Despite their crowded backfield, the New England Patriots used their No. 31 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to select Georgia running back Sony Michel. The move left some Patriots fans scratching their heads, but for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, New England’s move was the right one. In an interview on Adam Schefter’s podcast, Green said he loves Michel’s versatility, saying the rookie could win the Rookie of the Year award. “Mark it down,” said Green, who also played for Georgia in college. Explaining his pronouncement, Green said Michel could excel in the Patriots’ situation where he could be running routes and in the backfield.
Green also said that Michel has the ability to excel against linebackers. Like what Green predicts, the Patriots may use Michel to run in between the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield.
During his four-year stint at Georgia, Michel ran for 3,613 yards and 33 touchdowns. Michel also caught 64 passes for 621 yards and six touchdowns. Currently, the Patriots have seven running backs on their roster, including Michel, Brandon Bolden, Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee, Jeremy Hill, Ralph Webb, and James White. The competition for spots on the 53-man roster is expected to be tough. Michel, White and Burkhead are all assured of spots while Hill, Gillislee and Bolden could fight it out for the remaining slots in the regular season.
Newest Patriots OT meets with reporters
Offensive tackle Trent Brown, acquired by the Patriots via trade with the San Francisco 49ers before the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, met with reporters on Thursday at Gillette Stadium. At 6-foot-8 and 359 pounds, Brown is one of the biggest offensive linemen in the NFL. However, questions persist in terms of what side of the line he will play next season.
Last season with the 49ers, Brown was used mostly at right tackle. However, the Patriots need help on the left side of the offensive line. However, the 25-year-old tackle said he can play both sides. Brown said he played left in college, but he also played right at the University of Florida. “Switching sides has never been a real big issue for me,” said Brown.
Stephon Gilmore feels more comfortable with Patriots
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore had an up-and-down first season with the Patriots after five years with the Buffalo Bills. However, he stepped up in the second half of the season, emerging as the Patriots’ best defensive player. Entering his second year with the Patriots, Gilmore said he’s more comfortable with the team’s defensive scheme. The Patriots are expected to use Gilmore as their No. 1 cornerback, with Eric Rowe, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Cyrus Jones and rookie Duke Dawson behind him on the depth chart.
