Name: RB Isaiah Pead
School: Cincinnati
Size: 5'10, 200 lbs
Expected Round: 2-3
Strengths: Explosive one-cut runner. Great open-field speed. Growing as a blocker. Solid vision. Able receiver out of the backfield (sometimes asked to flex out as a receiver). Part time punt returner.
Weaknesses: Not going to break many tackles. Sometimes holds the ball away from his body, leading to some fumbles (but has not been terrible with ball security). Needs a lot of work to focus on being a better receiver out of the backfield.
What is their role? As a rookie, Pead would be at the bottom of the depth chart.
Will it change from year 1 to year 2? Doubtful, unless something happens to Stevan Ridley. They're very similar, in my opinion.
How many downs can he play? He could be a three down player as he has shown willingness to block.
Which current player will he beat out? Pead would compete for a final running back roster spot. Would most likely beat out a fullback like Spencer Larsen. Doubtful if Pead has the value to make the roster (if considered in a vacuum, ignoring draft pick usage).
What’s his ST value? Part time punt returner, but wouldn't be comfortable as a full time player.
Does he have positional versatility? Sometimes asked to flex as a receiver. Pead can add value to an offense and create mismatches.
Why the Patriots? The Patriots could be on the market for another running back with versatility to make the running game more dangerous.
Why not the Patriots? Pead will likely go early enough in the draft that the Patriots would have to spend an original pick to grab him. Other running backs with better special teams ability are available later and could be stashed on the practice squad for a season or two to develop.
Verdict: Pead seems too similar to Ridley to be given consideration and isn't an elite enough of an athlete to consider adding to the stable.