Webb looks to step up in RB role
Undrafted rookie likely to get plenty of snaps in preseason opener against Washington
Undrafted Pats rookie could get extra snaps
bmcgair@pawtuckettimes.com
FOXBORO – Officially, the Patriots signed running back Ralph Webb as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Vanderbilt on May 11.
“Right after the draft [held the final weekend in April) is when I heard from New England. We got things going pretty quickly and went from there,” Webb said after the Patriots wrapped up Day 10 of training camp on a steam bath of a Tuesday, two days before the preseason opener tomorrow night against Washington at Gillette Stadium.
For players like Webb, it’s all about shedding the label of longshot rookie. With firstround pick and fellow SEC tailback Sony Michel not in the fold at the moment after reportedly having fluid drained from his knee, the door is open for Webb to see if he can move up the depth chart.
Webb did have his moments Tuesday, flashing a burst of speed while working with the non-starters. It was easily his greatest workload in training camp to date, a sign that figures to bode well for his chances to log a significant amount of snaps against the Redskins.
“I’m just taking it day by day when it comes to bettering myself and putting the best product on the field,” Webb said. “At the end of the day, results count around here. That’s why you’ve got to get it done and understand the importance of getting in a position where I can get better.”
On the surface, it was a bit of a surprise to not hear Webb’s name called during the draft. He departed Vanderbilt as the school’s all-time leading rusher (4,178 yards on 931 attempts) and for now is the SEC’s sixth all-time leading yard gainer on the ground.
Those credentials, as impressive as they are, didn’t translate into an appearance on anyone’s draft board.
“No I didn’t,” was Webb’s reply when he asked if he worked out for the Pats or any NFL team prior to the draft.
Obviously, the Patriots did their homework on Webb or they wouldn’t have brought the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder into the fold. He wasn’t much of a factor in Vanderbilt’s passing attack – 68 receptions in 49 career games with the Commodores – and admitted Tuesday that becoming a threat out of the backfield is an area that he continues to stress.
“There’s a lot of terminology to learn … a lot of detail that’s emphasized on a daily basis,” Webb said. “Right now it’s about making sure I learn everything about this offense. That’s all that matters now. What I did in the past doesn’t really matter. The more you can do, the better your chances are of making this team. They take value in having guys play multiple roles. That’s why I’m trying to not limit myself.”
Whether he succeeds in making the final cut or lands on the practice squad, Webb knows he’s in a prime position when it comes to soaking up knowledge from New England’s stable of veteran running backs – James White, Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee and Jeremy Hill.
“It’s a great group of guys. They have a lot of experience and have done a great job coaching me up and bringing me up to speed,” Webb said.