6 Patriots Playing for Their Jobs in Training Camp

5. Kevin Harris, RB

The Patriots' running back situation this summer already looks more promising than it did last year. Not only is Rhamondre Stevenson expected to be fully healthy following a late-season ankle sprain, but the team also brought in veteran RB Antonio Gibson, who's amassed over 2,600 rushing yards with 22 touchdowns in 61 career games.

With Stevenson and Gibson being roster locks, Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty are left to compete for the RB3 job.

It's easy to see why Hasty might have the edge in this roster battle. The fifth-year rusher has played well in the limited opportunities he's seen in his NFL career, turning 101 carries into 410 yards (4.1 per carry) and four TDs. While his running is solid, Hasty's receiving is where he stands out as he's caught 50-of-65 career targets (76.9%) for another 316 yards and one score.

Meanwhile, Harris is more of an unknown commodity. The ex-Gamecock has played only nine games since being drafted 183rd overall by the Patriots in 2022, recording 34 carries, 117 rushing yards, and a pair of TDs. Yes, those stats are decent for what he was given to work with, however, HC Mayo might want a more proven rusher in the No. 3 spot.

According to Patriots insider Doug Kyed, Hasty's receiving skills could be the main reason why he makes the 53-man roster over someone like Harris. In other words, unless the 23-year-old RB proves that he can do everything Hasty does but better, Harris' time in New England could end soon.