The Patriots' running back room in 2024 was pedestrian (pun intended). It was the definition of mediocrity, and the season's lackluster offense suffered accordingly. Coupled with Drake Maye's obtuse early benching in favor of big-money free-agent backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the offense plummeted to the bottom of the NFL pile.
Former lead back Rhamondere Stevenson regressed to a mediocre and oft-fumbling shadow of his former self. Free agent Antonio Gibson was just OK. There was no one else. The room needed additions, and it's getting them under Mike Vrabel.
Things are changing in Foxborough's running back room, and don't be shocked if Stevenson is traded before the season starts to make room for new players on the roster, preferably ones who can hold onto the ball. One of them is a top 2025 draft choice, the subject here.
Patriots looked at as having a rookie running back headliner
CBSSports.com has evaluated the NFL's running back rooms in an article by Tyler Sullivan. In it, they categorize the Patriots' room as a Day Two of the Draft headline. That's no compliment to the current running backs. Now, the room is improved, and it began with Pat's second-round draft pick.
Here's what Sullivan had to say about the Patriots' situation.
"As for the New England Patriots, Tre'Veyon Henderson gives the offense some much-needed firepower out of the backfield. Given his strong ability in pass protection, he could see the field quite a bit as a rookie. If he adopts the passing-down role, that's proven to be a highly featured aspect of Josh McDaniels' offense. Meanwhile, New England also has veterans Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson on the roster, who'll factor into the carries."
Sullivan has captured the situation nicely. The 2024 Patriots' running back room is in dire need of a makeover. If the entire 2024 room were broomed, it may be a plus. Meanwhile, Henderson provides what no other Patriots back can: explosiveness. He should start from Day One, no matter who else is on the roster.
The Patriots need a totally new dynamic in their backfield
Stevenson should be traded for a player who'll fill another need on the Patriots, e.g., a guard or wide receiver. Henderson should slot in as the lead back and also the third-down back. He can catch it out of the backfield and is also a superb blocker in pass protection. And, he doesn't fumble.
In addition, the Patriots shelled out a bag for an undrafted free agent running back, Lan Larison. The 6'0", 215-pound Larison should be added immediately to the running back rotation. He was a small college sensation at UC Davis. In 2024, he ran for 1465 yards and 17 TDs and also added 62 catches for another 847 yards and six TDs through the air. He's an all-purpose back and a perfect complement to Henderson.
nfl.com has this to say about Larison in their Overview of the player,
"FCS running back who offers a diverse skill set and two years of impressive tape to sift through. Larison runs hard, cuts sharply on the second level and has good balance through contact. However, he has average vision and lacks ideal creativity between the tackles.
He has pro ball skills and protection talent but needs to tighten up his route-running to bolster his chances of beating man coverage as a pro. Larison could be deployed as a Swiss Army Knife type or a third-down back in the NFL. His toughness, talent and versatility give him a good chance of becoming a productive backup in the league."
Vrabel's play is to remake the running back room from top to bottom. He has two solid rookies already in place, just roll with them, and they'll improve 2024's production. If a later trade sends out a veteran player who doesn't fit Vrabel's system, adding an experienced player back is necessary, then make the deal. The reconstructed 2025 backfield will be a vast improvement over 2024.