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Ex-Patriots RB James White Reveals Draft Pick Preference

Originally posted on FanNation Patriot Maven
By Harrison Reno | Last updated 4/24/23

No way the New England Patriots draft a running back with the No. 14 overall pick, right?

Well, think again. They have already been linked to Bijan Robinson and are reported as being "absolutely intrigued." But is there another option if they don't take him?

Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs would be a likely option that the Patriots would have to consider if they'd be interested in potentially spending their second-round pick on a running back. As for the Alabama product, ex-Patriots running back James White likes the idea of pairing Gibbs with starter Rhamondre Stevenson.

"He's a little bit more of a pass-catcher," White said about Gibbs on the "Next Pats Podcast" with Phil Perry. "He seems like he's already got that one step into the league, being coached under Bill O'Brien and running an NFL-type offense."

Familiarity with the new offensive coordinator is one thing, but what separates him from the rest of the backs?

"He's fast," White said. "Typically when you think about those fast guys, they're not really elusive, but he is, and he's light on his feet, he has good balance."

Gibbs ran a blazing fast 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine, and it wasn't just because he was in shorts. His speed translates onto the football field, as he showed countless times in Tuscaloosa.

But as White would go on to say, it is unlikely that the Patriots would select him with the No. 14 pick as he currently projects as a late first-round, early second-round selection.

"But if they trade back and a guy like Bijan Robinson goes before him, and everybody's kind of slotted (Gibbs) to be their second guy off the board -- I could see that happening, just based on the connection," White adds. "Familiarity is very key for sure when it comes to offensive coordinators."

Now that could make much more sense for the Patriots. Yet, they have much bigger needs than potentially finding a backfield partner for Stevenson, who broke out in 2022, rushing for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns.

Although if Gibbs falls into the second round, the thought of adding lightning to the thunder of Stevenson may be a hard proposition to pass on for the Patriots.

Gibbs has the type of runaway speed that could elevate the running and the passing game, as he'd stress defenses in the open field.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Patriot Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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