Ongoing Running Back Challenges
The Patriots’ concerns extend beyond their issues with the offensive line and wide receivers. The running back position remains unsettled, particularly given Rhamondre Stevenson’s recent struggles with ball security. Over the past season, Stevenson’s fumbling became a significant liability, leading to moments where his performance was questioned. His rushing effectiveness also dropped, registering a notably lower yards-per-carry average compared to previous years. While his abilities as a pass-catcher continue to offer value, there is growing interest in infusing youth into the role.
Seasoned Performer Under Scrutiny
Stevenson’s four-year tenure in New England has been marked by clear on-field highlights, yet his recurring fumbling issues have sparked concern. These setbacks, which culminated in multiple lost opportunities due to turnovers, disrupted the flow of the offense. The benching for a less heralded option underscored the need to re-examine the running back situation as the team seeks to optimize performance. The emphasis now lies on finding a complementary dynamic that addresses these vulnerabilities while harnessing the strengths of both pass-catching and running abilities.
A Promising Prospect from Rutgers
With the running back class proving deep, the Patriots are evaluating several options later in the draft. One contender emerging from the Rutgers program is Kyle Monangai, a player whose robust performance as a three-year starter has captured attention. Monangai accumulated over 3,200 rushing yards during his collegiate career and recently tallied impressive totals with 1,259 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in his breakout season. His build—5-8 and 211 pounds—adds a dimension of low center of gravity and elusiveness that can translate well to the professional game. Although Monangai may not possess top-of-the-line speed, his 4.60-second 40-yard dash and effective route-running abilities demonstrate his potential to be a dynamic contributor. In a system that benefits from running backs with complementary skill sets, his style appears well suited to pair with a taller, quicker player like Stevenson, bringing balance to an evolving offense.
