Although it wasn’t a flashy draft for the New England Patriots, they did address some of their key positional needs, such as EDGE and tackle, while bolstering their depth across the roster.
One of the positions they added to was running back, selecting Alabama Crimson Tide’s halfback Jam Miller with their No. 245 pick. With TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson at the top of the pecking order, Patriots Nation shouldn’t expect Miller to be a major contributor in 2026.
However, his addition gives the Patriots much-needed competition at the position, as they lack a reliable backup. This spells disaster for veteran tailback Terrell Jennings, who was viewed as New England’s top backup before the draft.
Terrell Jennings Could Lose Backup Role to Jam Miller
When running back Antonio Gibson was sidelined after suffering a torn ACL in Week 5, the Patriots turned to Jennings to fill his void. With Henderson and Stevenson taking the bulk of the carries, Jennings received minimal opportunity, on offense, logging just 23 carries for 73 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Even though he wasn’t a factor on offense, he did emerge as a meaningful contributor on the special teams, recording two tackles, which helped him earn an 80.3 special teams grade, per Pro Football Focus, along with returning two kicks for 59 yards.
Despite his impressive play on that unit, Jennings’ pedestrian play on the ground, combined with his injuries down the stretch, made it clear New England needed to upgrade their running back group. This is why Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf selected Miller.
For the past two seasons, Miller, 22, was the Crimson Tide’s top running back. In this stretch, Miller posted 1,172 rushing yards on 275 carries, along with 35 receptions for 264 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns.
While his stat line isn’t jaw-dropping, he’s proven to be a reliable runner over the course of his career, fumbling just two times on 350 carries. Along with that, Miller has excellent speed for his size. At 5’10” and 220 pounds, Miller posted a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
By no means is Miller a huge upgrade over Jennings; however, his traits resemble what offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels favors in his running backs. Looking back at McDaniels’ tenure in New England, he’s preferred downhill, versatile runners who are also capable pass-catchers.
While neither is considered a three-down back, Miller has the edge over Jennings, given that he's been a viable check-down option in college. Additionally, Miller’s physicality fits McDaniels’ run-heavy approach this offseason, with the Patriots emphasizing the ground attack by adding run-blockers Reggie Gilliam and Julian Hill.
Despite needing to develop as a pass blocker and catcher, it’s evident that Wolf and company believe in Miller’s long-term upside. New England already cleared room for him to make the team, releasing running back Elijah Mitchell on Tuesday.
This move is bad news for Jennings, as he’ll now have to compete for the third running back spot in training camp. Currently, Jennings is at a disadvantage, as it’s evident that the franchise values Miller and fully believes in his potential.
Even though we’re months away from the outcome, Jennings is under immense pressure to fend off the rookie or else his tenure with the storied franchise could come to an end.
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