NFL Draft rumors: New England Patriots could take Carlos Hyde in 1st round

Dec 7, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Carlos Hyde (34) pumps up the crowd prior to the 2013 Big 10 Championship game against the Michigan State Spartans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

With the departure of LeGarrette Blount to the AFC rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots are in the market for a potential franchise running back in the 2014 NFL Draft, and according to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, don’t be surprised if they address this immediately in the first round by taking Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde.

. @MoveTheSticks: Don't be surprised if @Patriots take RB in 1st round. Maybe Carlos Hyde.
— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) April 17, 2014

Hyde definitely fits the bruising mold of a Patriots running back playing behind Tom Brady in that offense. At 6-0 and over 240-pounds, Hyde can carry most of the load for the new few years as the Pats try and remain at the top of the heap.

Last season for head coach Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes, Hyde finished with 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns as the team went to the Orange Bowl, a game they ended up losing to Clemson.

Again, though, with the way the Patriots’ offense operates, taking Hyde late in the first round would be a smart move to provide some balance going forward.

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