Thanks to Deflategate, the majority of discussion surrounding the New England Patriots this offseason has ignored actual on-field developments that will affect the team in 2015.
I’m certainly not here to comment on Cadet appears to be the favorite to fill the role, but it’s not a forgone conclusion at this point.
Let’s examine what these third-down back candidates bring to the table, and which one is the better fit to slide into Vereen’s vacant role.
The Possible Replacements
Below, I’ve listed the Reception Pro Football Focus’s grading system from 2014, a few interesting items appear. Although Cadet was on the field for 182 passing plays, he was asked to block just 7 times, giving up 2 hurries on those opportunities. He ranked 156th in Pass Blocking Efficiency among 164 charted running backs.
White saw 19 passing-play snaps last season, and was asked to block 2 times and did not give up a pressure on those snaps.
Again, this is where small sample size becomes important. It’s unfair to assume a 100% efficiency rating if White were to see a substantial increase in pass blocking reps, but Cadet’s poor pass blocking grades are what we should take away from this exercise.
Experience, Or The Unknown Upside?
It’s impossible to know what any NFL coaching staff plans to do regarding positional competition, especially a staff headed by Bill Belichick. But coaches tend to lean towards experienced players over unknown upside when it’s a close call.
Chances are, Cadet will get first crack at the third-down, passing situation duties because of his prior game experience -- 41 career games compared to White’s 3.
And chances are Cadet will be an above-average performer in the receiving game, as he has shown the ability to do during his time in New Orleans. But if the Patriots ask him to pass protect, and improvements aren’t made in that area by Cadet, that’s when things could get murky.
According to Fantasy Football Calculator, Cadet is currently coming off the board as the RB59 at pick 13.08 in 12-team, PPR drafts, at which point he becomes a viable target once you enter the later rounds of your upcoming re-drafts.
And while the annual revolving door known as the Patriots’ backfield is always just a spin away, Cadet should be given the opportunity to produce in a focused role on an offense that should continue to thrive in 2015.