Shane Vereen to play big role in passing game

RB Stevan Ridley has emerged as the Patriots' lead back -- at least for now.  But it sounds like RB Shane Vereen will play a significant role on passing downs.  He's received a lot of reps on passing plays in camp, according to insider Jeff Howe.  "Vereen runs good routes for a running back, and he has shown off some nice hands while making a few difficult catches," Howe writes.  "Vereen has developed a good rapport with quarterback Tom Brady, who obviously has plenty of targets, but it’s clear that Brady will go in Vereen’s direction with his check-downs."  New England has produced some big-time receiving numbers at RB in recent years.  In fact, 2011 was the first season in 6 years that the Pats didn't have a RB catch at least 34 balls.  If Vereen can beat out Danny Woodhead for passing-down duties, he'll carry RB3 or flex appeal in PPR formats.  And there's always a chance that HC Bill Belichick flip-flops and goes with Vereen as the lead back at some point this season.  We still like the Cal product at his 13th-round ADP.