PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Patriots have considerable talent and depth at running back, yet that isn't stopping team officials from flying Darren McFadden up to Foxborough for a visit. NFL teams are allowed to host up to 30 out-of-town prospects before the draft, and the Patriots' visit with the Arkansas back - scheduled for April 10-11 - should generate buzz relating to New England having the seventh overall draft choice.
Is there genuine interest in McFadden? Might it be a smoke screen? Or is it just due diligence as part of the scouting process?
As most of the heaviest hitters arrived in South Florida yesterday for the league's annual meeting, McFadden - who rushed for 1,830 yards and totaled 16 touchdowns last season - drew raves among some personnel executives. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome called him "a great player."
Laurence Maroney, the Patriots' 2006 first-round draft choice, led the team in rushing last season (835 yards). Sammy Morris is the top backup, and he's attempting to return from a sternum clavicle separation that landed him on injured reserve after six games. Change-of-pacer Kevin Faulk logged the most playing time of any running back last season - primarily because of the emphasis on passing - while fullback types Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel also are on the roster.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick arrived yesterday; he did not attend last year. Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, president Jonathan Kraft, vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli, and director of player personnel Nick Caserio also are in attendance
Is there genuine interest in McFadden? Might it be a smoke screen? Or is it just due diligence as part of the scouting process?
As most of the heaviest hitters arrived in South Florida yesterday for the league's annual meeting, McFadden - who rushed for 1,830 yards and totaled 16 touchdowns last season - drew raves among some personnel executives. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome called him "a great player."
Laurence Maroney, the Patriots' 2006 first-round draft choice, led the team in rushing last season (835 yards). Sammy Morris is the top backup, and he's attempting to return from a sternum clavicle separation that landed him on injured reserve after six games. Change-of-pacer Kevin Faulk logged the most playing time of any running back last season - primarily because of the emphasis on passing - while fullback types Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel also are on the roster.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick arrived yesterday; he did not attend last year. Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, president Jonathan Kraft, vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli, and director of player personnel Nick Caserio also are in attendance