Watching Patriots training camp sessions this week, it's been easy for J.J. Taylor to standout.
It hasn't necessarily been because of his play, but because of his 5-foot-6 frame when he stands next to most players, especially offensive linemen.
The undrafted rookie out of Arizona got some high praise from running backs coach Ivan Fears Friday, as he was compared to former Patriots running back Dion Lewis.
“Little Dion, that’s what he is,” Fears said to reporters via video conference. “Little Dion. Exciting, fun. … He’s got some great hurdles to overcome, and the kid battles his butt off to try to get that done. We’re very pleased with what we’ve seen from him, we really are. We’ll see how far he can carry it.”
Taylor's best college season came in 2018 when he rushed for 1,434 yards. Last season he set a career-high in catches with 32 for 289 yards.
With Brandon Bolden opting out, Taylor has an outside chance at making the roster, especially if Sony Michel and Lamar Miller -- who are both currently on PUP -- are not ready for Week 1.
“Have you seen him out there?” Fears asked. “Same quickness, same suddenness. He’s a hell of a pass-catcher, guy’s got great vision. Ah, there’s a (expletive)load of stuff that’s good about him. He’s got to learn to play bigger than his size.”
Taylor is in a running backs room that includes Michel, Miller, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris and James White.
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