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Sony Michel 2018 Outlook: Can Michel Escape The Patriots Deep Depth Chart?
6 years agoThe Patriots always seem to catch us off-guard with at least one move during the off-season and this year was no exception. Amid all the rumors and mock drafts, many believed the Patriots would use their first rounds picks to move up and draft Tom Brady’s replacement. Instead, the Patriots went with Sony Michel to replace Dion Lewis. Michel’s performance in the College Football Playoffs solidified him as one of the top running backs in the draft but did he land in the best situation?
Last season the Patriots gave more than 40 carries to four different running backs, including more than 100 carries to both Dion Lewis and Mike Gillislee. The Patriots also had three running backs with 30 or more receptions. Even with the infamous Patriots running back shuffle, Lewis was the RB15 in PPR leagues last season. Be careful to automatically assume Michel steps into that role. Rex Burkhead, who was efficient when healthy last season, will have something to say about that. It is possible that both will co-exist and other plenty of fantasy production but taking Michel as your RB2 could be very risky. Michell had some fumble issues in college, and Bill Belichik won’t stand for that.
