The Facts: White is scheduled to meet with beat reporters at Gillette Stadium for the first time since agreeing to a three-year contract extension through 2020.

Diehards Line:It figures to be well-attended by the media, as White's star is on the rise. Last offseason, if someone had mentioned this being the case, the scenario would have probably been dismissed as highly unlikely. Even last November, when fellow running back Dion Lewis was returning from injury and HC Bill Belichick said it would take a lot to unseat White, some doubted if that would truly be the case. But according to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, White has won over Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and Co., with his steadiness and continued improvement, elevating from a player who was inactive in Super Bowl XLIX to becoming unquestionably the Patriots' go-to guy in the all-important "passing back" role. White played 30 snaps as a rookie in 2014; upped it to 290 in 2015; and played 425 last season. As for 2017, White is one of three running backs who are considered locks to make the roster based on contract status, along with Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead. Lewis is also likely to be there, while second-year man D.J. Foster has also shown promise. Because of how often the Patriots throw the ball, the "passing back" role is vital, with Kevin Faulk, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen among those who have played it well over the years. It's worth noting.