years ago) and then he played a lot and very well once the season started (so teams couldn't game plan early on). It also wouldn't surprise me if he were more hurt than the team is letting on and he sits to start the season.

I do not believe that Vereen will go on IR, but to be clear that is totally my opinion and speculation on my end and not based on anything other than a guess.

 

[David Yudkin]

Once the Pats re-signed Sammy Morris I thought the Pats would put Faulk on the injured list early...that may still happen...the Pats have a log-jam at WR and if the put Vereen on the list they could keep six and see how things shake out early at that position although the gossip is don't be surprised to see some time of trade with Tate being a possibility...another thing to watch is if the Pats give this Medlin kid some reps early in the game tonight...it maybe a stretch but he looked pretty good in mop-up duty last week and if he performs well they could list both Vereen and Faulk and ride BGJE/Woody/Ridly/Morris/Medlin early...by the time Faulk and/or Vereen are ready to come back someone else will probably be injured...since this is the Pats the exact opposite will probably happen and they'll open the year with Antowain Smith and JR Redmond...

The Pats can't put Vereen on the PUP list as he was already active and practiced. They can only put him on IR and have him miss the entire season. And if they did that now, he would have to clear waivers first.

 

[Boston]

Once the Pats re-signed Sammy Morris I thought the Pats would put Faulk on the injured list early...that may still happen...the Pats have a log-jam at WR and if the put Vereen on the list they could keep six and see how things shake out early at that position although the gossip is don't be surprised to see some time of trade with Tate being a possibility...another thing to watch is if the Pats give this Medlin kid some reps early in the game tonight...it maybe a stretch but he looked pretty good in mop-up duty last week and if he performs well they could list both Vereen and Faulk and ride BGJE/Woody/Ridly/Morris/Medlin early...by the time Faulk and/or Vereen are ready to come back someone else will probably be injured...since this is the Pats the exact opposite will probably happen and they'll open the year with Antowain Smith and JR Redmond...

The Pats can't put Vereen on the PUP list as he was already active and practiced. They can only put him on IR and have him miss the entire season. And if they did that now, he would have to clear waivers first.

That changes things...gotta be a real serious injury for him to go on IR...I agree with your earlier post than that they are nursing this...

 

[dgreen]

They can only put him on IR and have him miss the entire season. And if they did that now, he would have to clear waivers first.

When can they put him on IR without having to clear waivers?

 

[Fiddles]

good info here thanks fellas

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

one more decent year from BJGE!

 

[David Yudkin]

They can only put him on IR and have him miss the entire season. And if they did that now, he would have to clear waivers first.

When can they put him on IR without having to clear waivers?

I believe once the season starts (and his full salary becomes guaranteed), but I am not 100% sure on that. The other option would be that they try to sneak him onto the practice squad, but that also would be subject to him clearing waivers.I still don't think he ends up anywhere but on the 53-man roster to start the season. If his injury drags on a little longer, they could just deactivate him on game day until he is ready to go. I have not seen anywhere that it looked like he had a severe injury, so I think he will be ok.

 

[DigiVoX]

Yudkin, as usual, your insights are indispensable. Thank you!

 

[David Yudkin]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I personally don't see BJGE having anywhere near the year he did last year. IMO, they added RBs that were more dynamic because they wanted to use them. I think we see all of the backs in special packages and none of them become regula fantasy contributors unless the league is really deep. But who knows, BJGE did better than I thought he would last year . . .Mike Reiss just commented that he doesn't think Vereen will go on IR.

 

[ChainsawU]

The "story" seems to be a result of this tweet:

@MikeReiss Mike Reiss

Correct. He's either on roster or IR. RT: @InBostonSports: is shane vereen not eligible to begin year on PUP since he practiced already?

2 hours ago via Echofon

LINK

 

[zamboni]

If his injury drags on a little longer, they could just deactivate him on game day until he is ready to go.

That is my guess is what happens - he's a fixture on the inactive list until he shows he's ready. I imagine his ability to play special teams will be a big factor in whether he is active or not.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I personally don't see BJGE having anywhere near the year he did last year. IMO, they added RBs that were more dynamic because they wanted to use them. I think we see all of the backs in special packages and none of them become regula fantasy contributors unless the league is really deep. But who knows, BJGE did better than I thought he would last year . . .Mike Reiss just commented that he doesn't think Vereen will go on IR.

Hey Yuds, what is BBs track record with rookies? I dont recall any really making an impact. Antowan Smith, Dillon, etc. If Vereen ends up on IR I could see BJGE being just fine as a RB3 type in FF

 

[David Yudkin]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I personally don't see BJGE having anywhere near the year he did last year. IMO, they added RBs that were more dynamic because they wanted to use them. I think we see all of the backs in special packages and none of them become regula fantasy contributors unless the league is really deep. But who knows, BJGE did better than I thought he would last year . . .Mike Reiss just commented that he doesn't think Vereen will go on IR.

Hey Yuds, what is BBs track record with rookies? I dont recall any really making an impact. Antowan Smith, Dillon, etc. If Vereen ends up on IR I could see BJGE being just fine as a RB3 type in FF

There really have only been 2 rookie RB options in the BB era. Maroney, who split time with Dillon his rookie year, and JR Redmond in BB's first season in NE.Laurence Maroney 175-745-4.26-6, 22-194-1 135.9 FPJ.R. Redmond 125-406-3.25-1, 20-126-2 71.2 FPBenJarvus Green-Ellis 74-275-5, 3-37-0 61.2 FPPatrick Pass 18-58-3.22-0, 4-17-0 7.5 FPCedric Cobbs 22-50-2.27-0, 0-0-0 5.0 FPAs far as track record goes, Dillon and Smith each had a bell cow season (by now pretty far removed), but since then it has been mostly some version of a RBBC IF EVERYONE IS HEALTHY. Except in recent years they have had a lot of injuries to RBs.

 

[CalBear]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I personally don't see BJGE having anywhere near the year he did last year. IMO, they added RBs that were more dynamic because they wanted to use them. I think we see all of the backs in special packages and none of them become regula fantasy contributors unless the league is really deep. But who knows, BJGE did better than I thought he would last year . . .Mike Reiss just commented that he doesn't think Vereen will go on IR.

Hey Yuds, what is BBs track record with rookies? I dont recall any really making an impact. Antowan Smith, Dillon, etc. If Vereen ends up on IR I could see BJGE being just fine as a RB3 type in FF

Maroney had 935 total yards and 7 TDs in 14 games.

 

[Jason Wood]

Belichick has never shied away from playing rookies:

Last year he played Gronkowski, Hernandez, Spikes, Cunningham and McCourty

He played Edelman (by necessity) and Chung a ton in '09

He played Mayo a lot in 08

I guess my point being, Bill B plays the guys he thinks are the best at each position on the roster.

 

[BallparkFrank]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I personally don't see BJGE having anywhere near the year he did last year. IMO, they added RBs that were more dynamic because they wanted to use them. I think we see all of the backs in special packages and none of them become regula fantasy contributors unless the league is really deep. But who knows, BJGE did better than I thought he would last year . . .Mike Reiss just commented that he doesn't think Vereen will go on IR.

I can honestly say you were the reason I didn't pick up BJGE last year - DOH!

 

[David Yudkin]

I can honestly say you were the reason I didn't pick up BJGE last year - DOH!

They even had Brady fooled. After Faulk and Taylor got hurt, Brady had a press conference pimping Sammy Morris and pretty much seemed like they would be giving Morris the ball a ton. Well, we saw how that turned out.BB has also not exactly gone out of his way to play up BJGE, on several occasions saying that he tries hard and runs hard and pretty much runs straight ahead. Also added the perfunctory "he is what he is" and that he would not fool anyone when he got the ball.I think everything BB said is true, and out of necessity the Pats gave him a decent workload and goal line carries. If he still gets the ball near the end zone, he could still put up decent fantasy numbers.Overall, I think his carries and yardage numbers will drop some (AGAIN . . . IF EVERYONE ELSE IS HEALTHY). He might lose a few TD as well.He probably will score the most fantasy points of the NE RB corps this year, but it might not be a big number. Probably RB3 numbers and a decent flex play. Probably a little bit lower on the food chain in PPR leagues.As is always the case with NE, it's hard to peg what they will do from week to week. Sometimes they air it out, sometimes they pound it. So BJGE could have 8 carries and 2 TD or 18 carries and 0 TD. Outcomes are hard to predict with these guys.If the other backs start falling like flies again, I'd obviously be happy to play BJGE fantasy wise each week.

 

[Boston]

Belichick has never shied away from playing rookies:Last year he played Gronkowski, Hernandez, Spikes, Cunningham and McCourtyHe played Edelman (by necessity) and Chung a ton in '09He played Mayo a lot in 08I guess my point being, Bill B plays the guys he thinks are the best at each position on the roster.

Dead-on...Wilson and Seymour started on the defense on Super Bowl winners...if BB trusts you and feels you will be productive you are gonna play regardless of whether you're a 10 year vet or a rookie...

 

[Ron_Mexico]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I'm starting to think BJGE is the sneaky play in New England this year.

 

[David Yudkin]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I'm starting to think BJGE is the sneaky play in New England this year.

Riddle me this (not just you, but everyone) . . .How many times has BJGE been the go to guy with a full compliment of backs available?The answer to date is never, but it will be interesting to see if that changes.

 

[Bayhawks]

one more decent year from BJGE!

I'm starting to think BJGE is the sneaky play in New England this year.

Riddle me this (not just you, but everyone) . . .How many times has BJGE been the go to guy with a full compliment of backs available?The answer to date is never, but it will be interesting to see if that changes.

Let me answer your riddle with two of my own.Riddle #1...How many times has any of the other RBs currently on NE's roster been the go to guy with a full compliment of backs available?The answer to date is never.Riddle #2...How many of the RBs currently on NE's roster has, AT ANY POINT, been the go to guy in the NFL and posted 1000 yards and double-digit TDs?The answer is 1 (Green-Ellis).Of the options right now, I would expect BJGE to put up the best fantasy numbers in 2011. I don't see those numbers being RB1 numbers again, but maybe RB2, definitely RB3 or Flex-worthy.

 

[eakfootball]

No way the pats put Vereen where he could be grabbed on waivers.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

I did not watch the game tonight, but Ridley looked good in the box score. 14 for 84 and 3 catches for 27 yards. I do understand how deceiving preseason can be, but in 2 games Ridley has seriously lit it up.

Even if Vereen does not go onto IR, is Ridley at this point a better pick in dynasty drafts? So tough to say without having seen anything from Vereen. Would love to hear some more informed thoughts than my own.

 

[Ysatnaf_Gnik]

I did not watch the game tonight, but Ridley looked good in the box score. 14 for 84 and 3 catches for 27 yards. I do understand how deceiving preseason can be, but in 2 games Ridley has seriously lit it up.Even if Vereen does not go onto IR, is Ridley at this point a better pick in dynasty drafts? So tough to say without having seen anything from Vereen. Would love to hear some more informed thoughts than my own.

Mr Liddell, if you dont pick Ridley before Vereen in your Rookie draft, I may be forced to call on Shogun again....

 

[ChuckLiddell]

I did not watch the game tonight, but Ridley looked good in the box score. 14 for 84 and 3 catches for 27 yards. I do understand how deceiving preseason can be, but in 2 games Ridley has seriously lit it up.Even if Vereen does not go onto IR, is Ridley at this point a better pick in dynasty drafts? So tough to say without having seen anything from Vereen. Would love to hear some more informed thoughts than my own.

Mr Liddell, if you dont pick Ridley before Vereen in your Rookie draft, I may be forced to call on Shogun again....

Just keep Rampage away from me.2 weeks ago, Vereen was a no-brainer 1st round pick in rookie drafts, and Ridley was a 3rd or 4th round flyer. Do you totally swap their spots based upon 2 preseason games that Vereen didnt even play in? Tough call. The net result may be to avoid them both...and everyone else in that messy backfield. Tough to ignore them though when they play in that potent offense. If one guy becomes the main man, and has talent, he is likely a top 10 RB. Guys with questionable levels of talent have become fantasy-relevant recently in that offense.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

BJGE looked good tonight and appeared to play the starter role FWIW

BenJarvus Green-Ellis also got in on the act, rushing 11 times for 51 yards and two touchdowns.

 

[dickey moe]

He fell to me at 3.10 in a rookie draft tonight in a dynasty league. I like him at that price.

 

[baconisgood]

I did not watch the game tonight, but Ridley looked good in the box score. 14 for 84 and 3 catches for 27 yards. I do understand how deceiving preseason can be, but in 2 games Ridley has seriously lit it up.Even if Vereen does not go onto IR, is Ridley at this point a better pick in dynasty drafts? So tough to say without having seen anything from Vereen. Would love to hear some more informed thoughts than my own.

Ridley also lost a fumble in short yardage. I don't see BJGE, with his 0 fumbles, losing the GL looks this year.As far as dynasty goes- Ridley was only 1/2 a round pick later than Vareen (17 spots)- this wasn't a "I cant believe Ridley fell this far we have to take him here" pick he was clearly in their plans. I would have to say Ridley is a better pick now as he is getting reps and doing well with them. Either could have value in the future but Ridley looks to have the inside track.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Ridley is getting too much love based off preseason performances imo. Perhaps he was under appreciated before when he was going in the late 3rd or 4th round of rookie drafts, but jumping from a 3rd/4th round pick to a 1st round pick is too high of a change based on preseason games playing against backups.

As for BJGE, I struggle to envision him putting up numbers close to what he did last year, or even the best numbers of any RB on the team this upcoming season. If Belichick was happy enough with BJGE to have him carry the rock a significant amount of times again he wouldn't have spent a 2nd and 3rd round pick on RBs.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

From Rotoworld today...

The Boston Globe now suggests injured rookie Shane Vereen is indeed in danger of not being on the Patriots' final 53-man roster.

Vereen basically hasn't done anything in camp, and he's buried in an extremely crowded backfield. "The second round pick seems to be a cut-worthy candidate without any practice or game action to go on," says Boston.com blogger Zuri Berry. The Patriots probably won't give up on Vereen, but the "redshirt" possibility of placing him on injured reserve is a realistic scenario.

 

[Boston]

From Rotoworld today...The Boston Globe now suggests injured rookie Shane Vereen is indeed in danger of not being on the Patriots' final 53-man roster.Vereen basically hasn't done anything in camp, and he's buried in an extremely crowded backfield. "The second round pick seems to be a cut-worthy candidate without any practice or game action to go on," says Boston.com blogger Zuri Berry. The Patriots probably won't give up on Vereen, but the "redshirt" possibility of placing him on injured reserve is a realistic scenario.

While the Pats backfield is crowded there are a few things to remember...I can not see either Faulk or Morris being on the team in 2012...Benny will be a free agent after this season and while I'm sure they would like him back I don't think they would give him big $ if Ridley/Woody/Vereen are in the fold (assuing Ridley and Vereen are legit)...I just don't see Vereen getting cut for simply being injured...that would be a complete waste of a second round pick...as for a red-shirt year that could happen but only if it's due to a legit injury...gotta believe they want to see what they have here for 2011 and beyond...

 

[eakfootball]

Right now I would take Vereen in the late first and Ridley in the late 2nd.

 

[ChainsawU]

From Rotoworld today...The Boston Globe now suggests injured rookie Shane Vereen is indeed in danger of not being on the Patriots' final 53-man roster.Vereen basically hasn't done anything in camp, and he's buried in an extremely crowded backfield. "The second round pick seems to be a cut-worthy candidate without any practice or game action to go on," says Boston.com blogger Zuri Berry. The Patriots probably won't give up on Vereen, but the "redshirt" possibility of placing him on injured reserve is a realistic scenario.

Note to self: Ignore anything in the future written by blogger Zuri Berry. Anyone who thinks a second round pick is "cut-worthy" after an injured hamstring is crazy. This is a total overreaction on her part, especially after only two PS games.

 

[corpcow]

From Rotoworld..."The Boston Herald suggests second-round RB Shane Vereen could in up on injured reserve once the season starts.Vereen has only participated in a few full practices all preseason thanks to a hamstring injury. With the Patriots loaded at running back, the Herald suggests that Vereen could even end up with a "redshirt" year if he doesn't get back on the field soon. Since Vereen did participate in a few practices, he's not eligible for the regular season PUP list. "For those that have not yet had rookie drafts, what does this do to his draft position? Has to affect it, even though it is very uncertain. Between Leshore going down, Donald Thomas generating no buzz whatsoever, and this news, the middle of the first round is taking a beating. Cam Newton has to be shooting up from the second round to the mid first at this point.Shark move may be to get the heck out of the middle of the first...if you can find someone willing to give anything for the spot.

Ouch indeed. The "problem" with drafting early (most of my drafts are the week after the draft, with one even before) - I saw Daniel THomas go 1.02 and even 1.01 in one league; Vereen was in the 1.06 - 1.08 range. One guy who had Best in one league motor-boated Leshoure at 1.03.Still hard to believe that a 2nd round pick would end up on IR just as a "redshirt" year, especially at a position where it's one of the most instinctive and easy to make an impact. Then again, wasn't Moss about to get cut before his EPIC year?

 

[David Yudkin]

Hmmm. As already mentioned, Reiss didn't think Vereen would be put on IR, but someone else just emailed me saying at this point it at least is being considered as an option.

Not sure what to make of this situation. Will continue to poke around.

 

[Kenny Powers]

:cheatersdot:

 

[KGB]

Just FYI for people who didnt watch.

BJGE played agaisnt the starters, Ridley in both games has played against the backups only. Ridley was VERY exciting to watch though. HE FLEW. I can see S Morris being cut, and with Woodhead, I can see faulk retiring/cut/bench.

Found it interesting that Woodhead ran, wasnt catching balls on 3rd down.

 

[Bayhawks]

Just FYI for people who didnt watch.

BJGE played agaisnt the starters, Ridley in both games has played against the backups only. Ridley was VERY exciting to watch though. HE FLEW. I can see S Morris being cut, and with Woodhead, I can see faulk retiring/cut/bench.

Found it interesting that Woodhead ran, wasnt catching balls on 3rd down.

Why? He had three times as many rushes last year as receptions. He will likely get 100-125 carries this year (barring injury, of course).

 

[KGB]

Just FYI for people who didnt watch.

BJGE played agaisnt the starters, Ridley in both games has played against the backups only. Ridley was VERY exciting to watch though. HE FLEW. I can see S Morris being cut, and with Woodhead, I can see faulk retiring/cut/bench.

Found it interesting that Woodhead ran, wasnt catching balls on 3rd down.

Why? He had three times as many rushes last year as receptions. He will likely get 100-125 carries this year (barring injury, of course).

Guess I've always thought of him as a spunky 3rd down back. I havnt studied the stats, just watched the games on him.

 

[Road Warriors]

Ridley is getting too much love based off preseason performances imo. Perhaps he was under appreciated before when he was going in the late 3rd or 4th round of rookie drafts, but jumping from a 3rd/4th round pick to a 1st round pick is too high of a change based on preseason games playing against backups.

As for BJGE, I struggle to envision him putting up numbers close to what he did last year, or even the best numbers of any RB on the team this upcoming season. If Belichick was happy enough with BJGE to have him carry the rock a significant amount of times again he wouldn't have spent a 2nd and 3rd round pick on RBs.

BJGE was a restricted FA during the draft, so there was no guarantee he would be back. Woodhead is not a full time RB, and isn't the grind it out, 4th quarter closer they hope to need. The rest of the 2010 RB corps ( Faulk, Morris, Taylor ) in NE was not capable of carrying the load for 2011. Drafting 2 young guys at the position makes sense at the time, but not because Belichick doesn't trust Green-Ellis, IMO. Barring injury, I would expect Green-Ellis to have the most carries, most TDs, and most yardage of the RBs in NE this year.

 

[JamesTheScot]

This rumor is killing Vereen's ADP but it doesn't look like Ridley is getting a bump.

I had a 10 team, deep roster PPR re-draft tonight.

I took Ridley as my RB6 and was able to come back and get Vereen 18 spots later as my RB7. There were some snickers after I made the Vereen pick. I just smiled to myself.

I think the fear of BB's scheming plus the Vereen injury concern has people staying away. He might end up being undervalued before all is said and done.

 

[Dragon1952]

From Rotoworld...

"The Boston Herald suggests second-round RB Shane Vereen could in up on injured reserve once the season starts.

Vereen has only participated in a few full practices all preseason thanks to a hamstring injury. With the Patriots loaded at running back, the Herald suggests that Vereen could even end up with a "redshirt" year if he doesn't get back on the field soon. Since Vereen did participate in a few practices, he's not eligible for the regular season PUP list. "

For those that have not yet had rookie drafts, what does this do to his draft position? Has to affect it, even though it is very uncertain. Between Leshore going down, Donald Thomas generating no buzz whatsoever, and this news, the middle of the first round is taking a beating. Cam Newton has to be shooting up from the second round to the mid first at this point.

Shark move may be to get the heck out of the middle of the first...if you can find someone willing to give anything for the spot.

Ouch indeed. The "problem" with drafting early (most of my drafts are the week after the draft, with one even before) - I saw Daniel THomas go 1.02 and even 1.01 in one league; Vereen was in the 1.06 - 1.08 range. One guy who had Best in one league motor-boated Leshoure at 1.03.Still hard to believe that a 2nd round pick would end up on IR just as a "redshirt" year, especially at a position where it's one of the most instinctive and easy to make an impact.

Then again, wasn't Moss about to get cut before his EPIC year?

Stuff like this (Williams, LeShoure, Vereen) affects later drafts just as much as early drafts. Those drafting 'early' at around 1.6 and later were able to get better guys than those that haven't drafted yet. So it helps some and it hurts some regardless of what time of year you draft.