Harrison thinks four-year veteran Pierre Woods is the leading candidate.
“I see him as a phenomenal young talent, a hard-working talent who is smart and will do whatever they ask him to,’’ he said.
Woods’s primary competition will come from second-year players Shawn Crable and Vince Redd, and seven-year veteran Tully Banta-Cain. A veteran acquisition is a possibility. The Patriots were in the mix for Jason Taylor and had trade discussions with the Raiders about Derrick Burgess.
5. Carving outanidentity
Harrison said he could pick out any number of other story lines, but instead, he wrapped his thoughts into one.
“I see a wealth of talent at the running back position, so will they come out and pass the ball 40, 50 times, or will it be geared more toward establishing the run? There are a lot of weapons on that offense - at running back, I think they should be able to run 30 times a game for 100 yards minimum,’’ he said. “And if teams load up to stop the run, who sticks with [Randy] Moss, [Wes] Welker, [Joey] Galloway, the tight ends? I’m not sure who will stop them - the closest team I see is the Pittsburgh Steelers.’’
Other story lines of note:
■ Fred Taylor, a top free agent signing, adds a dynamic to the running back corps. How will the carries be split?
■ Veteran Galloway, 37, is the top candidate to fill Jabar Gaffney’s void as the No. 3 receiver, which is like being a starter in the team’s three-wide system.
■ Developing 2008 third-round draft choice Kevin O’Connell at backup quarterback, along with Matt Gutierrez and Brian Hoyer.
■ Major changes on the offensive side of the coaching staff, as well as special teams.
■ Twelve draft choices, the highest total in the Bill Belichick era, vying for roster spots.
■ Veteran free agents Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden top the cornerback depth chart.
■ The Patriots are one of 16 teams returning their top personnel on the offensive line. Is the continuity a benefit?
■ Nose tackle Vince Wilfork and his contract status; he skipped voluntary organized team activities.
■ A new look at tight end with acquisitions Chris Baker (free agent) and Alex Smith (trade).
Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.
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