New England Patriots 2018: No pressure on Sony Michel in his first season

With the depth the New England Patriots have at the running back position, anything they get from first-round pick Sony Michel will be a bonus.

There is a new, dynamic running back in town and his name is Sony Michel. Selected No. 32 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, the product out of Georgia doesn’t need to be special for the New England Patriots right away.

Yes, Michel adds a lot of the same elements Dion Lewis did last season, but the rookie running back will have the luxury of playing behind a couple of running backs with can step into the role left void by Lewis.

Though not as dynamic as Michel, both Rex Burkhead and James White can catch the ball out of the backfield. Both players have also shown the ability to run the ball, but neither can be considered a lead back. Burkhead has the ability, but the team will likely turn to either Mike Gillislee or Jeremy Hill when it comes to early downs or short yardage situations…at least to begin the season.

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That is why there won’t be much pressure on Sony Michel to produce right away in New England. An Alvin Kamara type rookie season would be an added plus, but the team will likely each Michel into his role. In a complicated offense, it will take the rookie awhile to be the duel threat Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said he could be.

"“He’s a very physical guy for a guy who’s really good in the open field,” Fears said back in May, via Masslive.com. “Most of those guys are scat-back-type guys. He’s very productive in the open field, and he’s also very productive inside because he’s got some stout to him…He’s a size player that can pound it away and make some things happen in the open space.”"

With that projection, it wouldn’t be any surprise if Michel is the lead back towards the end of the season. But, he will need time to adjust to the NFL and within the Patriots system where multiple backs are used.

Of course, injuries could determine the amount of pressure put on Michel, but to begin the season, he will be eased into the flow of the offense. If you look at the recent history of New England Patriots running back rookies (Shane Vereen, Stevan Ridley, James White), they typically don’t do much the first season.

Not an easy transition

Sony Michel has demonstrated the maturity to make a successful leap to the NFL, but there will certainly be some growing pains.

In OTA’s this spring, Michel made a couple of mistakes on the field that were criticized by Fears. The rookie took the criticism as a learning opportunity which quickly showcased that maturity and what type of professional he is going to be.

With the physical talent to be something special, the mindset he brings to the New England Patriots will make him something extra special once he gets accustomed to life in the NFL. As fellow rookie and teammate Isaiah Wynn pointed out following the draft, there’s a leadership he’ll bring that will translate nicely in New England.

"“As the best part that I like about him is his leadership and his vibe,” Wynn said, as transcribed by the Providence Journal. “I’ve never seen a day where he didn’t feel up to working, whatever it may have been. So it’s just his vibe. You can easily catch his vibe and he’ll get you right on point.”"

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The character is evident with Sony Michel. Combine that with his skill and he should be an instant fan favorite amongst Patriots fans once he gets his opportunity.

He should shine once he does. But, there won’t be any pressure on him to do too much too soon.

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