The New England Patriots are busy filling in the open spots on their 80-man roster, and on Monday brought three players on board to get inside one of the thresholds: after reportedly signed tight end Jordan Leggett and defensively tackle Darius Kilgo earlier on Monday team added veteran running back Lamar Miller to the comparison later that day after a free agency training session.
The move is similar to the Patriots’ trade for cornerback Michael Jackson on Sunday. Running back was already one of the deepest positions on the roster, even a) after Brandon Bolden decided to opt out of the season, and b) without Miller, but now another layer of depth has added to which projects are becoming a relatively moderate price tag .
With that said, let’s take a look at how New England’s offensive backfield piles up with the 29-year-old now part of the comparison – while always keeping in mind that labels are not exclusive and only a guideline for it. use of a player within the Patriots’ offensive schedule.
Earne-down backs
The players mentioned here carried down especially early on as in short yardage situations. Their value in the passing game has been limited so far.
Sony Michel (PUP), Damien Harris
With the usual lead-back Sony Michel opening training camp at the Patriots’ physically unable to follow list after offseason surgery at his feet, the team has Damien Harris left as his only early-down option for the moment. Lamar Miller, who has 1,409 career-fast attempts on his roster, could also help in this role, but it would not be surprising to see second-year man Harris look significantly like the team’s RB1 until Michel is ready to move on. the field.
Even though Harris is indeed seen by the team as the top option to fill Michel’s low spot in the lineup and also receive regular action as a rotating early-down-back, Miller adds to the comparison and improves overall depth and experience at the position significantly.
Rounds around / changing pace
The players mentioned here have proven themselves not only as ball carriers but also in the receiving game. Hence, their versatile skill sets allow them to be inserted into the setup on a rotational basis.
Rex Burkhead, Lamar Miller, JJ Taylor
Even though Rex Burkhead took a pay cut last month to improve his status on the roster of New England, he still faces some intriguing competition for the whole role / change of pace this year. Not only did the Patriots sign JJ Taylor, whose receiving prowess and general skill set made him well-suited to fill the role in their offense, as a respected rookie-free agent, they also brought Miller on board today to add some proven productivity.
Miller has crossed the 1,000-yard barrier in five of his last six seasons, missing last year only when a torn ACL forced him to spend the entire season on the sidelines. Now reported to be completely healthy again, the ninth-year-old man adds an interesting dynamic to the position.
Third back
The only player mentioned here has some value as a runner, but is used primarily as a receiving back in no-huddle and third-down situations.
James White
James White remains one of the NFL’s best role-playing running backs and will therefore be featured again prominently in 2020. Serves primarily in passing play, on third downs, and in up-tempo situations , like two-minute drills, the 28-year-old is projected to register regular touches as a key member of the club’s air strike. White seeing as a safety sheet receiver for the team’s new starting quarterback would come as no surprise, which is why he would again be expected to be among the team leaders in touches and yards from scrimmage.
While Miller could cut a bit in his numbers, the veteran is not expected to be influenced too much: White is just too good at what he does to see a significantly smaller role after the Miller signing.
Fullbacks
The only player mentioned here will function as a lead blocker when performing downs, while also possibly getting some looks as a de facto tight end.
Jakob Johnson
With xJames Developin previously announcing its offseason for his retirement from football, and with fellow fullback Danny Vitale deciding to opt out of the 2020 campaign, Jakob Johnson remains the only traditional fullback on the roster of New England . The 25-year-old, who began his career through the NFL’s International Pathway Program, is not yet guaranteed a guaranteed spot, though: the Patriots could choose to go completely without fullback, or use rookie tight end / H-back Dalton Keene in the role. Realistic and injury-prone, however, Johnson appears to be a safe bet to make the team.
Adding Miller to the equation would not affect him that much, but it would give Johnson another player for whom holes open.
