It felt like an absolutely perfect fit when the New England Patriots drafted Rhamondre Stevenson in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Memories of LeGarrette Blount running over defenders to help the Patriots win big playoff games and Super Bowls sprung to mind.
Stevenson hasn’t taken long to bring the same physicality he displayed for the Oklahoma Sooners to the NFL. Yesterday, at New England Patriots training camp, he went through Patriots safety Myles Bryant before picking up a huge gain in the padded practice.
Rhamondre Stevenson absolutely RAN OVER Myles Bryant earlier today during training camp 😳
I see so much of @LG_Blount in him 😎 pic.twitter.com/Qwpszb6x5Q
— patsperfect (@Patsperfect_) August 4, 2021
To be fair to Mr. Bryant, this isn’t the first time Rhamondre’s done something like this, and it certainly won’t be the last.
Stevenson comes into Patriots training camp in an interesting situation. New England has Damien Harris, Sony Michel, and James White on the running back depth chart, limiting Stevenson’s role in his rookie season.
Harris looks like he’ll start the season as the lead back. James White is the pass-catching back. Sony Michel has the most experience, but his injuries have kept him from developing beyond a solid rotational runner. That doesn’t leave a lot of work for Stevenson.
Despite not being locked into a featured role for the Patriots at the moment, Stevenson could still make a significant impact.
His physicality, quick feet, and excellent vision should force Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels to get him on the field early in his career as a short-yardage runner. In goal-line situations and on third and fourth and short, Rhamondre Stevenson should be the guy carrying the ball.
Even if only used as a situational runner in his rookie season, Rhamondre Stevenson will have an opportunity to make a big impact for the New England Patriots. And when he does, it won’t be long before he gets more opportunities to carry the ball on early downs.
