The 2019 season wasn’t what anyone surrounding the New England Patriots organization hoped for. They struggled to find their identity and keep up with the elite teams across the league.
No group was criticized more than the running backs. With an injury-riddled offensive line, and without a true fullback, the backs weren’t a strength for the Patriots’ offense.
Now, with an experienced fullback and a healthy unit in front, New England’s stable of running backs hope to produce big. And, with the talent and different skillsets they have on the roster, this positional group could be one of the most complete and deepest in the Patriots’ locker room.
Sony Michel
As the workhorse back, Michel received the brunt of the criticism last season. He finished the year averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and failed to reach 1,000 yards again. Another surgery this offseason means the Georgia product will be battling more to return to the field.
Michel has a bit to work on, including his pass-catching, red-zone running and his ability to make defenders miss. However, with a healthy offensive line, his effectiveness should shoot back up. If he plays to his strengths and stays healthy, Michel could see his first 1,000-yard season in the NFL.
James White
Like Michel, White had some critiques tossed his way in 2019, but most of them were unwarranted. By the end of his season, he recorded 72 receptions for 645 yards and five touchdowns through the air, and 67 rushes for 263 yards and one touchdown on the ground. This was the second-most productive season of his career.
Entering the final year of his contract, White will be looking to put up big numbers to cash in next offseason. The arrival of Cam Newton could mean big things for White, as Newton heavily relied on his pass-catching back in Carolina. Fans should expect White to continue his successful career as the best pass-catching back the Patriots have had in the Bill Belichick era.
Rex Burkhead
As the third back on the depth chart, Burkhead doesn’t get a ton of action, but he’s been effective when he’s on the field. The former Nebraska back rushed for 302 yards and three touchdowns last year and added 27 receptions for 279 yards in the receiving game. While those numbers won’t blow anyone away, Burkhead seemed to get the job done when Michel couldn’t.
At points in this offseason, it felt like Burkhead’s eventual release was a forgone conclusion as a cap casualty. However, the 30-year-old agreed to a reduced salary, creating just under $1 million in cap space. With some uncertainty in the offense, New England will need as many weapons as they can find, so Burkhead may be sticking around for another season.
Damien Harris
Despite being a third-round pick in last year’s draft, Harris didn’t see the field much at all. The Alabama product was given four carries in his five offensive snaps in 2019. By the end of the season, fans were calling for Harris to be given more reps, as Michel just wasn’t getting it done.
This season probably won’t see Harris getting 100 carries unless Michel and Burkhead go down with injuries, but there should be an increase in opportunities. The biggest problem for Harris is how deep the position is for New England right now. With multiple backs in the final year of their contract, the Patriots may be keeping and coaching Harris for the 2021 season.
Brandon Bolden
Eight years into Bolden’s career, the Ole Miss product has yet to get real opportunities as a running back. Most of his duties are spent on special teams, playing on 71 percent of the special teams snaps. On offense, however, he hasn’t reached 10 percent since 2015.
Despite the lack of carries and targets, Bolden still provides depth in New England. He’s proven that he’s capable of filling in if a lead back goes down (4.5 yards per carry in his career) and has shown how dangerous he can be on a wheel route. If Bolden makes the team again this year, he will bring those things as well as his consistency on special teams.
J.J. Taylor
Taylor went undrafted in this year’s draft before being scooped up by New England afterward. The 5-foot-6 back played four seasons at Arizona, totaling 3,263 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground and 62 receptions for 487 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.
It would be extremely tough for Taylor to make the 53-man roster come the regular season. However, it isn’t impossible. If there are a couple injuries, he may be able to sneak his way on. New England can also keep a running back around on the practice squad and get Taylor some coaching while the depth chart is full.
Danny Vitale
The Patriots signed Vitale this offseason to help replace James Develin who retired after missing the majority of last season with a neck injury. The fullback has spent his four years in the NFL split between Cleveland and Green Bay, primarily as a blocker.
Vitale’s spot is far from guaranteed, as his signing bonus was only $100,000. However, he’s the fullback with the most experience on the roster and could ease that transition for the post-Develin Patriots. If the running game is to return to its glory in New England, Vitale will need to step up.
Jakob Johnson
Johnson was signed by the Patriots last offseason through the International Player Pathway. New England had the option to register his as their IPP player which would’ve allowed him to stay on the practice squad and not count against the 10-man limit, but he couldn’t be activated during the season. Instead, the Patriots signed him to the practice squad as a regular member.
When Develin went down, Johnson was activated from the practice squad and played in four games before going down with an injury of his own. Johnson seems to be a bit more of an H-back, tight end/fullback combo, compared to Vitale. He’s very strong and seems to have the determination to be in the NFL. If he continues to work, Johnson may very well find a way to stick around in New England.
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