In the lead-up to New England Patriots training camp, with the first public practice scheduled for Thursday, July 26, it is timely to review each position on the roster with our annual "roster locks" series. Leading things off with the running backs.
Explaining the locks: Burkhead isn't going anywhere after signing a three-year, $9.75 million contract as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. He has a good chance to enter the season as the team's No. 1 option from a traditional running-back perspective, with his versatility as a pass-catcher adding to his value and opening up more options for coordinator Josh McDaniels.