According to ESPN Beat Writer Mike Reiss, Rex Burkhead is the “early favorite” to emerge as New England’s goalline back. With the Patriots scoring 16 Rush TDs in 2017 (6th in league) and 19 in 2016 (5th), while scoring the 2nd most total backfield fantasy points in back-to-back seasons, this job carries enormous weight.
Despite playing in only 10 games and beginning 2017 behind Mike Gillislee, Burkhead finished with 8 total TDs (5 rushing, 3 receiving) — nearly one per contest. He displayed surprising power, and an uncanny ability to get behind his blockers and fall forward through the narrowest of creases. With the Patriots adding Sony Michel at No.31, as well as the bruising Jeremy Hill in free agency, many expected Burkhead’s job to be in jeopardy — not the case, according to insider Reiss. Moreover, Burkhead took “the majority of first-team reps” in OTAs, which is unsurprising given Michel’s rookie status, but still noteworthy. Meanwhile, RBs coach Ivan Fears called Burkhead “something special,” someone “you sort of build on.” Even with only prime Red Zone real estate in one of the league’s highest-scoring attacks, Burkhead is a bonafide steal at RB37 (95 overall). Yet, with the versatility to truly inherit Dion Lewis‘ starting role if Michel falters (or has ball-security woes following 12 collegiate fumbles), Burkhead’s ceiling is enormous, and only emphasizes this insane value.
