Should The Patriots Draft A Running Back This Year?
Drafting a running back is at the top of the priority list for the Patriots this year, given their current depth at the position. With so many other aspects of the team needing to be dealt with, the top backs in the draft will be long gone before New England considers selecting one.
Because there are some uncertainties heading into this season and after, Bill Belichick will have big decisions to make. Will he re-sign Damien Harris at the end of the year, since his rookie contract will be up? Should he draft a future replacement for James White?
With all of this in mind and less than a week until draft day, examining what New England’s current running backs bring to the team becomes much more important.
How Do The Current Running Backs Benefit The Team?
Damien Harris
The upcoming season will be a big one for Harris, as he will be playing in hopes of receiving a new contract offer. Because the run game has been incorporated much more into the Patriots’ game-planning in recent years, he has become an essential part of the Patriots’ offense.
As the clear RB1 for New England in 2021, Harris will likely continue leading the rest of the group. At the end of last season, he totaled 929 yards on 202 attempts and 15 touchdowns. This was a significant jump in playing time and production for Harris from the prior year. As his usage has increased, he’s only gotten better. Harris has earned the respect not only on his team but around the league as a dependable and effective running back.
Heading into the upcoming season, it’s likely he will see the field just as much if not more than he previously has, inevitably boosting his production and stats. It’s not easy in this league to find a player who consistently helps your team win. And because of that, the answer seems easy for what Belichick should do; re-sign Harris to a long-term deal ASAP.
Rhamondre Stevenson
The start to his rookie season was rough for Rhamondre Stevenson. With a fumble lost in the very first game of the year, he was then held out of the next three games. But when he returned, Stevenson was able to turn it all around during the rest of the season.
At the end of his first pro year, Stevenson totaled 606 yards on 133 carries and 5 touchdowns in 12 games. He was able to make significant contributions particularly when Harris was not in the game. The 1-2-punch of those two makes for unique possibilities going forward.
Because he is predominantly used on the ground, Stevenson is the power back the Patriots have longed for since LeGarrette Blount. The comparisons were made all season long, and it appears he has the potential to live up to the veterans’ name.
James White
After suffering a season-ending injury in week three of the 2021 season, James White will be returning this year. Signing a two-year deal earlier this year makes him a Patriot until at least through the 2023 season.
White has become New England’s most reliable third-down and passing back. The flexibility he contains has proven to be a key factor in determining how he will be used from game to game. And the Patriots surely missed him and his unique contributions throughout the course of last season.
Returning from injury and now 30 years old, White may not be the same player he once was. It appears that is not a worry for Belichick though, as he re-signed him early on in free agency. It has been reported his rehab has gone smoothly and the assumption is White will be ready to go come camp.
J.J. Taylor
Since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2020, J.J. Taylor hasn’t been given many opportunities on the field. As another dual-threat running back, it’s possible that could change this upcoming season.
With Brandon Bolden and Gunner Olszewski signing elsewhere, Taylor may get his chance to be more involved not only in the offense but special teams as well. Both Bolden and Olszewski were key pieces in punt and kick returns. And with that space now opening up, it could be where we see Taylor transition to.
As another potential third-down-back choice, Taylor could be incorporated more in place of White as he returns from injury. He’s not been used much in the passing game, but if given the chance, Taylor can make plays on the ground.
Who Are The Best RB Fits In The Upcoming Draft?
If Belichick does decide to select a running back in the draft, there are a few names to keep in mind. There is a handful that could be available with similar play styles the Patriots like. And if they’re looking for long-term replacements, that may be a key factor in who they choose.
James Cook – University of Georgia
The Patriots are known for loving players that can perform more than their designated position. Although they’re currently stacked at running back, James Cook is a great prospect for them to consider. A former high school track star, Cook utilized his speed and versatility during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs.
Cook was used as both a running back and wide receiver. Although he was used more sparingly during his first two years, he ended his college career as the team’s second-leading rusher. At one point he was also the fourth-leading receiver. Cook’s 2021 was particularly impressive as he totaled 728 yards on 113 carries and seven TDs. On top of that, he racked up 27 catches for 284 yards and four TDs.
Cook has all the right tools to be a successful player in the NFL and on the Patriots. He’s an explosive athlete, knowing when to use acceleration but also when to be patient to keep a play alive. His quickness and footwork help his outstanding route-running ability, helping him get to the second level paired with his impressive cuts at the line of scrimmage.
One of his most intriguing assets New England will love is his versatility. He’s certainly accomplished at his given position. But the skills he contains as a receiver as well are not to be overlooked. Cook makes catching the ball look effortless, with his strong hands and natural pass-catching abilities.
He may not be a carbon copy of his older brother, but Cook possesses all the tools needed to be an impactful player for the Patriots.
Kyren Williams – University Of Notre Dame
If the Patriots are indeed looking for a James White type of replacement, Kyren Williams can be that guy. Because the team and James White have no ties beyond the 2022 season, selecting a young player with a similar play style and capabilities may be a desirable move for New England.
A 4-star recruit out of high school, Williams chose to attend the University of Notre Dame. During his three years at the school, he put up impressive numbers; not only as a running back, but also displayed his versatility lining up in the slot or out wide.
His 2021 season was his best yet, totaling 1,002 yards on 204 carries and 14 touchdowns. On top of that, he also added 42 receptions for 359 yards and three touchdowns. His speed has come into question since the combine, where he ran a 4.65 second 40-yard-dash. But it’s clear he’s a playmaker and has the capabilities to make a significant impact.
At only 5-foot-9, Williams is able to quickly sidestep defenders, using his quick footwork and good patience. Although his combine performance dropped his stock, he is a balanced runner with excellent acceleration, forcing defenders to try to catch him from behind. Williams is able to produce no matter where he runs. And he becomes more of a threat due to his low center of gravity.
As a potential third-down back, he gives the Patriots a candidate as a long-term replacement for James White. Williams encompasses all that the team is looking for in the position, especially his versatility. His strong football IQ will surely impress the coaches, and his willingness to learn and lead a team makes him a nearly perfect future Patriot.
What Should The Patriots Do?
That is the biggest question. It all comes down to the futures of James White and Damien Harris. It’s unlikely Belichick will have the opportunity to select a player with talents the team doesn’t currently have, given how many other needs the team must address. But it also seems unlikely he won’t draft a running back at all.
But this is Bill Belichick we are talking about. It’s almost impossible to determine what the man is ever going to do. Fortunately, the draft is only six days away.
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