Dion LEwis 2.jpg

New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis during a Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins

(AP Photo)

Over the next week, we'll breakdown the New England Patriots roster position-by-position. We start Thursday at running back...

The Patriots lost Shane Vereen to free agency a year ago and essentially held a four-way audition at camp for Vereen's old job. James White, Dion Lewis, Brandon Bolden and Travaris Cadet competed for the spot. All four made the initial 53-man roster, but by the season opener it was clear that Lewis was the runaway winner.

Lewis was a dynamite dual threat as a runner and receiver. He did things at the position that Vereen never could. And that's not to take anything away from Vereen, because nobody else could do them, either.

Lewis was lost for the year with a torn ACL in Week 9, the beginning of an injury bug that contributed to New England's 2-4 finish to close the regular season. The running game wasn't the same without him, and it took a further hit when LeGarrette Blount was lost of the season in Week 14 due to a hip injury.

Here's where the Patriots running backs stand going into 2016:

UNDER CONTRACT

DION LEWIS: Signed a contract extension through the 2017 season a month before he suffered the knee injury. Lewis entered the NFL in 2011, but he's still only 25 years old. He has years left.

Lewis had his ACL repaired on Nov. 18, which means he'll be about eight-and-a-half months removed from surgery when training camp opens. According to Jeff Howe of The Herald, Lewis is on pace to be ready for the beginning of camp.

The Patriots could take an approach similar to what the Rams did this past year with Todd Gurley, who had ACL surgery in late November 2014. Gurley was held out of the preseason and made his debut in late September, about 10 months removed from surgery.

This is a tough injury for any player, but it's particularly tough for Lewis, whose game is predicated on explosive lateral movements and quick cuts. The Patriots hope he can regain his 2015 form this upcoming season.

JAMES WHITE: White filled in well for Lewis, but didn't give the Patriots much as a runner. He displayed good elusiveness and vision after the catch, and had a penchant for making big plays despite limited touches. White should return as Lewis' backup next season.

BRANDON BOLDEN: A core special teamer, Bolden is signed through 2016. He has versatility as a backup running back. Bill Belichick has lauded Bolden's ability to "play on all four downs."

TYLER GAFFNEY: Gaffney's 2014 and 2015 seasons were over before they started. He reverted to the injured reserve on Aug. 13 after being waived with an injury designation. Gaffney was hurt in the Pats' first full contact practice of training camp. He is signed through 2017 and will likely be in camp with a chance to earn a roster spot.

JOEY IOSEFA: The bruising fullback was signed to a futures deal earlier this week. He'll be in camp this summer.

FREE AGENTS

LEGARRETTE BLOUNT: This will be an interesting one. Bill Belichick clearly loves Blount, a 250-pound home-run hitter of a running back. Blount's box score often looks like a Barry Sanders stat line: 1 yard, 0 yards, 1 yard, 2 yards, -1 yards, 29 yards.

Despite his size, Blount is not a great short-yardage back. The Patriots could be looking for an upgrade here.

Blount, who is 29 years old and has had difficulty staying out of trouble when he's not in New England, won't command a big contract on the open market. It's possible he returns for minimal money and battles with whoever else the Pats bring in.

JAMES DEVELIN: A restricted free agent, Develin will likely be back. The fullback was placed on IR before the regular season due to a broken leg.

STEVEN JACKSON: Odds are you can add Jackson to the list of stars who have ended their careers with brief stints in New England. Others on that list: Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt and John Lynch.

NEEDS

The Pats could use a young between-the-tackles runner to complement Lewis. And they won't necessarily need to spend a high pick to acquire one.

Examples from the 2015 draft: David Johnson was taken the by the Cardinals in the third round, Jeremy Langford went to Chicago in the fourth, Karlos Williams was plucked by Buffalo in the fifth and Thomas Rawls was an undrafted free agent who signed with Seattle.

There won't be many affordable options in free agency. Matt Forte is the big name. Chris Ivory is also set to hit the market, but he won't be cheap. Other impending free agents include Lamar Miller, who would be an intriguing fit in New England, and Doug Martin.