New England Patriots: It’s always Sony in Foxborough

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Sony Michel
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Sony Michel /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New England Patriots drafted running back Sony Michel with the 31st pick in the NFL Draft. It may be a surprising move, but the Patriots picked up a great running back.

The New England Patriots drafted two Georgia Bulldogs on Thursday night. The best pick may have been the last one. Sony Michel is a great running back who can immediately compete for a large role in the backfield.

Michel shared the ball with Nick Chubb last season. He ended the year with 1,277 yards and 16 touchdowns on 156 carries. Michel also showed last season that he can perform when the pressure is on as he had almost 300 yards in the College Football Playoff.

Michel is a shifty runner who is being called a taller Dion Lewis. His 7.9 yards per carry proves this. He is also a great fit for the Patriots due to his versatility. Michel was used a lot in 3rd down situations since he is trusted blocker and receiver. No wonder Bill Belichick loves this guy.

More from Chowder and Champions

The only drawbacks are Michel’s ball security. In his college career, he fumbled 12 times. Belichick has a short leash with running backs so if he is unable to hold on to the ball he may find himself in the hooded one’s doghouse.

This move is a surprise because the Patriots aren’t known to draft running backs in the first round. The Patriots haven’t drafted a running back in the first round since Laurence Maroney (Wow that pick isn’t looking good). I would expect (and hope) Michel to have a much better career.

Michel may not have a dominant skill, but he is good at many things. I’m excited to see what Michel can do in a Patriots uniform. He will be running behind his teammate, Isaiah Wynn who was drafted by the Patriots earlier in the night.

Next: New England Patriots draft day live

The New England Patriots backfield just got a whole lot brighter with the addition of Sony Michel.