Expectations have probably never been higher for a third year, No. 2 running back, than they are right now for Shane Vereen. The New England Patriots’ “other” ‘back put up respectable numbers in 13 games last season behind Stevan Ridley. With Rob Gronkowski likely missing the first six weeks of the season on the PUP list, Aaron Hernandez sitting in jail awaiting trial for murder, and a big question mark when it comes to the receiving corp, Tom Brady and the offense have their work cut out for them this year. Analysts, fans and fantasy owners alike are all looking to Vereen to step up in a big way and help fill the offensive void. Is Vereen worth all of the current hype? Let’s find out.
2012 Stats | Att | Yds | TD's | Rec | Yds | TD's | RB Ranking | PPG |
| 62 | 251 | 3 | 8 | 149 | 1 | 49th | 4.77 |
2013 Outlook
So far through the first week of training camp, the Patriots of lined Vereen up all over the field, having him run routes and catch passes not only from the backfield, but also at tight end, in the slot and even out wide. At 5’10” and 205 pounds, Vereen might be too small to line up tight against the tackle or on the outside very often, but in practice it will give him more experience running deep routes and working against corners, linebackers and safeties and he will excel when lined up in the slot.
Vereen is a tough ball carrier and hard to bring down, which is evident by is 13.8 yards after catch per reception in 2012, which was second best amongst running backs. While he will be a staple of the passing game, Vereen will also make an impact on the ground. Ridley is obviously the team’s primary running back, but they will use Vereen to keep him fresh, and the tandem should work well together to wear down defenses.
By season’s end, Vereen will have racked up enough fantasy points to be a solid, middle RB2 option, and in PPR leagues could work his way into the conversation as a fringe RB1. You obviously can’t go wrong using him as a FLEX in either scoring format.
Dynasty Outlook
Vereen is entering his third season and is just 24 years old, if he can take his game to the next level this season, he will be a feature of the Patriots’ offense for years to come. Take a chance on Vereen this year if you can, worst case scenario is he’s still a low-end RB2 and FLEX option for the next few years. You can’t really go wrong with that.
2013 Stat Projections: 550 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 60 receptions, 600 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.