New England Patriots: 1 realistic goal for each rookie in 2021

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scrambles against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third quarter of the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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New England Patriots Rhamondre Stevenson (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots fourth-round pick, Rhamondre Stevenson, running back, a favorite

Disclosure: Stevenson i s this writer’s favorite draft pick in 2021 (along with Jones).

Stevenson is the first big back for New England who has any realistic opportunity to contribute since 2016 when another of this writer’s favorite Patriots, LeGarrette Blount left.

Blount was cast adrift after that season by Bill Belichick who may have never forgiven Blount for his fumble in the 2017 Super Bowl against Atlanta. That was a big mistake.

Since then, New England has been bereft of a big back who could grind out a yard or two for a first down to extend a drive or score a touchdown from in close.

That deficiency cost New England big-time in 2020 as Cam Newton had to assume that role himself on most occasions. That’s not a great situation.

For certain, in 2020, it was Newton or no one. That’s not the case anymore. Now the Patriots have Stevenson. He’s an all-purpose back in the body of a sledgehammer.

Stevenson averaged 7.2 yards per carry over two seasons and scoring 13 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for the Sooners over that time.

With that in mind, a realistic goal for Stevenson would be to pick up five touchdowns in 2021. That should be easy for this talented big back if given the opportunity.

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