Patriots Work Out RB Ronnie Brown, Three Others

Howard Balzer reports that RB Ronnie Brown had a tryout with the New England Patriots, along with TE Ben Hartsock, TE Nate Byham and RB Brian Leonard.

Brown played with the San Diego Chargers for the last two seasons, and has reinvented himself as a third-down back, excelling at blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield.

The Patriots seemingly have great depth at the running back position-particularly after drafting RB James White in the fourth round- but Head Coach Bill Belichick is known for utilizing an array of backs, particularly those with receiving ability.

RB Brian Leonard fits the bill as well as a versatile player in the backfield.

TE Ben Hartsock has been with Carolina for the past three seasons, and likewise plays a position that New England tends to value more than most.  That may explain why the Patriots worked out TE Nate Byham as well, who has barely seen the field for Tampa Bay the last two seasons.

None of the players have been signed yet.