2011 NFL Draft: Pats Likely to Draft a Running Back and Change Green-Ellis' Role

Have the New England Patriots ever had a "true" fullback since they became a pass first offense with the emergence of Tom Brady? No.

The Patriots have had players like Patrick Pass, Heath Evans, and Sammy Morris all line up in the fullback or "H-back" position in New England's offense. All three of those players weren't your typical fullback size, as they were powerful and athletic. If any of those players were playing in a typical balanced offensive scheme, they'd be power running backs—not fullbacks.

With Morris playing as New England's fullback over the past few seasons, he's set to become a free agent. At 34 years old, he will be contemplating retirement. So New England will need to find a replacement, however, that replacement might on New England's roster.

Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis became the first New England running back to rush for 1,000 yards since Corey Dillon did back in 2004. However, Green-Ellis is your typical well-rounded running back, he is a hard, powerful north and south runner. 

The Patriots enter the 2011 NFL draft with nine selections, six of them being in the top 92. In all of my mock drafts done for the New England Patriots, I have Belichick and company selecting a well-rounded running back.

Prospects like Mark Ingram, Mikel Leshoure and Ryan Williams are all top-end prospects that could line up as a Patriot running back next season.

If New England were to select one of those prospects, I'd expect them to jump into the role of the lead-back and Green-Ellis would shift towards the h-back position and come in on in between the tackle running plays.

Entering the 2011 NFL season, if the Patriots were to draft one of those players, their backfield would consist of Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, and "running back X."

The rookie running back would turn into the every-down lead back, Green-Ellis would be the h-back, and Woodhead would become the "change-of-pace" runner and would continue his duties as the third-down running back.

The Patriots need to continue to improve their running game as Brady ages and faces the end of his career. It'd  be a wise movement if the Patriots draft a "stud" running back and develop him into a top of the league running back to take some much needed pressure of off Brady in the seasons moving forward.

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