The New England Patriots may have one of the deepest running back rooms in the NFL entering the 2020 season.
Workhorse back Sony Michel will likely get the majority of the carries after a dip in production last season. James White and Rex Burkhead provide pass-catching ability out of the backfield. Sophomore back Damien Harris is a virtual unknown after receiving only four carries in his rookie season as a third-round pick.
As far as veterans, Brandon Bolden seems to be at the bottom of the depth chart, but that doesn’t mean he’s lacking in talent. In a pinch, Bolden has filled in and performed like a lead back when necessary. Mainly, he’s spent his eight years in the NFL (seven with New England and one with Miami) working on special teams.
On Tuesday, Bolden spoke with Patriots.com reporter Megan O’Brien who asked the Ole Miss product to describe the other running backs in the Patriots’ locker room.
“I was talking to Rex about this the other day — jelly beans,” Bolden said. “You just reach in the pack, you don’t know what you’re going to pull out or what you’re going to get. You might have an exploding pack one day. You just never know. I’m actually the oldest one. It’s kind of weird for me. I’ve never been the oldest guy, for this long, in the room. It’s refreshing. They keep me young as well. They keep me on my toes. I’m excited. I can’t wait to see how this season goes.”
This season, more than any time in the Bill Belichick era, the Patriots running backs will receive a lot of attention. With either Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer expected to fill the G.O.A.T.-sized hole left by Tom Brady, a successful running game will be imperative to the success and growth of the 2020 iteration of the New England Patriots.
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