Patriots: 3 under-the-radar running backs New England can draft
By Mike Luciano
The New England Patriots are a few days away from continuing their transformative offseason, as they will likely continue to add complementary pieces in the 2021 NFL Draft on the offensive side of the ball.
Bill Belichick recognized that Cam Newton didn’t have proper support, so he tried to rectify that by paying top dollar for two new tight ends in Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry while also beefing up his wide receiver room.
Even though they could draft a slot receiver due to the retirement of Julian Edelman, don’t be surprised if Belichick picks up a new running back.
Damien Harris is looking like a quality running back, but both Rex Burkhead and James White are getting a little bit long in the tooth, and Sony Michel has not looked the same since injuries after his rookie season slowed him down. Adding a potential backup is not out of the question in this draft.
The Patriots, should they find a running back they like, will have no problem moving around the draft order if it means that could potentially land one of these three contributors.
These 3 RBs could be solid additions to the Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson. 3. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RB. Oklahoma. player. 815
Stevenson didn’t have the best time at his pro day, causing his stock to slip a little bit. If the Patriots are keeping a watchful eye out on Day 3 of the draft, they could end his slide, as he was an integral part of what made Spencer Rattler and the Sooners one of the most feared offenses in college football.
Stevenson is listed at 246 pounds, and he doesn’t waste one ounce of that on the football field, as he can pound through tackles, making him an ideal short-yardage back or change of pace back given how it could be difficult to stop him for a defense that runs predominantly nickel and dime packages.
How would Rhamondre Stevenson help the Patriots?
Belichick has always had a thing for powerful backs that can lower their shoulder and carry several tacklers along with them, and Stevenson checks that box. However, he pairs that with an impressive burst on tape that helped reel off more big plays than someone of his size should be pulling off.
Belichick could be in the market for his next Antowain Smith or LeGarrette Blount, and Stevenson is almost a carbon copy of those two. He might not have the rosiest off-field history, but that shouldn’t stop Belichick from making him a core member of the New England offensive attack going forward.