Welcome to Potential Patriots!

Each day leading up to the NFL Draft on April 24, the Herald will introduce prospects the Patriots are likely targeting position by position. The Pats have nine draft picks, starting at No. 4 overall. As for their other picks, the Patriots are expected to address offensive tackle and wide receiver, though they could pad their depth at virtually any position.

Below is a breakdown of the Patriots’ best prospect fits at running back:

Day 1-2

Dylan Sampson, Tennessee

Ht/Wt: 5-8, 199

Projected round: 2nd-3rd

Scouting report: An undersized back, Sampson more than makes up for his lack of size with plus explosion, vision and long speed (4.42 in the 40-yard dash). He runs hard and fights for every yard, often slipping half-hearted tackles to convert first downs or break long runs. Sampson was named SEC Offensive Player of the year after rushing for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.

He took a pre-draft visit to New England earlier this spring.

RJ Harvey, UCF

Ht/Wt: 5-8, 205

Projected round: 3rd-4th

Scouting report: A dynamic runner with make-or-miss ability, Harvey rushed for more yards over the past two seasons than all but three other players in major college football. He’s exceptionally quick and instinctive as a runner, and should have the potential to become a solid third-down back. He was also voted a team captain last year and has experience on kick returns.

Another wrinkle: Harvey was a lifelong quarterback before playing for UCF back in 2020. That experience and mental approach could appear to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who will be installing a voluminous playbook.

Jarquez Hunter, Auburn

Ht/Wt: 5-8, 205

Projected round: 3rd-4th

Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Scouting report: The SEC’s leader in rushing yards per carry, Hunter ran through and over tacklers to average 6.4 yards last season. His best skills are his physicality, brute strength and one-cut running style that best fits zone-blocking schemes. He also contributed on special teams last year with 10 tackles and a few returns.

Cam Skattebo, Arizona State

Ht/Wt: 5-9, 216

Projected round: 3rd-4th

Scouting report: Skattebo almost single-handedly carried the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff last year, bowling over all of his competition en route to a 1,711-yard season. He’s a bigger back with a violent running style and good quickness Skattebo also boasts soft hands, having caught 45 passes for 605 yards and three touchdowns last season. More than most backs on this list, Skattebo fits a Mike Vrabel-type player.

DJ Giddens, Kansas State

Ht/Wt: 6-0, 212

Projected round: 3rd-5th

Scouting report: A hyper productive and athletic back, Giddens has a patient running style and plus balance. He’s a fluid athlete who plays best in space. Giddens clocked a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and leapt 10 feet, 10 inches in the broad jump, showcasing his explosiveness. He won’t run over tacklers and could use some help in pass protection, but the makings of an NFL starter are there if he lands in the right situation.

Day 3

LeQuint Allen, Syracuse

Ht/Wt: 6-0, 201

Projected round: 4th-5th

Scouting report: Allen is a versatile, three-down back who doesn’t wow with his athleticism but has a knack for making the right play. He rushed for 1,021 yards last season and had 64 catches – most in major college football – while also playing on special teams. He’s a physical blocker in blitz pickup, a skill that often attracts coaches hoping to play rookie backs.

Woody Marks, USC

Ht/Wt: 5-10, 213

Projected round: 4th-5th

Scouting report: A Mississippi State transfer, Marks is one of the most experienced backs in this class. He’s another one-cut runner with soft hands and a lack of breakaway speed (4.54). Marks may not be a featured back at the next level, but his reliability in a zone scheme and ball security (one fumble in 608 career carries) will attract teams late in the draft.

Jaydon Blue, Texas

Ht/Wt: 5-9, 185

Projected round: 4th-5th

Scouting report: Blue is a flat-out weapon. He’s explosive and fast, armed with 4.38 speed and elite acceleration. The trouble is Blue played behind several good backs at Texas, making him one of the more inexperienced backs in this class whose lack of reps show up when he has to run inside. He’s also slight, even for a 5-foot-9 back, which means the team that drafts him must project how well he can hold up in the NFL.

At the very least, Blue should offer a big-play threat in an offense employing a running back by committee-type approach.

Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech

Ht/Wt: 5-9, 214

Projected round: 5th-6th

Scouting report: Almost a polar opposite prospect from Blue, Brooks is a well-worn prospect and one of the most productive players in the entire draft. He started four years at Texas Tech and finished with 95-plus rushing yards over his last 22 games. He doesn’t play with breakaway speed, but Brooks is a dependable back with plus vision, leadership (he was a captain in 2024) and solid pass-catching skills.

Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Ht/Wt: 5-9, 214

Projected round: 6th-7th

Scouting report: Though he never lived up to his billing as a five-star recruit, Edwards could bring some untapped potential to the NFL. He tested as one of the best athletes among running backs at the combine (4.44 speed, 38.5-inch vertical jump) and demonstrated strong receiving skills in college. Edwards was also voted a team captain last year, making him an attractive prospect to a team like the Patriots aiming to rebuild their culture and find a new pass-catching back.