New England Patriots Draft: Mikel Leshoure Could Join New England's Backfield

In a recent mock draft released by NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, he has the Patriots selecting Florida's guard/center Mike Pouncey at No. 17 overall and Mikel Leshoure at No. 28 overall.

It would be rather interesting if Bill Belichick and company decide to go offensive in the draft, but the addition of Leshoure could be tremendous. 

Leshoure played his college ball at Illinois and was a solid, well-rounded and productive running back during his collegiate years. 

New England has already visited with Leshoure and could possibly call his number during the draft. If the Patriots do go with Leshoure with one of their early-round selections, what kind of impact will he have on New England's offense? 

Strengths

Leshoure is one of the more well-rounded running backs in the 2011 draft class. He's got great size and strength to go along with his decent speed. 

One of the key attributes that Belichick must notice about Leshoure is his ability to protect the football—Leshoure is great with ball security. 

According to many draft scouts and experts, Leshoure projects as a "work horse" running back and could be used in most situations. 

His final season at Illinois was a very productive one to say the least. Leshoure accumulated 1,697 yards on the ground and scored an incredible total of touchdowns with 17. Leshoure was very effective and consistent last season as he averaged 6.0 yards per carry. 

Weaknesses

Leshoure had a very poor showing at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He ran a very poor 40-yard dash, timing in at 4.56. 

Due to such a below-average 40-yard dash time, many scouts believe that conditioning is a problem with Leshoure.

In order to be a successful running at the next level, you must be in game shape at all times.

Conclusion

If New England entered 2011 with Danny Woodhead, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Leshoure as the team's running backs, I'd certainly be happy. 

The Patriots are facing a crossroads at the running back position with Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor all with uncertain futures with the Pats, so adding a running back in the draft would be a logical move. 

The one concern about drafting Leshoure in my opinion is how he'd jell with Green-Ellis.

Green-Ellis was a workhorse for the Patriots in 2010, and Leshoure runs with a similar style—maybe they share too many of the same attributes. 

However, in my opinion, Leshoure is the second best running back in the draft after Alabama's Mark Ingram, and he'd be a nice asset in any NFL offense. 

I don't really like the Patriots drafting a running back in the first round if it's not Ingram, so I would strongly disagree with drafting Leshoure in the first. Although, if the Patriots can get their hands on him in the second round, I believe he'd be a great addition to New England's running game for many years to come. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.