With the 31st overall pick, the New England Patriots selected Sony Michel. What was the reaction to Twitter to this pick?
The New England Patriots addressed one of their needs with the 23rd overall pick, as they selected offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn from Georgia. With their second pick in the first round, the Patriots added another Georgia player in running back Sony Michel.
Seeing the Patriots take a running back this early is a bit surprising, but this is a very interesting pick. This offseason, the Patriots lost Dion Lewis in free agency, as he signed with the Tennessee Titans. Lewis had a great season for the Patriots in 2017, and they didn’t do much to replace him in free agency.
While running back wasn’t expected to be addressed by the Patriots in the first round, Michel is a very appealing prospect. Along with Nick Chubb, Michel was part of a great duo in the backfield for Georgia last season. As a great player in college, Michel does come with some injury concerns. Due to some knee issues, Michel’s longevity in the NFL has been questioned a bit. However, the shelf life of running backs generally aren’t that long to begin with.
This was certainly a surprising pick, and here is what the reaction on Twitter was.
The #Patriots take a RB in the first round. A stunner. #Georgia’s Sony Michel goes No. 31. Teams had questions about his knee, New England was OK with it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
With the 31st pick, the Patriots select Georgia RB Sony Michel. Never thought I'd see Belichick draft a RB in the first round, but here we are...
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) April 27, 2018
People wondered if we'd even see two running backs in the first round. Sony Michel, who was able to break plenty of big plays, makes it three! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/OLCWTokCcG
— PFF (@PFF) April 27, 2018
Sony Michel will be fun as hell to watch in the Patriots offense.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 27, 2018
10/10 i like this pick
— 💙Ahsoka Tano 🧡 (@PatsFanPJ) April 27, 2018
Adding Michel gives the Patriots a really talented big-play threat in their backfield. Since he was selected in the first round, the Patriots might believe that he can be close to an every-down back in the NFL. However, they do still have Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, and James White at running back.
Next: Final seven-round mock draft
Michel is used to splitting time in the backfield, and he will likely be doing that a good amount with New England. As a player that has a ton of talent, Michel will provide the Patriots’ offense with an explosive new toy for next season.