New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson is LeGarrette Blount 2.0

The New England Patriots have been missing that big back who can run over players ever since the departure of LeGarrette Blount. With Rhamondre Stevenson joining the team they might have found their replacement.

It’s such a valuable asset to have a running back that can use his strength and be successful in short-yardage scenarios. New England has struggled in the red zone in recent years and it’s been harmful to the offense.

Overall the running game has failed to make an impact. Sony Michel has been a disappointment and James White makes more of an impact catching the ball out of the backfield. Right now all of the pressure is on Damian Harris to perform.

While Harris has been successful, he isn’t exactly a big body.  Standing at 5’11”, Harris doesn’t exactly loom tall over opponents.

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season

That’s why the selection of Stevenson was a promising one in the 2021 NFL Draft. With Stevenson being selected in the fourth round, it wasn’t exactly a major risk.

Why Rhamondre Stevenson can be LeGarrette Blount 2.0 for the New England Patriots

Stevenson didn’t light up the world in college but he had quite the senior season. In six games he tallied 665 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 18 catches for 211 receiving yards.

Stevenson also has an inch height advantage on Harris and weighs 231 pounds. While that’s a slight advantage compared to Harris, it makes a difference.

So far Stevenson seems to be making a good name for himself. Running back coach Ivan Fears made the Blount comparison when talking about Stevenson.

New England will definitley make the most out of Stevenson’s running ability. He could be a valuable asset in third and short’s as well as around the goal line.

What is interesting is that Stevenson appears to be a quality pass catcher. If that is the case that could get him on the field even more.

Patriots fans still don’t know who will be under center when the 2021 regular season begins. Still, whether it’s Cam Newton or Mac Jones, having a back who can be a failsafe if everyone is covered is valuable.

This is another area of the game where Stevenson seems to be better than Michel. If the rookie has a quality season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Michel end up leaving New England at the end of the year.

So while it’s still early in the offseason, Stevenson appears to be making quite the impact.