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The New England Patriots with the 31st overall pick in this year's draft the team elected to take former Georgia running back Sony Michel to be the latest addition to their backfield. It has put him in the position to potentially grasp ahold of a significant role in the offense.
During a recent interview with Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cincinnati Bengal star wide receiver A.J. Green singled out his fellow Bulldog as his choice to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award next season. (h/t Ryan Hannable of WEEI):
“I love Sony,” Green said on Adam Schefter's podcast. “You know his versatility and him going to New England – that's my pick for Rookie of the Year. Mark it down.”
Why does he think that?
“I know how versatile he is,” Green added. “When … you put him in a system like New England's where he can be out there running routes and in the backfield – all the stuff going on against linebackers.”
In the 2017 season, Michel helped form a formidable tandem alongside Nick Chubb in the backfield that helped Georgia possess one of the nation's best rushing attack. The 23-year-old was able to put together a highly productive campaign recording 1,227 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns along with nine catches for 96 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Although he was sparsely used in the passing game, the Patriots will likely look to utilize him more in that fashion due to his big-play ability with the ball in his hands. New England has found ways over the years to make strong use of their running backs as receivers out of the backfield and Michel will likely be no different.
The team may have a crowded backfield, but if he is able to prove he can be a versatile offensive weapon Michel should be able to quickly carve out a significant role in the 2018 season that could lead to a highly productive year.
