Hankmoody 3,775 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 I can't imagine attempting to figure out who BB is going to feature any given week. Don't want any of these guys on my roster. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JoeSteeler 3,496 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 1 hour ago, massraider said: Lewis might get straight up cut. If so, would love the Steelers to bring him in for a visit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Anarchy99 6,156 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 2 hours ago, massraider said: Lewis might get straight up cut. Gillislee the one I want. The only way I see Lewis getting cut is if he gets hurt again or if he has some off field issue that we are not aware about. He is only due $1.2 million this year. There is no reason to cut him. They need a returner, he will undoubtedly be used as a mismatch when he is on the field on offense, and if NE does what they wanted to do last year (have sets with both White and Lewis in the backfield at the same time), they can wreak even more havoc. That being said, I doubt Lewis will have much impact in standard or smaller size fantasy leagues (if all the backs are healthy at the same time). Gillislee will likely be used the most in the running game, White should see a lot of targets as a receiver (he had almost 80 receptions last year between the regular season and playoffs). At this point, I think Burkhead is the back up to Gillisee and Lewis the back up to White. Both Burkhead and Lewis will probably have some plays where they are used over the other two guys. Given that there have been lots of injuries to NE RB's over the years, at some point during the season any of these backs could be fantasy relevant. Lewis has missed 18 games the past two seasons. Blount missed a month in 2015. Ridley missed two thirds of a season with a torn ACL. And we know Bill will bench anyone for fumbling. Burkhead might get garbage time carries late in games to run clock (if NE is as good as advertised). For leagues with decent bench slots, I wouldn't mind having any of the NE RB's stashed away for use later in the year. That being said, I would guess at this point Gillislee might see 200+ carries, 1,000 yards, and 10 TD. That would make him a middle of the road RB2, which is decent value in that his ADP is RB 36 / 124th overall at MFL. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
massraider 10,969 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 55 minutes ago, Anarchy99 said: The only way I see Lewis getting cut is if he gets hurt again or if he has some off field issue that we are not aware about. He is only due $1.2 million this year. There is no reason to cut him. They need a returner, he will undoubtedly be used as a mismatch when he is on the field on offense, and if NE does what they wanted to do last year (have sets with both White and Lewis in the backfield at the same time), they can wreak even more havoc. He costs 1.2 million, and a roster spot. Burkhead, White, Gillislee all received commitments this offseason. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Anarchy99 6,156 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 36 minutes ago, massraider said: He costs 1.2 million, and a roster spot. Burkhead, White, Gillislee all received commitments this offseason. And? BB pays special teamers $1 million a year and doesn't bat an eye doing so. At this point, they would get rid of Bolden before Lewis. Unless Lewis was hurt or awful in camp, I think NE keeps him for this season. They have been searching for a kick returner and it looks like Lewis will get a crack at it. Cyrus Jones doesn't appear to be able to handle the job. I also think the team probably would have preferred Gillislee over Burkhead and probably would not have signed both of them if they knew they could get Gillislee. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
massraider 10,969 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 45 minutes ago, Anarchy99 said: And? BB pays special teamers $1 million a year and doesn't bat an eye doing so. There is no 'And'. He's 4th string. Pick a 4th string back in the league, they all should be renting. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
massraider 10,969 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 The cost is irrelevant. Pats can afford him. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Anarchy99 6,156 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 Just now, massraider said: There is no 'And'. He's 4th string. Pick a 4th string back in the league, they all should be renting. If he ends up as a decent returner, he would not be looked at as "a 4th string back", he'd be a special teamer. We also don't know how things will shake out. We the general public think Lewis will be their 4th string back. Who knows how they will use him. Bolden barely sees the field and he's been around for 5 years (1 carry last year). Slater has one career reception and has been around for 8 years . . . and gets $1.5 million a year to play special teams. BB will figure out how to use Lewis. IMO, if they wanted to cut Lewis, they would have done so already. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
massraider 10,969 Posted May 31, 2017 Share Posted May 31, 2017 20 hours ago, Anarchy99 said: If he ends up as a decent returner, he would not be looked at as "a 4th string back", he'd be a special teamer. We also don't know how things will shake out. We the general public think Lewis will be their 4th string back. Who knows how they will use him. Bolden barely sees the field and he's been around for 5 years (1 carry last year). Slater has one career reception and has been around for 8 years . . . and gets $1.5 million a year to play special teams. BB will figure out how to use Lewis. IMO, if they wanted to cut Lewis, they would have done so already. Teams are adding players, not subtracting them. Why would they cut a guy with a workable contract three months before the season? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Anarchy99 6,156 Posted May 31, 2017 Share Posted May 31, 2017 4 minutes ago, massraider said: Teams are adding players, not subtracting them. Why would they cut a guy with a workable contract three months before the season? Right. That's exactly why they will keep him (and why I questioned you saying he might get cut). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
massraider 10,969 Posted May 31, 2017 Share Posted May 31, 2017 5 minutes ago, Anarchy99 said: Right. That's exactly why they will keep him (and why I questioned you saying he might get cut). No, I'm asking why they would have cut him ALREADY. Almost no one is getting cut in the off-season. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mcintyre1 3,294 Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share Posted June 8, 2017 Quote Rex Burkhead making a strong impression at Patriots minicamp FOXBORO — Rex Burkhead is still new to the Patriots roster. But the running back was easily one of the best offensive players on the field yesterday during the second day of minicamp. Signed as a free agent away from Cincinnati, Burkhead established a strong connection with Tom Brady, catching all five passes from the quarterback during 11-on-11 drills. And while he may be new, he seems to know the way to answer questions in typical, understated Patriots style. So to what did he attribute his success with Brady? “Just making sure I was on my assignments. I still have a lot of room to get better and improve my game,” he said. “I still have room to get comfortable and make sure I know what I’m doing.” Burkhead saw plenty of first-team reps, catching passes from both Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo. He pulled in passes while working from all over the field, coming out of the backfield, shifting out to the slot and lining up outside. He was even spotted on the punt coverage team, communicating well when asked to do so. With a loaded depth chart at the running back position, Burkhead will have to continue to showcase his versatility as he jostles for playing time. “Whatever role they want to put me in, I’m up for,” he said plainly when asked about the difference in how he was used with the Bengals with how the Patriots have used him so far. “Whatever way or role gives us the best chance to win.” Burkhead is in the midst of a huge transition, going from being a seldom-used target in the Bengals offense to being asked to be a do-it-all option in this offense. With all due respect to Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis, there is a different level of talent on the Patriots with Brady and Bill Belichick. So Burkhead knows how important these practices are, even in June, as he seeks to earn Brady’s trust. “It’s huge,” he said. “Learning the system, making sure I know what to do when I’m out there . . . learning from the mistakes you make the day before and knowing (your job) day in and day out.” When pushed further on the difference in culture between Cincinnati and the Pats, Burkhead gave a telling answer, one that focused on the improvement in weather from Tuesday to Wednesday. It seems that he’s already fallen in line and has learned to give generic media answers when in a tough spot. “The rain is good for us. We’re probably going to play in a rain game sometime during the year. Rain, snow, whatever, so (yesterday) was good for us. Especially with catching the ball, ball handling, anything like that. Helps us stay in top of our game.” Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Anarchy99 6,156 Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 I really have a hard time coming away with much from reports from OTA's. Since there isn't any real tackling, most people look good in two hand touch. From what I have seen, DJ Foster wowed people last year and this year. Yet his chances of making an impact (or even the regular season roster) are pretty slim. Most everyone looks good this time of year. The only negatives you really see in mini-camp are guys that drop passes or QB's that happened to throw an interception. Not saying that Burkhead doesn't look good, but most of the news that comes out are fluff pieces saying that everyone looks good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FreeBaGeL 9,177 Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 1 hour ago, Anarchy99 said: I really have a hard time coming away with much from reports from OTA's. Since there isn't any real tackling, most people look good in two hand touch. From what I have seen, DJ Foster wowed people last year and this year. Yet his chances of making an impact (or even the regular season roster) are pretty slim. Most everyone looks good this time of year. The only negatives you really see in mini-camp are guys that drop passes or QB's that happened to throw an interception. Not saying that Burkhead doesn't look good, but most of the news that comes out are fluff pieces saying that everyone looks good. I agree. Just for fun I went back and looked through Faust's thread of 2016 OTA reports and pretty much every player that "stood out" or "looked amazing" in OTAs ended up being a complete non factor in the real games that year. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Faust 5,278 Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Pats make quite the catch in Rex Burkhead Quote Link to post Share on other sites
QuizGuy66 2,204 Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Burkhead is going to be a monster for them. Still irritated Bengals didn't find a way to keep him. -QG Quote Link to post Share on other sites
squistion 12,586 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 Greg @fantasygeesus 1h1 hour ago Rex Burkhead on track for lead role in Patriots' backfield http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20170806/rex-burkhead-on-track-for-lead-role-in-patriots-backfield Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tool 1,588 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 6 hours ago, squistion said: Greg @fantasygeesus 1h1 hour ago Rex Burkhead on track for lead role in Patriots' backfield http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20170806/rex-burkhead-on-track-for-lead-role-in-patriots-backfield On track for lead role according to who? Pretty shoddy journalism IMO. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bayhawks 2,232 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 1 hour ago, Tool said: On track for lead role according to who? Pretty shoddy journalism IMO. uh..Greg@fantasygeesus? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Octopus 16,333 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 1 hour ago, Tool said: On track for lead role according to who? Pretty shoddy journalism IMO. technically every RB in training camp is "on track" to have the leading role if you consider the track to becoming a starter as being in camp and competing for a job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
squistion 12,586 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, Bayhawks said: Quote 2 hours ago, Tool said: On track for lead role according to who? Pretty shoddy journalism IMO. uh..Greg@fantasygeesus? No, byline at link is: Rich Garven / The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, who projects Burkhead as the lead back (apparently his observation/opinion only as he doesn't attribute any team sources). Edited August 7, 2017 by squistion Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bayhawks 2,232 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 4 minutes ago, squistion said: No, byline at link is: Rich Garven / The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, who projects Burkhead as the lead back. I was making a joke, since that was who made the tweet. Rhat being said, the article itself didn't even predict THE lead role for Burkhead, it seemed to a headline to draw readers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
squistion 12,586 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 4 minutes ago, Bayhawks said: I was making a joke, since that was who made the tweet. Rhat being said, the article itself didn't even predict THE lead role for Burkhead, it seemed to a headline to draw readers. Well, technically it does, I would say that "projects" is a prediction, but we may be discussing semantics: Quote While Burkhead projects as the lead back, the Patriots are expected to distribute the rushing workload more than last season when Blount finished second in the league with 299 carries. Gillislee established across-the-board career-highs with 101 carries, 577 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He’s going to get his share of totes, especially in goal-line and short-yardage situations. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Anarchy99 6,156 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 I am guessing that part of the reason this writer thinks Burkhead will be the lead dog is Gillislee had a minor injury and hasn't practiced much this past week. So when writers see Burkhead practicing with the ones, they think that means Burkhead has taken over the top spot on the depth chart. Gillislee started out as the guy playing with the core offense, for whatever that is worth. Still a long way from real football that matters, and BB has been known to make changes as he sees fit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
QuizGuy66 2,204 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 On 8/7/2017 at 0:22 AM, squistion said: Greg @fantasygeesus 1h1 hour ago Rex Burkhead on track for lead role in Patriots' backfield http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20170806/rex-burkhead-on-track-for-lead-role-in-patriots-backfield Yup. Like I said - perfect Belichick back. -QG Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Milkman 2,348 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I snagged him late in my dynasty start up draft. Super happy about that. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Milkman 2,348 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 If he can stay healthy he should be a nice RB2 if he gets the GL carries...... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
squistion 12,586 Posted August 20, 2017 Share Posted August 20, 2017 ProFootballTalkVerified account @ProFootballTalk 4m4 minutes ago Tom Brady, Rex Burkhead hook up for touchdown in preseason debut http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/19/tom-brady-rex-burkhead-hook-up-for-touchdown-in-preseason-debut/ Tom Brady, Rex Burkhead hook up for touchdown in preseason debut Tight end Rob Gronkowski spent a lot of time run blocking for Rex Burkhead in his first preseason action since 2012. Burkhead was making his first game appearance for the Patriots and the wasted no time getting him involved in the offense. Burkhead carried seven times for 20 yards and caught a pair of passes from Tom Brady during his time on the field. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dhockster 1,842 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 On 8/19/2017 at 9:06 PM, squistion said: ProFootballTalkVerified account @ProFootballTalk 4m4 minutes ago Tom Brady, Rex Burkhead hook up for touchdown in preseason debut http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/19/tom-brady-rex-burkhead-hook-up-for-touchdown-in-preseason-debut/ Tom Brady, Rex Burkhead hook up for touchdown in preseason debut Tight end Rob Gronkowski spent a lot of time run blocking for Rex Burkhead in his first preseason action since 2012. Burkhead was making his first game appearance for the Patriots and the wasted no time getting him involved in the offense. Burkhead carried seven times for 20 yards and caught a pair of passes from Tom Brady during his time on the field. Burkhead looked really good against the Texans, and he should definitely have some value in PPR leagues as I think he will catch quite a few passes out of the backfield. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
[icon] 9,821 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Crazy amount of depth of pass catching skill out of the NEP backfield. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chaka 6,241 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 26 minutes ago, dhockster said: Burkhead looked really good against the Texans, and he should definitely have some value in PPR leagues as I think he will catch quite a few passes out of the backfield. Disagree. Like @[icon] said there is so much pass catching depth in the NE backfield they will likely limit each other. However I still like Burkhead because he is the biggest back on the roster and I hope he can emerge as their primary goal line guy. If he does that everything else is gravy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Milkman 2,348 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 47 minutes ago, dhockster said: Burkhead looked really good against the Texans, and he should definitely have some value in PPR leagues as I think he will catch quite a few passes out of the backfield. Yep. He's going lead all RB on the team in receptions and TD's.......with 12th round plus ADP that's gold. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Milkman 2,348 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 One BIG difference between Dion Lewis and White versus Burkhead. Burkhead does it all so the Pats aren't tipping their hand when he's in the game. White and Lewis don't give them that advantage. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chaka 6,241 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 16 minutes ago, Milkman said: One BIG difference between Dion Lewis and White versus Burkhead. Burkhead does it all so the Pats aren't tipping their hand when he's in the game. White and Lewis don't give them that advantage. Lewis runs and catches very well. White is more limited as a runner but is still capable. Gillislee is probably their most questionable receiver, although he looks like the best runner. From a volume perspective Burkhead hasn't done much in either category so it's hard to say that he will lead this team in anything. I like him as a multi-tool who could seize the primary TD role but a lot of my opinion is going to be changed depending on who they cut to get down to 53. If Brandon Bolden makes the cut I could easily see him stepping in as the TD vulture. Until the roster cuts happen even guys like Juwan Thompson and Glen Gronkowski should both be considered threats to TD upside. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Milkman 2,348 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 14 minutes ago, Chaka said: Lewis runs and catches very well. White is more limited as a runner but is still capable. Gillislee is probably their most questionable receiver, although he looks like the best runner. From a volume perspective Burkhead hasn't done much in either category so it's hard to say that he will lead this team in anything. I like him as a multi-tool who could seize the primary TD role but a lot of my opinion is going to be changed depending on who they cut to get down to 53. If Brandon Bolden makes the cut I could easily see him stepping in as the TD vulture. Until the roster cuts happen even guys like Juwan Thompson and Glen Gronkowski should both be considered threats to TD upside. Lewis is to small to pound the ball with. White is JAG but trusted by the coaching staff and just got a new contract. I suspected Burkhead was Cincy's best RB last year and when he got his chance he showed it. He's big enough to run in between the tackles, runs great routes, and has good hands. He'll have to out play these guys but I see him doing it..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Milkman 2,348 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 From a Bloom article today....... Rex Burkhead, NE - Burkhead’s catch and run score in the second preseason game is letting the cat out of the bag. He is talented enough to put up RB1 numbers on only 15 touches a game in this offense, and the hamstring woes of Mike Gillislee are opening the door for just that to happen. The backfield is crowded, but injuries and Burkhead’s all-around play and ability to keep defenses off balance could clarify it very quickly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nero 165 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 1 hour ago, Chaka said: Disagree. Like @[icon] said there is so much pass catching depth in the NE backfield they will likely limit each other. However I still like Burkhead because he is the biggest back on the roster and I hope he can emerge as their primary goal line guy. If he does that everything else is gravy. Its not just the pass catching depth in the backfield. If there is a healthy Gronk, Cooks and Edelman there is going to be less targets for the backfield. I like Burkhead. I've always though he was a better player than Gillislee in every aspect. We will see how it works out now that they are on the same team. I don't know that Burkhead will emerge as the primary goal line guy, but I expect him to lead the backfield in touches. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fruity pebbles 3,270 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Think hes gonna end up being a better football player than fantasy contributor. Atleast on a regular basis. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kwai Chang Caine 1,037 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 I grabbed him in every PPR league I could especially the several teams I went WR heavy and punted on RB. He may be the best value for a second RB if you did the old "zero" strategy. I understand BB loves him too and went hard after him. That can't hurt. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mavis 721 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Staying away from him until I see the GL back in week 1. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Milkman 2,348 Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 20 minutes ago, Mavis said: Staying away from him until I see the GL back in week 1. Will be to late then haha. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JoeSteeler 3,496 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 who is starting him tonight? Going back and forth between him and Rawls in 16 team PPR. Have him starting as of this minute. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
seahawk 17 630 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 4 minutes ago, JoeSteeler said: who is starting him tonight? Going back and forth between him and Rawls in 16 team PPR. Have him starting as of this minute. I am not sure Rawls is even playing this weekend. Injured ankle, PC didn't sound to optimistic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JoeSteeler 3,496 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 5 minutes ago, seahawk 17 said: I am not sure Rawls is even playing this weekend. Injured ankle, PC didn't sound to optimistic. Thanks. Last I saw he was a full participant yesterday Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ojaays 130 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I'm starting Burkhead in the flex over Rawls, and T. Coleman as of now. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Buck Bradcanon 1,449 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Lezzzzzz goooooooo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DerekR 2 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Have a chance to pick him up before the game starts. Only player I would drop is Marvin Jones. Can't decide. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboysfan8 7,755 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 2 hours ago, JoeSteeler said: who is starting him tonight? Going back and forth between him and Rawls in 16 team PPR. Have him starting as of this minute. I have him in 2/3 leagues, benched in both. 1 for Fitzgerald and 1 for Benjamin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bmsarvis 34 Posted September 8, 2017 Share Posted September 8, 2017 I dont have an in my lineup but I think he's gonna put on a show tonight... I have Abdullah and Hyde in over him. .5ppr... I think I'll regret this Quote Link to post Share on other sites
oddsbodkins 568 Posted September 8, 2017 Share Posted September 8, 2017 Benched in my PPR league in favor of Powell. ######: prepared Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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