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New RB rankings leave Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson with a lot to prove

Patriots' lead back looks to bounce back from injury-shortened 2023.

By Kellen Coleman

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (14) hands the ball to running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (14) hands the ball to running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL.com analyst Maurice Jones-Drew released his preseason ranking of all 32 RB1s, and Rhamondre Stevenson comes in at an undesirable No. 22.

Why so low for 'Mondre? You can probably chalk it up to the fact that he only played 12 games in 2023 and totaled only 619 yards on the ground - just above the 609 he had as a rookie. It wasn't the first time he had a season limited due to an injury, but it hasn't stopped him from compiling 2,265 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground to go with 782 yards receiving and one score during his three-year career.

In his one complete season, 2022, he played in 17 games with seven starts, tallying 1,040 yards rushing (13th in the NFL). Stevenson figures to be the starter in every game in which he is healthy, and 2024 can be a career year for him.

The stats don't accurately portray Stevenson's worth to New England. He has been the backbone of the offense since he entered the league simultaneously with the Patriots' previous rookie quarterback, Mac Jones.

Stevenson has objectively exceeded his expectations as a former fourth-round draft pick out of Oklahoma and has endeared himself to Pats fans and the organization. New England made a four-year commitment to him this offseason, and he figures to be in the Patriots' plans for the foreseeable future.

Of the 21 running backs listed ahead of him, only 12 have more career rushing yards than Stevenson - Joe Mixon, Gus Edwards, Najee Harris, Aaron Jones, Alvin Kamara, D'Andre Swift, Josh Jacobs, Jonathan Taylor, Raheem Mostert, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Christian McCaffrey.

What do those 12 names have in common? Each has been in the league longer than Stevenson and has many more miles on them. At the same time, longevity is no easy feat, and Stevenson must prove he belongs amongst the game's elite.

It's not "put up or shut up" time for Stevenson. It is, however, time for 'Mondre to re-introduce himself to those who might have forgotten about him.

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