The Patriots had back-to-back picks early in the third round of the NFL draft, and they used the first one to continue to beef up the offensive backfield.
After using their 56th pick to select Cal running back Shane Vereen, they selected another running back, Lousiana State junior Stevan Ridley with their 73rd pick.
The Patriots are clearly looking for future team leaders, as Ridley was named permanent offensive team captain for the Tigers in the 2010 season. The 6-foot junior was the starting running back in 2010, after serving as a backup in his first two seasons at LSU.
Ridley rushed for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season with the Tigers, including 105 yards and a touchdown in the Cotton Bowl victory over Texas A&M in 2010.
The running back was named First Team All-SEC in the coaches vote and Second Team All-SEC in The Associated Press vote in his final season at Louisiana State.
