Patriots gridiron news: Sony Michel embraces tough love in New England
New England Patriots first-round draft pick Sony Michel comes with a ton of talent, but talent alone won’t get the job done in the land of Bill Belichick.
There is a lot of hype surrounding rookie running back Sony Michel. The former SEC standout is expected to do big things with the New England Patriots, but those big things won’t come without a little or a lot tough love.
The Georgia Bulldogs alum, who was drafted 31st overall by the Patriots, showed some struggles during Thursday’s OTA session and heard the noise from running backs coach Ivan Fears for a few miscues on the field.
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Michel showed off some of his skill by making a dynamic one-handed catch during one drill, but he then made a wrong cut that was signaled out by Fears. Getting it from the coaches is something the talented rookie knows he is going to get with the Patriots and something he embraces.
So, bring on the tough love says Sony Michel.
"“[Fears] giving me some type of coaching tip, that’s what’s helping me improve and move forward,” Michel said following the OTA session, via WEEI. “That’s why he’s my coach. I’ve got to listen to him. I’m excited to have him as my coach – coach Ivan Fears – because he’s going to do what’s best for this team and help me be the best player I can be.”"
With his experience on Thursday, he understands even deeper how much paying attention to detail is important in the NFL. He also learned how the little things on the field can determine whether he becomes an impact player with the New England Patriots or struggle to see the field.
Related Story: Sony Michel will be an offensive force in Foxboro
One of those little things is holding onto the football. Actually, that is a huge thing in New England. Ball security or lack thereof can put the No. 31 pick overall in the 2018 NFL Draft in the dog house rather quickly. His fumble on one play was a quick reminder of something he struggled with in college. It was also something that points back to that attention to detail he alluded to following the OTA session.
Despite hearing it from Ivan Fears, don’t think for a second Sony Michel doesn’t love his time with the Patriots so far. The 23-year-old running back applauded the “family atmosphere” of the team and is “excited” about the “wonderful opportunity” that could pave the way for a very successful career in the NFL.
Sony Michel expected to have a big impact in New England
There will be some growing pains with Sony Michel like he experienced on Thursday, but overall, the talented running back is expected to have a big impact in New England.
NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt sees Michel playing a big role in the Patriots’ offense despite their depth at running back. He sourced their drafting of a running back in the first round instead of addressing defensive needs a reason why the Patriots must feel the former Bulldogs running back is special.
"“We talked for months asking what are the Patriots going to do, what are they going to do with those picks?” Brandt said on Wednesday. “That Sony Michel pick at 31, that’s the one they are going to package and move up to get a quarterback, to move up to get [Bradley] Chubb, no, they said despite all of their needs and all the pounding they took on defense in the Super Bowl, let’s take a running back in the first round.’"
That suggests, according to Brandt, that the New England Patriots have big plans for Michel because of the talent in other positions they passed up to select him. He believes his dynamic ability with the ball, both running and catching, will translate nicely on an offense orchestrated by Tom Brady and the mind of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
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In other words, the Patriots have themselves a bigger version of Dion Lewis.