Graff writes this in the context of a mock draft where he selects Bhayshul Tuten for the Patriots, but this is not the first time this offseason someone has mentioned running back as a potential position of need for the Patriots behind Stevenson. Tuten ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine at 4.32. Other running backs on the podium for the 40 in Indianapolis included Texas’ Jaydon Blue (4.38) and SMU’s Brashard Smith (4.39), so they could also be interesting Patriots targets.

Rhamondre Stevenson has 154 career receptions to his name, while Antonio Gibson, who remains on the roster, has 195 catches of his own. That said, head coach Mike Vrabel said adding a “young runner is potentially something we would like to do” when asked about addressing the position in this year’s draft, and Reiss believes a pass-catching back could be the focus for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Stevenson struggled last season after signing a four-year, $36 million deal, and while he’s expected to be the lead back for 2025, it’s fair to say the 27-year-old back doesn’t look like the same player who totaled 1,461 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in 2022. In a class that is rich with running back talent, a more explosive back who could provide more upside in the passing game could help an offense that’s hoping to improve on its 30th-ranked finish last season.

Stevenson will end the season with 207 rushes for 801 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 33 catches on 41 targets for 168 yards and another touchdown through the air. The 26-year-old also lost six fumbles on the season which forced him into a timeshare with Antonio Gibson at times during the year. However, despite Gibson being the assumed “receiving back,” Stevenson had almost double the targets in the passing game which seems to confirm that New England doesn’t view him as just an early-down rusher. The 26-year-old could be in for a better season next year with Drake Maye under center from the start; however, the Patriots will need to make significant upgrades to their offensive line and their receiving game before we feel confident enough in Stevenson’s team context to elevate him from a matchup-dependent FLEX option.

Stevenson was also targeted once, but did not catch the pass. Head coach Jerod Mayo initially said Stevenson would be benched before the game after his fumbling issues, but instead started in what Mayo called a “coach’s decision.” Ultimately, Stevenson only had two carries in a deeply negative game script, gaining just one yard. He will be outside top-30 RB consideration for Week 18 against the Bills.