The New England Patriots will have to make numerous crucial decisions as the NFL Draft is just days away. The Patriots will enter the draft with nine picks, where they will hopefully address their top needs of a left tackle and a wide receiver.
While both of these positions are a top priority, the Patriots must bring in talented players on both sides of the ball, as the team has gone 4-13 in back-to-back seasons. One of the main reasons they have been unsuccessful is their failure to hit on draft picks. Looking at their recent draft classes, they’ve failed to find quality players and haven’t signed a first-round pick to a second contract since Dont’a Hightower in 2017.
Luckily for the Patriots, this draft class has a ton of depth, which allows them to find players who can contribute in the later rounds. This year's running back class is regarded as the best it's been in years, with starting-caliber players throughout the draft. The Patriots should capitalize on this year's talent by drafting LeQuint Allen on Day Three.
Patriots Should Draft RB LeQuint Mitchell
LeQuint Mitchell was the starting running back for Syracuse the past two seasons, where he showcased his ability as a dual-threat running back. This past season, Mitchell posted 1,023 rushing yards, 64 receptions, 529 receiving yards, and 20 combined touchdowns. His 119 receptions and 848 receiving yards in his three-year career are the most by a Syracuse running back.
Mitchell’s skillset as a receiving back would be utilized perfectly by the Patriots, who haven’t had a reliable receiving back since James White retired. With Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator, Mitchell could be a player the Patriots look at in the fifth round to fill the receiving back need.
In the past few seasons, Rhamondre Stevenson has been the three-down back. But with his injuries and regression in the run game, the Patriots should reduce his workload by drafting Mitchell and giving him reps at running back.
In his previous tenure, McDaniels tended to use running backs who run efficiently and pass block. Mitchell can do both, as he had an 80.7 pass block grade this season per Pro Football Focus.
The Patriots currently have three running backs and need to draft a running back capable of producing right away. Drafting Mitchell is a must for the Patriots, considering their draft capital and that he’s a project Day Three pick.