4 under-the-radar players to keep an eye on during Patriots training camp

Pierre Strong Jr.

There is a lot of talk regarding the Patriots' running backs right now, and not in the usual way that most would assume at this point in the offseason.

The Patriots are very fortunate to have a workhorse as their RB1 for at least two more years in Rhamondre Stevenson, and there is no question about his status heading into the upcoming year. At this point, the question that needs to be answered is who will become second in line to help split the snaps with Stevenson.

Over the last two years, that has been Damien Harris. But as we all know, he signed with the Bills in free agency a few months ago. That leaves Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. to step up in his place and become the type of player the Patriots (and even Stevenson) need on the offense.

Although we haven't seen much from either second-year running back, Strong's resume and big play ability seen from his limited involvement last season seem to have pulled him ahead of Harris in the race to become the backup running back.

He was another player drafted for his speed, as he was the fastest at the position of the entire 2022 class, and he definitely displayed that last year when he ran 44 yards down the field against the Cardinals on Monday Night Football.

Strong's experience as a pass-catcher will also be a massive benefit for him, as Belichick loves to utilize running backs in as many roles as possible. That could put him on the fast track to the roster over Harris, who is not known for those same abilities.

If he can display all the reasons he was drafted and prove he can be a reliable RB2 behind Stevenson, he makes the team. But besides Harris, he may have to deal with more competition in the coming days since the Patriots are actively looking to add another back to the roster, with Ezekiel Elliott as the latest free agent to visit the team.

It will undoubtedly be one of the most watched roster battles of the summer.