In 2018, then-rookie Sony Michel caught seven passes for 50 yards. His New England Patriots backfield mate, James White, on the other hand, caught 87 receptions for 751 yards and seven touchdowns. Michel must be learning things from White because he's closing the gap in terms of receiving skill set.
On Monday, Patriots running back coach Ivan Fears talked to CNHI Sports Boston's Mac Cerullo on Michel's development as a pass-catcher. He's been impressed by his improvement in the 2019 offseason.
“Much much improved, much better than [Michel] was last year. Last year I thought it was a lot for him, this year he's pretty good at it. He's going to be very good at it.”
You hear that, fantasy football owners? Michel's stock as a PPR play should be skyrocketing if Patriots brass is impressed with his abilities as a receiving back. Josh McDaniel's offense loves to use running backs as receivers, and though White is the top option to do so, Michel should get more than 13 targets in 2019.
While White will be the top option as a receiver—and Rex Burkhead will be used as a versatile weapon—he's not as a runner. Michel, in his rookie season, amassed 209 regular-season attempts for 931 yards and six touchdowns; all while playing just 13 games and starting in eight. The Patriots may have bell-cow aspirations for the former Georgia Bulldog.
But in New England, a bell cow isn't one if they can't compete in all aspects of the game. It's looking like Michel is one that can do just that.
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