New England Patriots: Sony Michel learning from veterans already
By Nick Ziegler
With training camp underway for the New England Patriots, rookie Sony Michel is learning from the veterans on the team.
One of the players on the New England Patriots that many are excited to see play is rookie running back, Sony Michel. After losing Dion Lewis in free agency, the Patriots decided to try and replace him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
With the 31st overall pick, the Patriots took Michel from Georgia. In college, Michel proved to be an explosive running back, and he could provide the Patriots with a home run threat in their backfield.
Last season, Michel average 7.9 yards per carrying, which looks like video game numbers. As part of a backfield with Nick Chubb, Michel provided the Bulldogs with a lot of explosive plays, and the Patriots will be hoping for him to do the same.
As a rookie, Michel certainly has a lot to learn, but luckily, the Patriots have some good veterans in their backfield. With guys like Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden, and James White, Michel has different style of runners to learn from. Recently, he spoke with Zack Cox of NESN.com about learning from the veterans.
"“The Patriots have some great backs,” Michel said after Sunday’s training camp practice. “I’m actually getting a chance to learn from one of them — James White — and many more. Brandon, Rex — a lot of guys in that room, I get to learn from, and I think that’s pretty cool.”"
With Lewis gone, Michel figures to be the front-runner to take most of his carries. While Michel didn’t carry a big workload in college, he likely won’t have to with the Patriots either. Since Tom Brady is still the quarterback, the Patriots are still going to be a pass-first team.
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For Michel, a majority of his work will likely come in between the 20s. With Burkhead as the goal-line back, and White on third downs, the Patriots will have a solid trio at running back once again. Joining one of the top offenses in the league, Michel will be in a great position to succeed in his rookie season.