New England Patriots: 8 newcomers who will make big impacts in 2021

No. 7: New England Patriots rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson will impress

It really is hard to put any emphasis on rookies when it comes to Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, but as recent rookies like Sony Michel, Chase Winovich and Michael Owenu have proved, if you show you can help the team, you will get the playing time.

As Owenu was a late-round steal for the Patriots in 2020, expect running back Rhamondre Stevenson to have a similar impact in 2021.

As much as the running back position appears to be a solid position going into training camp with Damien Harris and Sony Michel leading the pack, the injury history of those two players is at play and Stevenson can certainly power his way onto the field if either of those two players miss time.  He can also simply show he is deserving of snaps like he did in the first preseason game vs  Washington Football Team.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1426010171457904642

The Patriots have been hungry for a power back since the days of LeGarrette Blount.  In Stevenson, they may just satisfy their appetite.

"“That kind of body.  That kind of athletic ability.  He’s probably a better pass receiver than even LeGarrette was,” Patriots running back Ivan Fears said in a video conference, as transcribed by NESN.  “This kid has got pretty good hands.  There are a lot of doors open here.  We’ll see what sticks him.”"

At 6-0, 231 pounds, the Oklahoma product has the skillset to not only earn himself some playing time this season, but end Michel’s tenure in New England, especially if he takes his pass-catching ability to another level.

During his senior year with the Sooners, Stevenson caught 18 receptions for 211 yards, so that dual threat ability is certainly there and Patriots fans will root for this kid pretty quickly.