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The third in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.
Name: Shane Vereen
School: California
Position: Running Back
Drafted: 2nd Round, 56th Overall
Projected Stats: 16 GP, 3 GS; 82 carries, 386 yards, 1 TD; 24 receptions, 218 yards, 1 TD
Projected Role: I expect Patriots' second round pick Shane Vereen to get plenty of playing time as a rookie. While the Patriots certainly have a lot of capable bodies in the backfield (Green-Ellis, Woodhead, Ridley), Vereen is more than just a receiving back. He is underrated carrying the ball between the tackles, and I certainly think he could see some touches on first and second downs. Vereen could end up being the top option as a 3rd down back, but I think he will split time there with Danny Woodhead similar to how Kevin Faulk and JR Redmond split time at that spot in 2001 and the beginning of 2002. I also think Vereen will be very effective as a ball carrier, I predict him averaging 4.7 yards per carry. However, I do not think that he will see a lot of touches near the goal line.
Bottom Line: 3rd down and rotational back in 2011, starting candidate in 2012