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We are less than a week away from 2023 Patriots training camp.
That means we only have three Patriots Depth Projection’s left, an article series here at WEEI.com that will take an in-depth look at each of New England’s ten position rooms, name trade candidates, predict highs and lows, project who makes the team, and grade each room heading into this season:
Here’s a look at who we’ve graded out so far:
Depth projection: Linebackers
Depth projection: Defensive line
Depth projection: Specialists
Depth projection: Offensive line
Depth projection: Tight ends
Depth projection: Cornerbacks
Depth projection: Safeties
Today we’ll looking at the running backs room:
The Rundown:
The Patriots threw in a wrench into this Depth Projection when they worked out veteran free agent running backs Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson on Wednesday. For the sake of discussion, we’ll talk about the room assuming that these two don’t end up on the roster.
Some quick background first on the potential additions: Fournette was drafted by the Jaguars with the fourth overall in 2017 and played three seasons in Jacksonville before being released prior to the 2020 season. He then spent the last three seasons in Tampa Bay, winning Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers alongside former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. He was released by the club in March. The Patriots hosted Fournette on a free agent visit prior to the last season before he ultimately chose to head back to Tampa.
As for Henderson, the Rams selected the former Memphis Tiger in the third round of the 2019 Draft. He spent his first four seasons in LA, with his best season being in 2021, when he rushed for 688 yards on 149 carries and helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI win. He was released by Los Angeles last November and was claimed off of waivers by the Jaguars.
Clearly, New England is looking to add to their depth behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson before they begin training camp next Wednesday.
Speaking of Stevenson, he’s New England’s bell cow back who they will likely run the offense through. The 2021 fourth-round pick broke out last season both as a runner and a pass catcher, piling up 1,040 yards on the ground along with 69 receptions for 683 yards through the air.
Behind Stevenson in the room is wide receiver turned RB Ty Montgomery, and second-year pro’s Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris. Veteran JJ Taylor is also in the mix.
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Who we’re sleeping on:
Pierre Strong Jr.
The Patriots drafted Pierre Strong Jr. in the fourth-round of the 2022 draft after he dominated the Missouri Valley Conference with South Dakota State.
The former Jack Rabbit ran for over 4,400 yards and 40 touchdown during his career in South Dakota and was named first-team All-MVFC three times during his tenure in Brookings.
Though seldom used as a pass catcher in college, Strong still hauled in 62 passes for 600 yards over four seasons and has the ability to do this out of the back field:
The 5-foot-11 back’s skillset gives him a chance to surprise in camp and earn a rotational role in New England.
Surprise cut:
Ty Montgomery.
Montgomery had the fast track to be New England’s third-down back last season and made the roster with ease. He then injured his ankle during week one versus Miami and was put on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
If the above trajectory of Pierre Strong Jr. goes according to plan, then 30-year-old Ty Montgomery could be on the outside looking into the Patriots’ running back room come September.
His versatility as both a wide receiver and a running back is what could keep him around Foxborugh.
Trade candidate:
None. Another cop out.
After cutting James Robinson last month due to injury concerns, New England can’t afford to trade a running back (hence them being in on Fournette and Henderson). They need all of the help they can get.
Full roster projection:
In: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong Jr., Kevin Harris
Out: JJ Taylor
Grade heading into 2023:
C+.
This room is incredibly top-heavy. Despite Stevenson being completely stiffed by the Madden ratings folks (just an 80 overall, good for 28th (!!) in the NFL, he’s a high-quality NFL back The rest, however, is unknown.
The signing of Leonard Fournette or a breakout of Pierre Strong Jr. is what can bump this room up to a high-B.
We’ll be back next week for our final two Patriots Depth Projections (wide receivers and quarterbacks) as we head into the start of the 2023 NFL season. Keep it here at WEEI.com for all of it.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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