[Editor's Note: I'm a little late on this one, but I thought I would throw it out there anyways, because lately, any and all Patriots draft information has been minimal, to say the least.]
According to reports from ESPN Boston and the Boston Herald, the Patriots held Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure on a pre-draft visit on Friday.
Leshoure, a 6'0" 227 pound back who runs a 4.56 40 yard dash, has drawn some comparisons to former Illini and current Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, as well as former Patriot Corey Dillon, although I wouldn't go as far as to make that comparison. Still, Leshoure has great strength and is explosive with his size. He doesn't have the greatest instincts, but he is a well balanced back who can be a threat as both a blocker and receiver.
Most draft analysts project Leshoure to go somewhere in the early second round, although it's also possible he goes late in the first.
Leshoure's visit marks the third running back to have a reported pre-draft visit at the Gillette Stadium facilities. The other two are Jordan Todman and Kendall Hunter. The Patriots also held a private workout with Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams. All five players are commonly projected to go in the second round, which could make them a target for the Patriots at 33 or 60 (or some other spot should the Patriots make a trade).