James White retirement explains New England Patriots draft approach

New England Patriots pass-catching running back extraordinaire James White announced his retirement from the NFL on August 11.

White injured his hip in 2021 and it seemed clear that the recovery from that injury was difficult. Therefore, it is no huge surprise that the 30-year-old running back decided to hang up his NFL cleats after eight years, all with the Patriots.

White was one of the NFL’s premier pass-catching backs. He became one of Tom Brady’s best targets as well as a safety valve who just gained yards after the catch on virtually every play. White never really participated in the 2022 summer camp and Patriot beat writer, Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss of ESPN was cited by 985thesportshub.com noting White’s discomfort at a recent function this way,

"Veteran running back James White (right hip) was still walking with what appeared to be an uncomfortable gait following a community appearance Wednesday. He is among the rehabbing players scheduled to report to training camp next week, where it should become clearer how close he is to possibly returning. “Just working so I can be the best player I can be whenever I step out on that field,” White said."

The Patriots now have to move on and seem to have taken precautions in the 2022 NFL draft and free agency to try to plow the road to prepare for just that eventuality.

New England Patriots drafted two running backs in the 2022 draft

The New England Patriots uncharacteristically went to the NFL draft to select two running backs. One was a speed back, Pierre Strong Jr. of South Dakota State, and the other, a power back, Kevin Harris from South Carolina.

Rhamondre Stevenson, last season’s excellent fourth-round draft pick can also catch the ball. In addition, Ty Montgomery, a wide receiver/running back hybrid signed as a free agent, could also enter into the equation to try to replace White’s uber-production.

With other needs especially on defense quite visible prior to the draft, the double drafting of Strong and Harris now seems to make more sense. It must have been clear to the Patriots that White’s return was in jeopardy.

Want your voice heard? Join the Chowder And Champions team!

Write for us!

Therefore they made the two draft picks and added a free agent trying to maneuver around this huge impending loss, though White had only played in three games in 2021 with 12 catches.

The New England Patriots juggle backs to fill White’s role

Here’s how they might attempt to fill the void. First, one plug-and-play possibility would be the veteran Montgomery, who also doubles as a wide receiver.  He has the hands to fit the role. In addition, draftee Strong has breakaway speed and is able to break big gainers after the catch, but unfortunately has suspect hands.

Phil Perry cited his stats and that fumbling issue on Twitter, as cited by patriotwire.usa.com,

The other key option is a big back, Rhamondre Stevenson who has both elusiveness and pass-catching ability. That would take away from his dynamic rushing as a feature back along with Damian Harris, however. Yet, the Patriots drafted their second running back in the sixth round, Kevin Harris is a big back who can help fill Stevenson’s role if necessary.

So in retrospect, the Patriots seem to have been well aware of White’s possible non-returnee status and took steps to mitigate this crushing loss both in the draft and free agency as noted.

While the Patriots neglected to draft either a linebacker or edge player to assist their sub-par pass-rush, they deserve kudos for their foresight in preparing for White’s loss by adding players to try to replace his production. We’ll see how well they have filled that important role soon enough.