Following the NFL draft, fans get excited about next season and what impact the rookies drafted could bring to their team. While most focus on those who were drafted, teams can also find value in the undrafted free agent pool. The New England Patriots aren't an exception to that rule.
Lan Larison is a name most fans probably aren't familiar with. Larison, an Idaho native, spent his college days playing for the University of California, Davis, of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). His college career didn't start in a usual way, as his first season was delayed from the fall to the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After that season, though, Larison's play would take off
In his sophomore season, Larison would be named second-team all-Big Sky for his work as a kick returner. In his following three seasons, he'd earn first-team all-conference honors, as well as being named the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. During that campaign, he carried the ball 178 times for 1,101 yards with 13 touchdowns, adding 198 receiving yards and two touchdowns on catches, plus another 438 yards on 20 kick returns.
In his final season in college, Larison posted career-high numbers in rushing and receiving. He ran the ball 284 times for 1,465 yards and 17 touchdowns and made 62 catches for 847 yards and six more scores.
Patriots UDFA RB Lan Larison Can Make New England's Roster
The Patriots' running back room wasn't anything special last year. The team looked to address this by adding Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second round of this year's NFL draft. So, what makes Larison someone to monitor?
With his experience as a returner and pass catcher out of the backfield, Larison has two ways to make the roster.
Running backs Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty spent the most time returning kicks last year, and with Hasty gone, a spot for Larison opens up. When looking at his coaching career, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has always valued pass-catching running backs, and Larison could be utilized the same way ex-New England fan favorite James White was.
While his skills as a returner or pass-catching back will determine if he makes the team, he could also be useful for any trick plays McDaniels has up his sleeve. After all, Larison attempted 21 passes during his collegiate career.
While it won't be a consistent use of the offense, having that skill set at their disposal could be something the Patriots want. Assuming that's the case, Larison has as good of a shot as anyone to crack the 53-man roster.