For the Patriots, the running back position is one of the few that doesn’t necessarily need another body. The team didn’t have a great year running in 2019, as backs only produced 1,489 yards on the ground. Not all of that can be contributed to their play, some of the blame can fall on the injuries to the fullbacks and offensive line.

In 2020, New England is expected to return all five of their running backs from last season.

Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, and Brandon Bolden are all currently under contract for at least 2020. Each back has his own role, and even then some may be left out.

Michel is the workhorse back, doing a majority of his damage on first and second down. White is a consistent pass-catching back with some ability to run if need be. Burkhead provides versatility to play all four downs. Bolden is a special teamer who can step up and produce if his number’s called. And, Harris is the unknown second-year back who could steal reps from any of these guys.

So, the running back room might be a little full, but that doesn’t mean those at 1 Patriot Pl. aren’t going to take a stab at the position in the draft. These seven running backs could find their way to Foxboro by the end of the week.

Round 1 –  D’Andre Swift, Georgia

There’s just something about Georgia running backs. It seems as though all of their starters become top prospects in the draft, and it’s no different with Swift. The former Bulldog ran for 2,885 yards and 20 touchdowns in his three years at Georgia, bringing in 73 receptions for 666 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns as well.

Swift is the top back in the draft for a reason. He’s able to run through defenders or make them miss. He can run just about any route as a receiver out of the backfield. And, he can pick up the block if he’s needed. The Patriots probably aren’t looking to get a number one runner in this draft after drafting Michel just two years ago, but if they are Swift should be the target.