Patriots 2026 Draft Pick Not Predicted To Make Team In First Season

Patriots 2026 Draft Pick Not Predicted To Make Team In First Season originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots drafted running back Jam Miller in the seventh round of this year’s NFL Draft, but he may not be a lock to make the team.

The Patriots’ top two running backs will be Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. The third spot is up for grabs, and there are a few candidates, including Miller. Terrell Jennings, Myles Montgomery, Jam Miller and Lan Larison are all in the mix for the No. 3 running back job.

98.5 The Sports Hub’s Alex Barth predicted that Larison would make the team, meaning seventh-round draft pick Miller would not make the 53-man roster as a rookie.

“Last year the Patriots cycled through third running backs, as injuries became a problem at the position,” wrote Barth on Friday. “Looking to solidify that spot this year the team will have options. Larison, who looked to be tracking towards a roster spot last year before an injury ended his season in late August, got most of the reps in that role this spring. Still, it hardly feels settled with Terrell Jennings and rookies Jam Miller and Myles Montgomery mixing in as well. Can one catch him this summer?”

The Patriots invested a draft pick in Miller, so they would surely like to see him develop into a valuable player. However, he faces an uphill battle for reps at practice. He will have to make a very strong impression at training camp and in the preseason to make the team. Just because he does not make the 53-man roster does not mean his time with the Patriots is over. He could end up on the practice squad and be signed to the active roster if the Patriots struggle with injuries.

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