The New England Patriots have the best player in the National Football League: quarterback Tom Brady.
Having Brady direct the team's offense is something that many coaches wish they could have—there's no debate about that.
But imagine if you could pair Brady up with a stud running back. Just imagine how many hours the opposing team's defensive coordinator will spend game-planning. The Patriots offense would be as unstoppable as it was back in 2007, when Brady threw a record 50 touchdowns.
New England hasn't had a "stud" running back since Corey Dillon back in 2004, but some might not even consider him a "stud." So, that will date us all the way back to 1997, with the likes of Curtis Martin shredding opposing team's defenses.
Entering the 2011 NFL draft, New England sits at 17th overall and could very well have a chance to grab the top running back in this year's draft: Alabama's Mark Ingram.
Ingram would add a whole other dimension to the team's offense, and would take some serious pressure off of "Tom Terrific."
Allow me to analyze what would happen if New England selects Ingram at 17th overall:
Pros:
The former Heisman Trophy winner would add a whole new "section" in New England's offensive playbook. Yes, the Patriots already have BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead, and they're both quality NFL running backs, but the Patriots lack a balanced back—an every-down back.
Ingram is considered a well-balanced back that can be extremely explosive and can punish defenders who get in his way.
Brady, who's turning 34 this year, doesn't have too many years left—his seasons are counted, fans. By adding a stud running back, it would certainly take a lot of pressure of Brady, and could add a few more seasons onto Brady's career.
Along with adding seasons onto Brady's career, Ingram would help make the transition from Brady retiring to a new quarterback a tad bit easier—it that's even possible.
I'm sorry, fans, but I don't want to end up like the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos have yet to have major success since quarterback John Elway left. Ingram could potentially be like Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson; he's a player to build around.
Cons:
Running back isn't really a "need" or a top priority for New England, and it could use its No. 17 pick for another position.
New England will likely miss out on players like pass rushers J.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan.
Running backs don't necessarily have the "longest" careers, and Ingram could end up a bust.
For Ingram's attributes, he's got a great skill set and not too many weaknesses, besides his lack of elite speed.
Conclusion: If Ingram is sitting there at 17th overall, I sure as hell hope Belichick will select him. He is just too talented to pass on.
New England hasn't had an elite rushing attack in quite some time, and adding one with Brady could be extremely dangerous for opposing defenses.
Brady and Ingram, along with New England's young defense, could make a few Super Bowl runs in the next five years.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.
Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.
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