Pats Beat: Competition behind Dion Lewis

Behind Dion Lewis, there is truly open competition at running back for the Patriots.

I believe the Patriots are looking for James White to showcase some versatility. He was too one-dimensional last year. I believe they're looking for Donald Brown to prove he can be an effective receiver when he lines up wide, something he hasn't often been asked to do in his seven-year career.

"Hey, we don't know," Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said last week. "We haven't seen it. That doesn't mean (Brown) can't do it. I'll put it to you this way: I didn't think James White could do it out there like that, but I'm telling you what, once you get out there, those guys, they've got some sh-- about them.

And I believe the Pats want D.J. Foster to show at least some capability between the tackles before they commit to him.

It's likely that one of these three stick. There is, however, the possibility that two of the three make the team and the Pats cut Brandon Bolden.

Foster can be stashed on the practice squad.

Fantasy Impact: 

Interestingly, one named not mentioned is LeGarrette Blount. It sounds like the team wants White to step up into a bigger role, but it also sounds like a lot needs to be sorted out behind Lewis before the end of camp. Lewis is the fantasy back to own in this offense, but especially in PPR leagues.

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