To put it nicely, the Patriots' running back room last season was underwhelming at best.
Rhamondre Stevenson has all the tools to be a feature back in the NFL, but his issues with ball security - six fumbles, three lost - were among the Patriots' many issues in 2024.
Is Stevenson another guy who can benefit from Mike Vrabel's system? Undoubtedly. We have to remember that Stevenson was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 with Matt Patricia as his offensive coordinator. Antonio Gibson is a free agent that I don't see sticking around, and Terrell Jennings and JaMycal Hasty are depth pieces at best.
So, what will New England's running back room look like once training camp opens in July?
Rhamondre Stevenson will continue to lead the Patriots running backs in 2025
1. Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson is on the books with the Patriots for three more seasons, so he's here to stay unless the Patriots find someone to take on his contract (not happening). Stevenson's six fumbles last season was a career-high (bad), but he also scored a career-best seven touchdowns on the ground this season (good).
Not only will Stevenson lead New England's running back room next season, but look for him to have a bounce back season in Josh McDaniels' offense.
2. TreVeyon Henderson
Could the Patriots go into the draft to upgrade their running back room? It's not impossible, and Henderson, a national champion at Ohio State this season, could be a logical choice. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty is the best back in the draft, but don't be surprised if he's off the board by the middle of the first round.
Henderson is the perfect fit for McDaniels' scheme, having rushed for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 284 yards and a touchdown for the Buckeyes in 2024. If the Patriots can stockpile more picks, Henderson could be a Day 2 draft steal.
3. J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins is a guy who has had injury issues over the years but had a nice bounce back season with the Chargers in 2024, averaging nearly five yards per carry and scoring nine touchdowns. Dobbins is only 26 and has a lot of tread left on his tires, and even if the Patriots choose to upgrade this position via the draft, Dobbins would be an excellent 1B to Stevenson's 1A.
4. JaMycal Hasty
Again, Hasty is a depth piece at best, but you can never have too much of it in your running back room. Hasty would be a viable goal-line option and could be used in short-yardage situations. He's a guy you could keep for next to nothing.