Welcome to Potential Patriots!

Each day leading up to the NFL Draft on April 27, the Herald will introduce prospects the Patriots are likely targeting position by position. The Pats have 11 picks this year, starting at 14th overall, their highest selection in more than a decade. As for their other picks, the Patriots could pad their depth at virtually any position.

Below is a breakdown of the Patriots’ best prospect fits at running back.

Ht/Wt: 5-11, 215

Projected round: 1st

Scouting report: Arguably the most talented prospect in the entire class, Robinson is regarded as the best running back to enter the draft since Saquon Barkley. He’s armed with 4.4 speed, tremendous power, burst and running instincts, but that’s hardly all. Robinson forced 104 missed tackles last season, per Pro Football Focus, far and away the highest total in major college football; a stat that reflects Robinson can create yards on his own, the top trait that separates elite backs from the great ones.

The 21-year-old is also regarded as a natural pass catcher despite making just 19 receptions last year for 314 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Robinson totaled 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns at 6.1 yards per carry. He was a unanimous All-American who could fall to the Patriots at 14th overall and force them to make a difficult decision.

Ht/Wt: 5-9, 199

Projected round: 2nd

Scouting report: Gibbs is a true home-run threat out of the backfield with 4.3 speed. He’s also dangerous in short spaces with elite change-of-directions skills and patience to set up blockers and maximize his yardage. Gibbs played under new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien over his last two seasons at Alabama, where he also caught 44 passes and returned kicks.

Gibbs projects initially as a third-down or change-of-pace back as a rookie, who could grow into a three-down role. His most favorable pro comparisons include Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones.

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Ht/Wt: 6-0, 214

Projected round: 2nd-3rd

Scouting report: The first power back on this list, Charbonnet is also one of the most sure-handed and productive rushers in this class. He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at UCLA, where under head coach Chip Kelly, a close confidant of Bill Belichick's, he was regarded as the hardest-working player on the team. His 4.5 speed shouldn't be an issue for the Patriots, who hadn't prioritized top 40 times before drafting Pierre Strong last year.

If they revert to their old scouting guide at running back, Charbonnet should fit the bill. Not to mention, like current star back Rhamondre Stevenson, he's a bear to take down. According to The Athletic, he averaged 4.2 yards after contact last year.

Ht/Wt: 6-0, 219

Projected round: 3rd

Scouting report: Few projected mid-round picks were more popular on the pre-draft visit circuit than Johnson, who drew increasing interest across the league. Despite living in Robinson's shadow, he's done enough to attract scouts with his well-rounded game highlighted by plus physicality and skills as a passing-down back. Johnson boasts a vicious stiff arm, good patience and is unafraid in pass protection.

He also led Texas with seven special teams tackles and played on all four phases. Johnson reputedly has high football character and should develop into a change-of-pace back wherever he lands.

Ht/Wt: 5-11, 202

Projected round: 4th

Scouting report: Evans represents the biggest gamble on this list, as someone who was suspended multiple times in high school and battled injuries throughout his college career. But if he hits, the Patriots could be looking at a longtime weapon in their backfield.

At his Pro Day, Evans clocked one of the fastest marks in the 3-cone (6.89) and short shuttle (4.25) among all running backs in this draft. Historically, those drills have weighed heavily for the Patriots when picking running backs. Not to mention, he averaged almost seven yards per carry and 11 yards per catch over his career. Between his acceleration, short-area quickness and vision, Evans is one of the more enticing boom-or-bust rushers in this class.

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Ht/Wt: 5-9, 207

Projected round: 4th

Scouting report: Two years after drafting Rhamondre Stevenson, the Patriots could do worse than selecting one of his successors. Gray is a rocked-up runner with great balance, who shined at the Senior Bowl. He averaged 6.4 yards per rush last season and regularly generated explosive plays for the Sooners, who reportedly loved his toughness and competitive character. Gray is a high-floor prospect who should fit in nicely into the Pats' backfield.

Ht/Wt: 5-5, 179

Projected round: 4th-5th

Scouting report: Darren Sproles 2.0?

Not quite, but the diminutive Vaughn does pack exceptional quickness and surprising power into his 5-foot-5 frame. He broke out for more than 1,400 yards each of the past two seasons, both All-American campaigns. Vaught was voted a team captain last year and fumbled just twice over his career. Even if the Sproles comparisons don't follow him from their shared alma mater, Vaughn should carve out a nice career as a change-of-pace back in the NFL.

Ht/Wt: 5-10, 209

Projected round: 6th

Scouting report: Another Senior Bowl alum, Hull profiles as a third-down back at the next level. He led all FBS running backs in catches last year with 55, which he took for 546 yards and two touchdowns. He checked the Patriots' top physical boxes in the 3-cone and short shuttle, and reportedly brings a workman-like mentality to the position, which will also appeal to the front office.