New England Patriots: Predicting Sony Michel’s rookie season stats
How will New England Patriots rookie running back Sony Michel perform this season? Check out his predicted stats from ESPN.
The New England Patriots used both of their first rounds picks in the 2018 NFL Draft on Georgia products. The second of those two picks was used on running back, Sony Michel.
Michel is entering a backfield that is very crowded despite losing their most productive player from 2017. Dion Lewis, the team’s leading rusher last season, left in free agency, signing with the Tennessee Titans. In his place, the Patriots added multiple players.
Michel was the latest addition to the backfield. Earlier in the offseason, Jeremy Hill was signed away from the Cincinnati Bengals. Rex Burkhead was re-signed to a three-year deal. Mike Gillislee and James White are still around as well.
Finding touches for Michel isn’t going to be easy for Josh McDaniels. However, if there is anyone that could do it, it is him.
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As a first-round pick people are expecting Michel to have an immediate impact. Given his skill set and versatility, there is no reason that shouldn’t happen. Michel has the talent to impact the game as both a runner and pass catcher. The question is, how much will he get to showcase those talents?
Burkhead wasn’t re-signed to sit on the bench and is the early leader for goal-line work. White is locked in as the third-down, passing back. If Hill and Gillislee remain on the roster, they will handle early down and short-yardage work as well.
Where does Michel fit into those plans? Mike Clay of ESPN is expecting big things from Michel despite not currently having a defined role.
Clay predicts that Michel will have quite a rookie season with New England. He predicts Michel will rush for 897 yards with eight touchdowns, adding 27 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown. Given the depth New England has at running back, those would be impressive stats to pile up.
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1,000+ total yards is nothing to scoff at. Scoring nine times total is also impressive. Fantasy football owners and Patriots fans alike would love to see Michel provide that type of production. Michel has the talent to be a featured back. It is just a matter of the Patriots providing him those opportunities.