The New England Patriots selected their quarterback of the future in 2024, taking Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick last April. The Patriots hired Mike Vrabel to lead the team in 2025 after the team finished 4-13 in Maye’s rookie season.
Now New England needs to build a roster around Maye. The offense was depleted at skilled positions in 2024 as the team was in rebuild mode after parting with Bill Belichick.
The Patriots appear to be interesting in adding to a position that served Vrabel well with the Tennessee Titans and can ease the burden on Maye.
The New England Patriots met with a running back
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium.
Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Per Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Patriots met with running back Jo’Quavious Marks during USC’s Pro Day this week.
“The USC pro-day was run in cold, rainy conditions, as the thermometer was in the 40s on Wednesday,” Pauline wrote. “Trojans who participated in the combine, including running back Jo’Quavious Marks and offensive lineman Jonah Monheim, stood on most of their numbers from Indianapolis.
“It’s been reported that Marks ran the 40 in a time of 4.52 seconds, though he told me otherwise during our conversation. Marks did meet at length with the Patriots and did a bit of whiteboard work with the team.”
Marks rushed for 1,133 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the Trojans in 2024. He added 47 receptions for 321 yards in the passing game. The five-foot-10, 207-pound athlete earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024.
Marks played four years at Mississippi State before transferring to USC in 2024.
Jo’Quavious Marks could be a potential starter
Clemson defensive lineman Payton Page (DL25) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive lineman Payton Page (DL25) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com thinks the 24-year-old running back can be a good backup and has the potential to transition into a starter.
“Marks balances patience with decisiveness, setting blocks into defenders and then bursting past the collision,” Zielein wrote. “He glides through lanes with good vision and enough shake to create missed tackles over the first two levels. He lacks breakaway speed in the open field and contact power between the tackles.
“He’s highly experienced and has sure hands as a pass catcher, with the ability to elude the first tackler in space. Marks projects as a slashing complementary back capable of finding yardage and adding value on passing downs.”
Marks is litter older than many of the running backs entering the draft, but he appears to getting better with age, as his numbers in college show.
outhern California running back Woody Marks (RB21) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California running back Woody Marks (RB21) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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