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The Patriots have one of the deepest running back rooms in the NFL. Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels love to run the football so all of these backs will have a role.
It will be interesting to see how the Patriots deploy them during training camp and the regular season.
Here is our running back preview.
Rhamondre Stevenson, 6-0, 227 Oklahoma: Stevenson is the projected starter but his seat might be a little toasty thanks to the addition of Ohio State rookie running back Tre’veyon Henderson. Stevenson signed a multi-year contract last off-season so one would think he is safe but fumbling problems the past two seasons puts his starter status in jeopardy and that could be the reason why he is on a short leash when it comes to being a starter. When healthy and focused, Stevenson is a top ten running back in the league. He has the size and skill set to be an elite playmaker in Josh McDaniels offense. It will come down to taking care of the football and being consistent.
Antonio Gibson, 6-0, 228, Memphis: Gibson is the forgotten man in the running back rotation but he shouldn’t be. He had a good first season in New England rushing for 538 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Gibson also caught 23 passes for 206 yards. He is the ideal change of pace complement to Stevenson and should continue to get touches despite the arrival of Henderson. Despite all of that, if Henderson develops like he is expected to, Gibson could be the odd man out.
TreVeyon Henderson, 5-10, 202, Ohio State: Henderson is a terrific all around back who is electric with the ball in his hands both as a runner and as a receiver. He has the size and the skill set necessary to make an immediate impact. Perhaps Henderson’s great strength is his pass blocking ability. He will play a lot on third down because he is the best pass blocker on the team. He will remind Patriots fans of many of the great third down backs that have played in the Patriots offense but he is far more gifted athletically.
Terrell Jennings, 6-0, 217 lbs, Florida A&M: Jennings is a big back who can develop into a short yardage, goal line back. After signing as an undrafted free agent, Jennings has made enough of an impression that he could potentially stick as a fourth running back or on the practice squad.
Lan Larison, 5-11, 209 lbs, UC Davis: Larison is the wild card in the Patriots running back. Obviously he was a prime target when the Patriots signed him as an undrafted free agent. Aside from the incessant comparisons to Rex Burkhead, Larison is a good player who offers value as a three down back and potential kick returner. He is a good system fit and provided he has a good camp, could make the Patriots as the fourth running back or end up on the practice squad.
Trayveon Williams, 5-8, 206 lbs, Texas A&M: Williams was signed late this off-season after spending the last six years with the Bengals. He is a short, stocky back who runs with good power and leverage. Williams is a good complement to what the Patriots have but he will need to carve out a role for himself as a short yardage, power back to stick on the roster.