Rookie Damien Harris could play a big part in the Patriots running back rotation.

After a breakout rookie campaign from Sony Michel, the Patriots changed philosophically and became more balanced by running the football more.

The Patriots were in more 21 and 22 personnel groupings than at any point in the last ten years. The shift in philosophy is designed to take pressure off of Tom Brady while at the same time protecting him.

The Patriots have plenty of depth at the position with Michel, Rex Burkhead, James White and rookie Damien Harris. Harris provides insurance especially with Michel’s injury history with his knee.

Here is our breakdown of each player at the position.

Sony Michel: Michel had a solid rookie season rushing for 931 yards and 6 touchdowns. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

Michel runs hard between the tackles and has the second level burst necessary to separate from defenders and finish. Michel is also a good receiver out of the back field but he only caught seven passes last season. He could play a bigger role in the passing game this season.

Injuries are a concern with Michel, particularly knee injuries but there is no doubt he is a number one back who can carry the load.

Rex Burkhead: Burkhead is unselfish and plays a multi-faceted role in this offense. Like James White, he can line up in the backfield or be split out wide. Burkhead runs hard between the tackles and he can push the pile.

Burkhead will have some of his playing time cut into by Harris but the Patriots fully intend on carrying five running backs so Burkhead should be safe.

James White: White will once again be the jack of all trades in the Patriots backfield. He will run the football out of 10, 11 and 12 personnel and he will also be used as a receiver in those personnel groupings.

White’s versatility makes him a valuable match up commodity for the Patriots. He caught 87 passes last season and scored 7 touchdown passes. White is especially effective as a receiver on first and second down because he generates match ups.

Damien Harris: The Patriots surprised the experts and fans alike by drafting Harris in the fourth round of this April’s draft.

On the surface, drafting Harris May have been a surprise but the reality is, it was a necessity. With Sony Michel’s injury history and the lack of a big back who can push the pile, the Patriots has no chance but to draft Harris.

Harris has good size at 5-11 215. He runs with good balance and power and can be a factor out of the backfield in the passing game.

James Devlin (FB): Devlin will make this team because he is a valuable member of the special teams unit and the Patriots utilize the fullback a fair amount in their personnel groupings. Devlin is a glue guy who plays a much bigger role on this team than people think.

Brandon Bolden: After spending last season in Miami, Bolden is back and he will once again be a key contributor on special teams and get the occasional carry on offense.