2017 The Rex Burkhead IS NOW A NEW ENGLAND CHAMPION PATRIOT thread

Rudy's Curve

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It was a meaningless game, but he showed in Week 17 what he's capable of. It's too bad it took the Bengals four years to realize this while giving Hill 445 carries the last two years. I have no doubt he'd flourish with the Pats.
 

Red Averages

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Someone mentioned this in one of the mega threads last week and it made a ton of sense. Would be a very solid pickup.
 

EdRalphRomero

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I didn't follow him closely, so these are straight questions. He weighs in at 214, and I know the Bengals split him out a lot -- with both Lewis and White under contract next year isn't he a bit redundant? Would he be the primary back? Would they acquire him and still have LGBT (or similar) on the roster?
 

SeoulSoxFan

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I didn't follow him closely, so these are straight questions. He weighs in at 214, and I know the Bengals split him out a lot -- with both Lewis and White under contract next year isn't he a bit redundant? Would he be the primary back? Would they acquire him and still have LGBT (or similar) on the roster?
He could definitely carry 15-20 balls a game. He's a very sound all-around player. Nothing against White, but he's really not going to get you yards on 1st and 2nd downs. Burkhead can.

SSS but he showed 4.65 yards per carry on a quickly declining OL.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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It was a meaningless game, but he showed in Week 17 what he's capable of. It's too bad it took the Bengals four years to realize this while giving Hill 445 carries the last two years. I have no doubt he'd flourish with the Pats.
Someone mentioned this in one of the mega threads last week and it made a ton of sense. Would be a very solid pickup.
Agreed. Just saw on Twitter: Burkhead has the same agent as BB.
 

DJnVa

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Volin was on NFL Radio this morning and says he sees Blount returning to NE, likely on a 1 year deal. I can't see any way that Blount and Burkhead are here.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Middle class McCaffrey for Money?
Jack of all trades to contribute on ST, spell White/Lewis, I say. From his combine profile page: http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/rex-burkhead?id=2539265

STRENGTHS
Slasher who uses his foot quickness to find his way through traffic to move the chains. In one-back or two-back sets, can start with the flow then cut back into a running lane, spinning through trash on his way to consistent four or five-yard rushes. His lateral quickness comes into play when penetrating defenders look to corral him; somehow he finds a way to cut left or right to run away from their waiting arms. There?s no questioning his toughness, carries the mail 30 times a game and gives great effort trying to use his good lean to plow through arm tackles for extra yardage. Not used as a receiver very often, but his solid hands, quickness and agility will make him a valued weapon in the passing game. Those hands make him a solid safety valve punt returner, as well, even if he hasn?t yet shown explosiveness in that duty.

WEAKNESSES
Not the most powerful of backs, NFL defenders will stone him at the point of attack more regularly than their college counterparts because of his average lower-body strength. Leggy runner who can look out of control at times, though he usually manages to keep his balance. His pass protection form is inconsistent; sometimes he will hold his ground and throw a shoulder into a blitzer, but veteran rushers will easily elude his attempts to lie at their feet.

BOTTOM LINE
Burkhead is a high-motor, high-character back who does everything coaches ask of him. He possesses the quickness and strength to be a solid NFL reserve back capable of contributing in a committee.
 

Super Nomario

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Volin was on NFL Radio this morning and says he sees Blount returning to NE, likely on a 1 year deal. I can't see any way that Blount and Burkhead are here.
Why not? Remember, we are in 90-man roster season. It should look like they have too many guys everywhere. Let competition (and injury, unfortunately) sort things out.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Then there's this:

@evansilva
Give him equal reps with the RBs and not stereotype him as a STer, he will beat out Lewis & White.
 

bakahump

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Yea was looking that up myself. Slower (bad combine run??) then Mccaffrey But bigger by 10 lbs or so. Big hands as well. Plus other then as a return guy not sure how CM is on STs. Burkhead seems like he is/can be 90% coverage guy and break glass in case of emergency return guy.
 

DJnVa

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Why not? Remember, we are in 90-man roster season. It should look like they have too many guys everywhere. Let competition (and injury, unfortunately) sort things out.
Because I think Burkhead and Blount are established enough that they won't sign a contract that puts them in jeopardy of being a training camp cut. I could be wrong.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Because I think Burkhead and Blount are established enough that they won't sign a contract that puts them in jeopardy of being a training camp cut. I could be wrong.
Burkett is only 26. Not sure if Blount returns and even so, wouldn't you rather have Burkett on the roster than Blount at this stage of his career? Although obviously, the one who's in jeopardy is Gaffney if Burkhead does sign.
 

bsj

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Someone mentioned this in one of the mega threads last week and it made a ton of sense. Would be a very solid pickup.
Curious if the Patriots would kick the tires on Burkhead to fill the RB opening created by LGB. He seems like a very Patriots-esque type player, although his skillset may overlap a bit too much with what we currently have,

bsj, Thursday at 10:37 AM
I like this. Ive always been a fan of the guy, and he seems like the kind of player that could really excel here.
 

DJnVa

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Burkett is only 26. Not sure if Blount returns and even so, wouldn't you rather have Burkett on the roster than Blount at this stage of his career? Although obviously, the one who's in jeopardy is Gaffney if Burkhead does sign.
Yes, I wasn't making a claim that I'd rather have Blount. I was saying Volin said he thinks he comes back. My point was I don't see them having White, Lewis, Blount, and Burkhead on the roster.
 

bakahump

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Why not Drewdog?

White and Lewis do what they do (3rd down big play for Lewis, 3rd down JOAT for White).
Blount does his thing. (Power back on early downs and on the goal).
Burkhead fills all 3 of those roles way better then Bolden AND can be the same resource on Special teams that Bolden was.

Ditch Bolden sign Burkhead and you have improved a roster slot in the bottom 10.

I suppose money could preclude it.

Didnt Lewis get hurt in the SB? Do we know how bad it is?
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Yes, I wasn't making a claim that I'd rather have Blount. I was saying Volin said he thinks he comes back. My point was I don't see them having White, Lewis, Blount, and Burkhead on the roster.
Agree with that. I was wondering about BB making a move on Gillislee, and Burkhead would come w/o giving up a 5th.

White/Lewis/Burkhead/Devlin/Bolden + lower round draft pick should do it.
 

MarkBT

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He was also Cincy's leading special teams tackler last year and #2 in 2015. Could be a Bolden replacement. He seems like he will contribute a bit more on offense than Bolden can.
Came in here to post the exact same thing. Bolden's a very good S/Ter, but he's essentially useless on offense at this point. Adds value on S/T and manages the (likely) injury exposure of Lewis and White suffering an injury at some point during the year.
 

Stuffy McInnis

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Why not Drewdog?
Didnt Lewis get hurt in the SB? Do we know how bad it is?
He had a hamstring injury. Original estimate was two weeks, and I don't believe there's been an update on that. Obviously hamstrings can linger, but I'd assume he's 100% for training camp.
 

DJnVa

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Ditch Bolden sign Burkhead and you have improved a roster slot in the bottom 10.

I suppose money could preclude it.
Because Bolden's salary isn't the same as what Burkhead will get. Bolden is a 4th RB with the PT in the backfield and a paycheck that goes along with that. If you have Blount, White, Lewis, and Burkhead there are going to be different expectations of PT and salary. Is that efficient?
 

NortheasternPJ

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He had a hamstring injury. Original estimate was two weeks, and I don't believe there's been an update on that. Obviously hamstrings can linger, but I'd assume he's 100% for training camp.
On mobile but I believe it was Mike Reiss Sunday column referenced Lewis has been in Foxboro all offseason working out so looks good.
 

Joe D Reid

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They need to be overbuilt a little at RB, because at this point you have to assume a Lewis injury at some point during the year. His upside makes it worth it, but you do have to throw more money (and bodies) at the position to make sure you're covered during the absences.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Because Bolden's salary isn't the same as what Burkhead will get. Bolden is a 4th RB with the PT in the backfield and a paycheck that goes along with that. If you have Blount, White, Lewis, and Burkhead there are going to be different expectations of PT and salary. Is that efficient?
Actually, I do. Bolden is a non-factor except on the ST. Burkhead provides a super-utility role on as a pass-catcher, runner, and on the ST. LGBT doesn't do ST, as we all know.

With plenty of cap room, someone with such position versatility like Burkhead would be a value signing IMHO & preferred over Blount (30) and Bolden (27).
 
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Stitch01

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Would love him on the team, expect he will end up finding place where he will have a little bit more opportunity on offense.

Love Evan Silva, but he's probably not beating out a healthy Lewis or beating out James White for White's role in the offense.
 

Just a bit outside

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Could this be a signing if they expect White to leave after this year for more money like Vereen going to the Giants? Burkhead could take Bolden's ST role this year and then take over as the change of pace back next year.
 

dbn

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Do we know Burkhead is at least roughly as good as Boldin on STs? Playing a lot of snaps (on a non-Patriots team) doesn't necessarily mean he played them well. We know that Boldin is a ST ace. (N.B. that I'm not trying to suggest Burkhead isn't very good on STs, I'm just asking.)
 

bakahump

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I am with SSF.

I think there is enough chance of a Lewis injury that you need the insurance and that insurance will get PT. Plus its not like the lead back gets 30 touches a game anyway so at least your Playing time argument seems overblown.

Like SSF I think that while Burkhead will make more then Bolden, as a swiss army knife he is worth it.

I think where some of us may differ is in bringing back Blount as the "primary ball carrier option". I expect based on his history and comfort in NE that he will be quite reasonable and would advocate having him back in 2017.

Hell in my plan Burkhead would probably be the most expensive RB we have but worth it as a backup to multiple positions and a core special teamer. (if Blount is too expensive then I agree its time to cut ties).

Next year you can reevaluate (after having Burkhead for a year) on what you need to bring in. I would think that in 2018 Blount is gone. So the question then becomes does Burkhead become your "primary ball carrier" and you replace some of his ST responsibilities or do you bring someone in to carry the ball and keep him as the JOAT.
 

Stitch01

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Bolden carried the ball one time in 2016, a season where Dion Lewis didnt carry the ball until week 11. So, sure, injuries happen, but if Blount comes back I think it would hard to convincingly pitch that there's large role in the offense available.

If Blount doesnt come back it seems more viable to me.
 

KingChre

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Because Bolden's salary isn't the same as what Burkhead will get. Bolden is a 4th RB with the PT in the backfield and a paycheck that goes along with that. If you have Blount, White, Lewis, and Burkhead there are going to be different expectations of PT and salary. Is that efficient?
How much are you expecting Burkhead to get paid? Bolden had a cap hit in 2016 of $1.27 million. I can't imagine that Burkhead would sign for much more than $1.75 million for this year, he made $675k last year and doesn't have the stats to demand much more than that. I think they could easily justify spending an extra half a million to upgrade from Bolden to Burkhead given their cap situation.
 

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Just thinking out loud, if they intend to carry 5 WR (Edleman, Cooks, Hogan, Mitchell, Slater) , 3-4 RB (White, Lewis, Bolden, Veteran RB) and 2-3 TE (Gronk, Allen, Lengel?) per game, they likely need to build in flexibility. If you can combine Blount/Bolden into Burkhead than you've allowed yourself to carry an extra WR/TE per game.
 

AlNipper49

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It's only been like four hours and I've already convinced myself that Burkhead is a MVP caliber running back.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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I am with SSF.
Me too!
  • Blount in 2016: 3.88 per carry
  • Burkhead in 2016: 4.65 per carry
And:
  • Lewis in 2016: 17 catches w/ 3.43 targets per game
  • Burkhead in 2016: 17 catches w/ 1.25 targets per game
Also durable as he played in all 16 games (only 7 for Lewis).

Edit: Plus, his nickname is T-Rex. COME ON GUYZZZZZ
 

Red Averages

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Me too!
  • Blount in 2016: 3.88 per carry
  • Burkhead in 2016: 4.65 per carry
And:
  • Lewis in 2016: 17 catches w/ 3.43 targets per game
  • Burkhead in 2016: 17 catches w/ 1.25 targets per game
Also durable as he played in all 16 games (only 7 for Lewis).

Edit: Plus, his nickname is T-Rex. COME ON GUYZZZZZ
It's only been like four hours and I've already convinced myself that Burkhead is a MVP caliber running back.
How does he compare to David Johnson?

Joking aside, this does seem like a perfect fit on a number of levels.
 

Ale Xander

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Big fan of his.

Start him and give him 10-15 carries, he's a much better receiver than LGBT
White for 10-15 carries
Lewis for 3rd down and medium/long to keep him fresh for Dec and Playoffs.
 

Harry Hooper

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Just thinking out loud, if they intend to carry 5 WR (Edleman, Cooks, Hogan, Mitchell, Slater) , 3-4 RB (White, Lewis, Bolden, Veteran RB) and 2-3 TE (Gronk, Allen, Lengel?) per game, they likely need to build in flexibility. If you can combine Blount/Bolden into Burkhead than you've allowed yourself to carry an extra WR/TE per game.
You left out Develin, but your overall point stands about fusing Blount/Bolden into 1 player.

The very limited use of Blount in the passing game does make it a bit easier for defenses to read pass or run depending on which RB is on the field. Of course, the Pats offense scores a ton anyway.
 

Super Nomario

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Big fan of his.

Start him and give him 10-15 carries, he's a much better receiver than LGBT
White for 10-15 carries
Lewis for 3rd down and medium/long to keep him fresh for Dec and Playoffs.
I don't see this happening. Burkhead has two career games with double-digit carries. White has zero (his high is seven). They've always had that 220-pound bruiser type for early downs in the BB era. If it's not Blount, I expect they'll add someone in the draft or free agency.
 

nothumb

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You left out Develin, but your overall point stands about fusing Blount/Bolden into 1 player.

The very limited use of Blount in the passing game does make it a bit easier for defenses to read pass or run depending on which RB is on the field. Of course, the Pats offense scores a ton anyway.
It makes it easy for defenses to read whether the running back will catch a pass. They still run PA very effectively in the power formations, they just don't throw to Blount.

...however, if you have a guy who can effectively run on 1st down OR leak out as a safety valve on PA when a specific defender may get rubbed off in the wash, that could be a dangerous new wrinkle that teams haven't really had to deal with against the Pats.