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
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.
There aren’t a ton of 183-pound running backs that can be the primary backfield ball-carrier and garner significant NFL Draft interest, but Hawkins appears to be one of those rare mold-breakers that can help an NFL team right away given how he can make magic happen with the ball in his hands.
Hawkins is as slippery as they come, and his ability to accelerate to top speed right after coming to a stop is jaw-dropping. Despite his frame, Louisville was running him off-guard frequently, showing that he can be more than just a scatback if required to do so.
How would Javian Hawkins help the Patriots?
Hawkins will likely need to break into the league as a pass-catcher, and New England could give him a chance to earn consistent snaps in the offense. White was integral to New England’s passing game over the last few years, but they need to plan for a replacement, and Hawkins certainly fits the bill.
The history of running backs in the NFL that have had sustained success while weighing as little as Hawkins is not a terribly deep one, but there is still a role for a player like him at the next level. After picking White on Day 3 years ago, they could stumble upon his replacement in that same range with Hawkins.
The Patriots don’t need a running back in any sort of dire or dramatic sense, but they could potentially form a thunder-and-lightning duo next to Harris. Even though Gainwell sat last season out, he remains one of the top running backs in this class due to his game-breaking speed.
Memphis featured Gainwell extensively as a runner and pass-catcher, and that skill should make him a very valued commodity with the Patriots. On an offense that lacked athletic ability before adding Smith, Gainwell could use his soft hands, great vision, and solid long speed to make himself a contributor right out of the gate.
How would Kenneth Gainwell help the Patriots?
Gainwell and Harris could split carries next season, as Gainwell has slightly more explosion and athletic prowess woven into his game than a one-cut runner like Harris. In an offense that will be run-heavy given the presence of Newton, having two competent backs is much better than just one.
Harris has done plenty to show he can be a featured back at the next level, but Gainwell might have just a bit higher of an athletic ceiling, which could prompt the selection.
If Belichick is insistent on developing another 1,000-yard rusher, Gainwell might be the best bet on Day 2 of the draft given his production.
Patriots: 3 top draft prospects who’d be awful fits in New England
If the New England Patriots take one of these three poor fits in the first round, their list of draft day blunders will only get longer.