Running Back Watch: Ridley, White, Finch, Gray??

[soxhop411]

I hate to do this, but since he is 1 for 1 with his "inside sources" I'm going to give the guy a chance:



 
 

https://twitter.com/jerrythornton1/status/446653307990605824

He also says the Pats will be signing one of Blount/Moreno. Like I said, sorry if he ends up being FoS, but I'll give the guy a chance, even if only for his Twitter war with Borges (who is ragging on the Revis signing LOL). He also called LaFell first, I believe.

I would be fine with Blount or Moreno. Also hopefully his sources are right and they do end up restructuring

 

[SMU_Sox]

Moreno is a great idea. He can do everything. He is skilled as a pass blocker for a RB, obviously he can rack up some yardage, and he can catch passes as well in the flat. He's a guy you can have in a 3WR 1 TE 1 RB set. I wonder how cheap he'll go for as he is probably more needed on a team like the Fins and is currently visiting there.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Moreno is a great idea. He can do everything. He is skilled as a pass blocker for a RB, obviously he can rack up some yardage, and he can catch passes as well in the flat. He's a guy you can have in a 3WR 1 TE 1 RB set. I wonder how cheap he'll go for as he is probably more needed on a team like the Fins and is currently visiting there.

 
Again, with a grain of salt for now, until he further establishes his reliability, but apparently Moreno left Miami without a deal:
 

Sorry to drop this so late but I'm away skiing: Knowshon Moreno did not sign with MIA. Look for Pats to sign him instead of Blount

 
We'll see.

 

[Reverend]

Moreno is a great idea. He can do everything. He is skilled as a pass blocker for a RB, obviously he can rack up some yardage, and he can catch passes as well in the flat. He's a guy you can have in a 3WR 1 TE 1 RB set. I wonder how cheap he'll go for as he is probably more needed on a team like the Fins and is currently visiting there.

 
In the "great pieces for Belichick's chess game," getting a Kevin Faulk type would be unspeakably awesome, especially, as you mention, if they are going away from 2TE.

 

[RedOctober3829]

 
Again, with a grain of salt for now, until he further establishes his reliability, but apparently Moreno left Miami without a deal:
 
 
 
 
We'll see.

McDaniels drafted Moreno with Denver so there's a logical connection to New England.  It would be nice to see Moreno come to New England with his pass catching ability and also he excelled in the zone running scheme in Denver.  They run a lot of those plays in New England.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

[Note: Splitting out from the Wilfork thread]

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

I really like the possibility of a Moreno signing as well.
 
The key could be limiting his carries. Moreno had 241 attempts (#13 in NFL among all backs with 25% snaps) in 724 snaps.
 
That could be a natural fit with the by-committee approach McD runs, where Ridley was the leading rusher by attempts last year (#25 in NFL) with 178 attempts in 341 snaps. Blount was 2nd with 153 attempts in 289 snaps, #33 in the league.

 

[dbn]

I really like the possibility of a Moreno signing as well.
 
The key could be limiting his carries. Moreno had 241 attempts (#13 in NFL among all backs with 25% snaps) in 724 snaps.
 
That could be a natural fit with the by-committee approach McD runs, where Ridley was the leading rusher by attempts last year (#25 in NFL) with 178 attempts in 341 snaps. Blount was 2nd with 153 attempts in 289 snaps, #33 in the league.

 
Indeed, a RB rotation of Ridley, Moreno, and Vereen would be great if/when they are all healthy.

 

[Dogman]

In addition to his production, Moreno knows the Broncos playbook too. There is value there.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

In addition to his production, Moreno knows the Broncos playbook too. There is value there.

 

Indeed, a RB rotation of Ridley, Moreno, and Vereen would be great if/when they are all healthy.

 
Remember that both Vereen & Ridley are in the last year of their rookie contracts. Moreno could be a natural insurance for either if signed to a multi-year deal (and he should be). 
 
BB could setup 2015 RB corp by drafting a back in the 3-4th round this year, extend one of Ridley/Vereen, pick up a plug-in/cheap FA, plus Moreno. 

 

[soxfan121]

In addition to his production, Moreno knows the Broncos playbook too. There is value there.

 
My first thought as well. The playbook and the audibles and the hand signals and the puppet theater. What is that worth? 

 

[E5 Yaz]

I'd like Moreno because he's as tough as Blount and a bit more versatile. It could be a terrific fit.
 
If not, get Blount back

 

[DanoooME]

 
My first thought as well. The playbook and the audibles and the hand signals and the puppet theater. What is that worth? 

 
You could just ask Richard Sherman too.

 

[Stitch01]

I thought someone linked to an article when Deion Branch signed with the Colts that basically said being on a team last year adds zero value if picked up by another team the next year.

 

[dbn]

Fantasy players everywhere would weep at that rotation. But I think it'd be pretty sweet.

 
From a schadenfreude perspective: good. 100% of my substantial love of football is for the real version.

 

[Reardon's Beard]

In a perfect world maybe you add Moreno and retain Blount at the same time...but I for one really liked what Blount did for this team. That hard running is something I don't remember in recent years and it made a difference. Am I the only one that thinks of him as a priority? And over Moreno?

 

[triniSox]

In a perfect world maybe you add Moreno and retain Blount at the same time...but I for one really liked what Blount did for this team. That hard running is something I don't remember in recent years and it made a difference. Am I the only one that thinks of him as a priority? And over Moreno?

I'm torn on this. Blount really did a great job late in games running hard and being difficult to bring down. I think that's valuable. On the other hand, almost every time Blount was on the field, it was for a running play - very little versatility in that regard. I'm not convinced he can't become a short receiving threat/screen threat though.
 
Moreno is a versatile player but I don't think he's great at anything and depending on the cost, it probably makes more sense to look for an all-round back in the draft.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Knowshon Moreno's parents are Knowledge and Varashon Moreno

 

[RedOctober3829]

The New England Patriots are one of four teams interested in signing former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew. The Patriots, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers are “in the hunt” to sign Jones-Drew, the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta reported Monday. The Patriots are expected to meet with Jones-Drew’s agents in Orlando, Fla., at the NFL annual meeting this week.

Read more at: http://nesn.com/2014/03/report-patriots-in-the-hunt-to-sign-maurice-jones-drew-in-free-agency/

 

[bsj]

 
The New England Patriots are one of four teams interested in signing former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew. The Patriots, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers are “in the hunt” to sign Jones-Drew, the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta reported Monday. The Patriots are expected to meet with Jones-Drew’s agents in Orlando, Fla., at the NFL annual meeting this week.

Read more at: http://nesn.com/2014/03/report-patriots-in-the-hunt-to-sign-maurice-jones-drew-in-free-agency/
 

 
Of course the Jets are in.
 
I would love if the Patriots could sell MJD on the "You've been paid. Now, its time to be a winner" argument that is what it would take to get him to buy into what I suspect would be a far smaller $ deal than he could get elsewhere. 
 
I don't see it happening, but stranger things have happened. He would represent a nice upgrade over Ridley.

 

[shoosh77]

 
Of course the Jets are in.
 
I would love if the Patriots could sell MJD on the "You've been paid. Now, its time to be a winner" argument that is what it would take to get him to buy into what I suspect would be a far smaller $ deal than he could get elsewhere. 
 
I don't see it happening, but stranger things have happened. He would represent a nice upgrade over Ridley.

He seems to like being in the media a ton (fantasy football shows, etc), would Bill go for that?  

 

[Stitch01]

He's on the back nine, but probably a better fit as a third back then Blount since he can pick up PT for either Vereen or Ridley if they are hurt or not up to snuff.
 
Wouldnt hate signing both MJD and Blount if the money for Blount was right.

 

[Reverend]

I'm torn on this. Blount really did a great job late in games running hard and being difficult to bring down. I think that's valuable. On the other hand, almost every time Blount was on the field, it was for a running play - very little versatility in that regard. I'm not convinced he can't become a short receiving threat/screen threat though.
 
Moreno is a versatile player but I don't think he's great at anything and depending on the cost, it probably makes more sense to look for an all-round back in the draft.

 
I dunno--he rushed for a 4.3 average and had 60 receptions. I tend to think all-purpose backs are really hard to project in the transition from college to the pros.
 
A tough runner who gets you yards on the ground has value, obviously, but an all purpose back changes the offense.

 

[dbn]

I haven't seen MJD play in a while. His stats weren't great last year, but their team was so awful the stats probably don't mean anything. Any eye-witness scouting, anyone?
 
edit to add that he's consistently averaged about 3 REC per game over his career, including last year (43 REC), which is pretty good. 

 

[tims4wins]

Reminds me a little too much of the Fred Taylor signing a few years back. I'd rather have the younger Blount, I think.

 

[Super Nomario]

MJD just turned 29 yesterday. Taylor was 33 when the Pats signed him. And MJD is only 2 years older than Blount. Say what you will about his performance last year, but his age is not an issue and he is not Fred Taylor other than that he played for jax last year.

I think MJD still has something left in the tank, especially since he'd likely share time with Ridley and Vereen rather than be the full-time feature back - at the very least, he'd get a lot more rest than he got in Jacksonville.

But Blount has unusually little tread on the tires for his age. He basically redshirted his last year at Oregon due to suspension, and he barely played his last year in Tampa. He split carries in 2011 and 2013, and he doesn't touch the ball in the passing game. So Blount only has 602 touches in his four-year career, while Jones-Drew has 1096 over the same four years, even with missing much of 2012 due to injury. For his whole pro career he's got 2139 touches, about 3.5 times what Blount has.
 
I love the idea of getting a back like Jones-Drew (or Moreno) that keeps the D honest as to run vs pass, but I think Blount is a better health / durability bet than either of those guys. I'm not sure any of the three precludes grabbing another back in the upcoming draft (maybe with the shiny new 4th-round compensation pick).

 

[Reardon's Beard]

One of the most dynamic backs in the game, a healthy MJD would be an absolute beast in this offense.
 
I'd sign him ASAP if they can make it happen.
 
A little background...consider what he says at 9:00 in.
 
[media]http://youtu.be/0jnThH_VdiE?t=9m[/media]
 
Who does that remind you of?

 

[E5 Yaz]

It really depends whether MJD has lost a step or two. I'd rather shoot for Moreno

 

[Corsi]

 

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora  21s
RB market coming into some focus. Moreno moving closer to deal w/Miami. Blount to visit PIT Thurs/Fri: NE interested in him as well ...
 
Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora  16s
Steelers remain in contact with MJD as well, though not at his original $3.5M asking price. Moreno's contract likely would spur more action

 

[Corsi]

 

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter  4m
Former Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, per league source.
 

 

[SMU_Sox]

Great signing for the Fins - the way their interior line is playing out they could use a guy who can pick up a blitzer or a DT who got through. Moreno also gives them a balanced running option and can catch passes well. Good pickup. 

 

[Reardon's Beard]

So maybe I'm not with it, but what's the knock on Bolden exactly?
 
He can't be a second or third guy? Always fourth?

 

[soxfan121]

The knock (if it is one) on Bolden is that he is JAG. Fungible. Easily upgradeable. 

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

I don't know. Bolden averages about 5 yards a carry and had 21 rec for 152 yds last year. Most importantly, no fumbles in 111 career attempts. I put him as slightly above JAG level. He's really good depth.

 

[Super Nomario]

I don't know. Bolden averages about 5 yards a carry and had 21 rec for 152 yds last year. Most importantly, no fumbles in 111 career attempts. I put him as slightly above JAG level. He's really good depth.

The problem with Bolden is they tried to use him as a 3rd-down back when Vereen was out, and it was not a good fit for his skill set. 21 receptions sounds good until you realize that only 6 of them went for first downs.
 
I think Bolden's a fine 4th RB, especially since he plays a lot of STs, but he's stretched as a 3rd RB.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

The problem with Bolden is they tried to use him as a 3rd-down back when Vereen was out, and it was not a good fit for his skill set. 21 receptions sounds good until you realize that only 6 of them went for first downs.
 
I think Bolden's a fine 4th RB, especially since he plays a lot of STs, but he's stretched as a 3rd RB.

 
I agree. He's definitely not a receiving back, he's more of a hammer. Unless they resign Blount he's the only "grinder" type back they have.

 

[soxhop411]

BREAKING: Maurice Jones-Drew agrees to contract with #Raiders http://t.co/RALyMTEZ0v (via @BairCSN) #RaidersTalk #NFL

 

[bakahump]

I would love to see Charles Sims picked up in the Draft.
 
While he is smaller then Bolden I think he is overall a talent upgrade.  Also while Bolden may be in the same "hammer" mold as LGBT, and thus one of the arguments to keep him should we lose LGBT.  I dont know if we should become overly enamored with that type of game plan.  I agree Its nice to be able to get 2 or 3 on 3rd and short or near the goal line. But Going forward I am not sure the "LGBT Hammer" (IE power Runs that eat up 10-12 yards) will be or should be a measurable contributor to the offense.  Ridley can probably provide that "hammer" when necessary (short yardage situations).  Sims would be a good combination of Ridleys running and Vereens 3rd down ability, Making him a much better 3rd or 4th Rb to have on the depth chart.
 
Ideally we return LGBT pick up Sims and send Bolden on his way.

 

[Stitch01]

I don't know. Bolden averages about 5 yards a carry and had 21 rec for 152 yds last year. Most importantly, no fumbles in 111 career attempts. I put him as slightly above JAG level. He's really good depth.

He's fine depth and has value on a rookie contract as a 4th running back, particularly because he plays ST. 
 
Given likely roster construction for '14 (Vereen and Ridley FA's next year, Blount the likely 3rd running back on the roster, a handful of ST guys already on the roster, no 3rd down depth behind Vereen), might be better served with a young back who is more of a factor in the passing game instead.

 

[bsj]

BREAKING: Maurice Jones-Drew agrees to contract with #Raiders http://t.co/RALyMTEZ0v (via @BairCSN) #RaidersTalk #NFL

 
This will always blow my mind. 
 
This is a guy who is obviously wealthy beyond belief. He has been in a miserable situation for years losing, getting his ass kicked because the offense is so bad around him. 
 
So instead of taking less $ and going to a team where he could experience winning...he goes to probably a worse situation. I know cash is king and that drives these guys....just surprised you almost NEVER see a guy say Id rather be a millionaire with a ring than a millionaire getting my ass kicked en route to last place.

 

[Grin&MartyBarret]

 
This will always blow my mind. 
 
This is a guy who is obviously wealthy beyond belief. He has been in a miserable situation for years losing, getting his ass kicked because the offense is so bad around him. 
 
So instead of taking less $ and going to a team where he could experience winning...he goes to probably a worse situation. I know cash is king and that drives these guys....just surprised you almost NEVER see a guy say Id rather be a millionaire with a ring than a millionaire getting my ass kicked en route to last place.

 
A guy from Oakland, CA was just offered a ton of money by a team in Oakland, CA. Maybe this wasn't just about money?

 

[bsj]

 
A guy from Oakland, CA was just offered a ton of money by a team in Oakland, CA. Maybe this wasn't just about money?

 
Fair enough, there was that factor in this instance. 

 

[McBride11]

Pitt radio has LGBT in town to meet with the Steelers today. With Moreno and MjD off the table, this could get interesting.

Confirmed via NESN... http://nesn.com/2014/03/report-legarrette-blount-to-visit-pittsburgh-steelers-on-friday/

 

[Klostrophobic]

 
This will always blow my mind. 
 
This is a guy who is obviously wealthy beyond belief. He has been in a miserable situation for years losing, getting his ass kicked because the offense is so bad around him. 
 
So instead of taking less $ and going to a team where he could experience winning...he goes to probably a worse situation. I know cash is king and that drives these guys....just surprised you almost NEVER see a guy say Id rather be a millionaire with a ring than a millionaire getting my ass kicked en route to last place.

Would it really be that amazing if the Raiders won 8 games and perhaps picked up the second wild-card game?

 

[Klostrophobic]

 
This will always blow my mind. 
 
This is a guy who is obviously wealthy beyond belief. He has been in a miserable situation for years losing, getting his ass kicked because the offense is so bad around him. 
 
So instead of taking less $ and going to a team where he could experience winning...he goes to probably a worse situation. I know cash is king and that drives these guys....just surprised you almost NEVER see a guy say Id rather be a millionaire with a ring than a millionaire getting my ass kicked en route to last place.

I feel like almost literally every free agent who didn't sign with Oakland gave up money for a better winning situation.
 
Also, I think the Raiders could be halfway decent. Maybe 8 wins. If Manning breaks his leg and they have to put him down the Raiders could nab the second wildcard.
 
Watch them go sign Desean Jackson. That's a lot of talent on that offense with Schaub, Jones-Drew, Jackson, Reese, Pryor (what will become of him?), James Jones, Streater.
 
Or maybe they'll just win 4 games.

 

[soxhop411]

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider  53s
LeGarrette Blount has agreed to a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to league sources

 

[E5 Yaz]

So, a week ago ... Blount, Moreno or MJD ... today, not so much

 

[Stitch01]

Probably drafting a running back to go with Vereen/Ridley/Bolden. 
 
What's the scouting report on Jonas Gray?

 

[Boston Brawler]

Welp. That did not go as expected.

 

[dcmissle]

Jerome II.