Patriots interest in running back prospect hints at perfect match for future

With no clear answer as to who will be the third running back on the New England Patriots roster next season, the team is expected to use one of their selections in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft on another player at this position.

Among the prospects that the front office has reportedly scouted, Adam Randall out of Clemson stands out as an intriguing fit.

The former wide receiver displayed impressive measurables and athletic scores at the NFL Combine, as he's coming off a breakout campaign during his first full season at the running back position.

Why the Patriots have considered drafting running back Adam Randall

Standing 6'3" and 232 lbs, Randall's performance in his pre-draft workouts earned him a Relative Athletic Score of 9.44 out of a possible 10.00, which ranked 127th out of 2,268 running back prospects from 1987 to 2026.

Meanwhile, NFL Next Gen Stats gave the Tigers team captain an Athleticism Score of 80, placing him sixth out of players at his position in this class.

Last season, Randall led his team with 814 rushing yards on 168 carries (4.8 average) and scored 10 rushing touchdowns. The 2025 All-ACC honorable mention also hauled in 36 catches for 254 yards and three scores through the air, while bringing back nine kickoffs for 213 yards.

During his previous three years at Clemson as a wideout (switching positions during the 2024 campaign), he totaled 48 receptions for 533 yards and two touchdowns.

The Patriots could benefit from the versatility Randall would bring, as a hard-nosed runner, capable pass catcher, and possible plus contributor on special teams.

New England stands to be especially aided by those latter two traits, as the team ranked just middle of the pack (15th) league-wide in receptions by running backs last season and struggled to find consistency in 2025 on kickoff returns, with seven different players attempting multiple return attempts.

The South Carolina native has shown the potential to be able to contribute in both these roles for New England, which, if realized, would fill some still glaring roster needs. The Patriots hosted Randall on a Top-30 visit earlier in the pre-draft process, indicating a notable interest in possibly selecting him later this month.

Breaking down Randall's draft outlook

Experts predict the Clemson product will be taken around the fourth or fifth round of the draft, as his stock has seriously risen from a late Day 3 flier to a possible mid-round pick after solid combine and pro day showings.

Positives on his scouting report include soft hands, an ability to create separation as a route runner, solid speed, and a big frame, which can drive through contact in short-yardage situations.

However, some drawbacks are Randall's occasional indecisiveness as a runner, technique flaws in blitz protection, and his high pad level when working through the line of scrimmage. He also comes with a lengthy injury history, suffering a toe stress fracture in 2024, a broken hand in 2023, and an ACL tear in 2022.

Despite these concerns and his relative lack of experience at the running back spot, Randall's physical tools and versatility offer upside that the Patriots may ultimately be keen on adding.

New England has their top contributors at the position set for next season in Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, allowing a raw prospect like Randall time to develop before taking on a larger role down the road.

If Randall slides in the draft to the point where he's still available when the Patriots are on the clock in the fifth round, the team should seriously consider taking a chance on him.

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