The New England Patriots completed the first draft in the Mike Vrabel era last weekend and they came away with a haul of talent. One of the most notable additions was in the backfield when New England selected Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson with the 38th overall pick.
Henderson’s arrival means competition for current starter Rhamondre Stevenson but it’s unlikely to cost the incumbent his job. The bigger question is what it means for Antonio Gibson, who dropped down to the third string role after Henderson was added to the mix.
Gibson’s name recognition may make it feel like he’s safe. But the Patriots signed a 1,400-yard rusher to the backfield on Tuesday that could give the 26-year-old a run for his money during the offseason program.
Patriots Sign FCS Standout Lan Larison to UDFA Contract
The Patriots added depth to the backfield by signing UC Davis running back Lan Larison to an undrafted free agent contract. Larison was one of the best running backs in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), running for 1,465 yards and 17 touchdowns while catching 62 passes for 847 yards and six touchdowns.
While the 6-foot, 215-pound runner has a strong track record for production, Larison also has some traits that could fit in right at home with Vrabel. Outside of an elite mustache, the Idaho native was the top high school steer wrestler in the United States, adding some extra toughness to the Patriots backfield.
Outside of the shock of steer wrestling being a sanctioned sport, Gibson may have more to worry about when Larison arrives at training camp. Gibson ran the ball 120 times for the Patriots last season but he only wound up with 538 yards and a touchdown. Although he made three starts, he never seemed to be on the verge of overtaking Stevenson and now is another rung down the ladder.
With a new coaching staff in place, Gibson could be heading into an important training camp where he’ll have to hold off the young rookie just to make the roster.