Rhamondre Stevenson gets nod among list of best running backs

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Mike kadlick joins jones and mego to talk patriots 2023 season

Fowler’s lists. They’ve become the talk of the NFL (and the airwaves of WEEI 93.7-FM) over the last two weeks as we slowly but surely inch closer to training camps.

For those unaware, ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler spent the offseason speaking with those in league circles to determine the top 10 players at each position heading into 2023. Friday was running back day.

Rhamondre Stevenson, the bell cow who the Patriots ran a majority of their offense through in 2022, didn’t crack the list. He was, however, listed as an honorable mention:

“Stevenson flourished as New England's lead back, rushing for 1,040 yards on 210 carries along with 69 catches for 421 yards. "He's sneaky fast but not explosive," an AFC scout said. "He can run. Reminds me of Natrone Means a little bit -- big, good feet, strong, solid grind-it-out player that will wear you down."

Here’s a look at who ranked ahead of Stevenson:

10. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
9. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
8. Dalvin Cook free agent
7. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
6. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
4. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
3. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
2. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
1. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

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Stevenson is the fifth Patriot to be included in these rankings so far. Matthew Judon was listed as the NFL's eighth-best edge rusher, Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki were referred to among tight ends (Henry as an honorable mention and Gesicki as a vote-getter), and Kyle Dugger received votes at safety.

Stevenson, a fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2021, broke out last season after surpassing Damien Harris on the depth chart throughout training camp. He quickly became New England's bell cow after injuries to Ty Montgomery and Harris derailed the room.

Not only is he a hard-nosed runner, but he was forced to show off his receiving skills as well to the tune of 69 catches for 421 yards. Stevenson became one of Mac Jones’ security blankets in an incredibly stagnant passing attack, leading the team in receptions and showing some prowess as a pass-catcher.

The Patriots running back room is once again thin heading into 2023 and, while there are rumblings of them adding a veteran like Dalvin Cook, Stevenson is likely to once again be called upon to handle a majority of the duties on offense. Perhaps a second year of high-quality production will allow him to crack the top 10 in 2024.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Scott Galvin, USA Today Sports