New England Patriots Players to Watch

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Brandin Cooks
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Brandin Cooks
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FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Brady hands off the ball to Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots during the second quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Brady hands off the ball to Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots during the second quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Running Back Mike Gillislee

This pick is really a crap shoot because the Patriots have a stable of running backs but Gillislee is the clear favorite running the ball. While he hasn’t put up the same numbers he had in week one, he is still a weapon on a Tom Brady offense. With Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander likely out the ground game could be a major factor for the New England Patriots. Rex Burkhead could be in this position but he was out the last two weeks and limited in practice already this week. Gillislee may not be the pass catcher that Dion Lewis or James White are but he is a powerful running back that can break tackles and get the tough short yards.

Gillislee may not be the pass catcher that Dion Lewis or James White are but he is a powerful running back. He can break tackles and get the tough short yards. Of his four touchdowns this year his longest is two yards. He is the new LeGarrette Blount for the Patriots and that is a weapon you have to watch. Kendall Beckwith has been great at stuffing the run but one of their running backs will be a real test for the third round rookie.

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