#PostPulpit Mailbag: Do the Patriots need more depth at running back?

The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about running backs, rookie impacts, and more.

The New England Patriots offseason rolls on at Phase 3 of the program begins on Monday. That brings the start of OTAs, where teams can begin 7 on 7, 9 on 7 and 11 on 11 drills with no live contact.

So, before we see New England’s rookie and veterans on the field together for the first time, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.

Do you see Antonio Gibson playing a meaningful role as a third-down back this season? If Stevenson goes down with an injury, could Gibson successfully carry the load as the main back? Will the Pats dive into free agency for another RB? – rod1776

Is anyone else worried about the lack of RB depth? – ParaMeds

I wouldn’t necessarily pigeonhole Gibson into a third-down back role. He has the speed and skillset to make him a strong fit in Alex Van Pelt’s wide zone scheme and could work into series-by-series type of rotation with Rhamondre Stevenson — similarly to the Stevenson – Ezekiel Elliot pairing last season.

As for the depth, I would like to see a third NFL caliber back behind the top two — especially in an offense that prioritizes running the ball. They don’t have that on the roster as of now, but perhaps Kevin Harris or one of the UDFAs (De’Shaun Fenwick or Terrell Jennings) proves worthy of the role over the summer.

If not, they can always take the Elliot path and sign a veteran late in free agency. The staff worked with Kareem Hunt in Cleveland (although off field issues likely removes him from consideration) while Matt Breida could be an intriguing scheme fit with his speed.

Two questions on OL, which I believe will make or break the offense this year. Why no talk of Calvin Anderson as the LT? He was sick all last year and has pro experience at the position as opposed to the other options. Why another guard drafted in round 4? We took 3 interior OL players last year and even if Cole Strange isn’t ready for the start of the season, were the picks that bad that another guard took priority? – Rsully22

The main thing Anderson has working for him is his left tackle experience. Caeden Wallace has not played the position in a game since high school. Chuks Okorafor has not played left tackle since college. While things did not go great for Anderson last season while he was battling/fighting back from a serious illness, he did have intriguing tape in Denver before signing here.

Either way, I think Wallace and Okorafor’s ceiling may still be higher at the position leaving Anderson as a top swing/fourth tackle.

As for the guards, there are still plenty of questions around Cole Strange’s health and availability before even getting to his on field play. With Layden Robinson taking the left guard snaps at rookie minicamp, the stage is set for a training camp battle at that spot.

What rookie(s) do you see having an immediate impact on the team? – LandenPatz1

While I’m not ruling Drake Maye starting Week 1 out after a strong offseason, I’ll go Ja’Lynn Polk here.

New England needs better play at the receiver position and Polk should quickly see a large role upon arrival, specifically due to his blocking ability which plays a big role in Van Pelt’s offense.

Once on the field, Polk should then be a reliable target for any quarterback under center with is ability to win downfield and haul in contested catches. He just is a good football player that I have a hard time not seeing contributing.

What will the Patriots do about Juju,Thornton, and Boutte or will they get a 2nd chance under the new coaches? – For Pats Sake

As Tyquan Thornton said Thursday, it’s a fresh start. But, roster spots are limited in a receivers room that currently holds 11 players.

The assumption is Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, DeMario Douglas and Kendrick Bourne (if healthy) are 53-man roster locks. K.J. Osborn likely will be included that group but won’t be considered a lock on a one-year deal. That likely leaves one spot open for JuJu Smith-Schuster, Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Jalen Reagor.

Where things stand now, Reagor may have the upper hand with his special teams ability. But, we have a whole training camp and preseason for each player to make their case.

Do you feel confident in the direction this team is headed with the emphasis on retaining our young building blocks? If not, who/what would you be targeting if you were running the show? – LandenPatz1

Frankly, yes. They’ve done a strong job retaining their own talented players and hit on their major needs in a draft class that projects well. They also maintained their salary cap flexibility moving forward.

Lots of how the futures projects will revolve around Drake Maye, but if the rookie looks good this season (which I’m confident he will) then the team can get aggressive with upgrades over the next several offseasons. They’ve built a strong core to be excited about moving forward.

With the recent murmurings of wanting to expand to 18 games and the continual growing of the salary cap…is there ever a discussion about expanding rosters? – PatsHowYouDoIt

It’s an interesting thought with the discussion of eliminating the preseason and expanding the regular season. However, the players focus seems to be on adding a second bye week over expanding roster sizes.

“If you’re going to talk about 18 games, there needs to be two bye weeks. Because 17 is a lot already, with one bye week,” Davon Godchaux said last week. “It can be done, as long as guys are professionals and take care of their bodies.”

You’re stranded on a desert island with the entire Patriots team. No one has a phone or any communication device. There is a rescue plane in the distance but it’s got hundreds of miles of ocean and islands to investigate and may overlook the tiny island you’re stranded on.

80 yards offshore there is a raft that is primed so that if it is hit by a football it will send up a number of flares. You’ve only got two footballs. Which quarterback do you choose to throw those two balls? – BirdStealsTheBall

While Drake Maye’s arm is legit, it’s tough to pass on Joe Milton’s rocket arm here — especially if we need to cut through the island breeze.

Real answer though if the entire team is present: we’re letting Bryce Baringer punt it.

That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.