The Patriots' 2026 draft class was expected to be filled with players at certain positions, mainly offensive tackle and edge rusher, to address their lingering weaknesses from the previous season that derailed their Super Bowl desires.
What wasn't expected was their decision to select a running back in a late round, since they used their second-round pick on TreVeyon Henderson just last year.
However, because depth is important and there are questions about how long Rhamondre Stevenson will remain with the team, it wasn't entirely surprising that they drafted Jam Miller.
Although he was a seventh-round pick, the Alabama alum is already projected to boot a returning player off the team and steal his spot on the roster, and that's saying a lot, considering he hasn't taken a snap in the NFL just yet.
Jam Miller is putting a returning Patriots running back on notice
While projecting the Patriots' 2026 roster, The Athletic's Chad Graff suggests that the running back competition will be competitive this offseason, and we could see Miller take the RB3 spot from Terrell Jennings, who is currently believed to hold that role.
"There’s an open competition here for the Patriots’ No. 3 job behind Stevenson and Henderson. Miller has the straight-line speed that makes him enticing (and potentially the favorite) for the role.
But he has struggled in pass protection and as a receiver, two of the top qualities that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels values in a third-down back."
Obviously, there are things he needs to work on, and that would explain why he was a seventh-round pick, so generally speaking, it's not like they're deemed immediate starters anyway.
But he has the capacity to become exactly what the Patriots need, and he's going to the perfect team to develop into that player, from the coaching staff to the other running backs he will work with; he is in the right place to thrive in the league.
If he can culminate that potential on the field this summer, it doesn't feel like Graff's prediction is too far off. Jennings might have the edge, simply because he's more experienced, but Miller could give him a run for his money if he stands out at training camp and impresses during the preseason.
Jennings has yet to make much of an impact with the Patriots, partly due to the limited opportunities he's been given thus far. He walked into a crowded room last season, with Antonio Gibson being the RB3 and primary returner for special teams, and now he's set to compete with a few more playmakers joining the team.
His biggest competition appears to be Miller and potential Lan Larison, who impressed last offseason before suffering an injury.
Based on the immediate response from analysts regarding Miller's selection, however, it looks like Jennings will be directly competing with the rookie, so he has a big hill to climb this summer if he wants to secure a spot on the roster for 2026.
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