New England Patriots 2021 NFL Draft grades: More than just a quarterback
By Ian Higgins
HB. Oklahoma. Rhamondre Stevenson. 120. player. Scouting Report. 47. Pick Analysis
Having selected power-backs Damien Harris and Sony Michel is recent draft classes, the New England Patriots continue to accumulate cap-friendly rookie halfbacks to fill out their backfield. At 246 pounds, Rhamondre Stevenson is a solidly built back who puts the shoulder down in the A and B-gap to physically dominate linebackers attempting to match his strength in the hole.
Even at his size, Stevenson posted a 4.63-forty at his pro day, placing him only a tenth behind incumbent starter Harris despite an additional 30 pounds to his frame. What can also separate Stevenson from the pack will be his still limited but functional receiving ability. With 18 receptions through six games last season, Stevenson is a genuine threat with the ball in his hands with the size advantage he holds over nearly any opposing defensive back.
Grade: B-
Scouting Report. LB. Michigan. Cameron McGrone. 177. Pick Analysis. player. 47
After being hampered by injuries throughout his time with the Michigan defense, inside linebacker Cameron McGrone is a high-risk prospect due to the lack of tape. Recovering from an ACL surgery, McGrone’s only participation at Michigan’s pro day was in the bench press with a total of 20 reps. Sadly, McGrone was unable to tangibly display the mobility which makes him such an effective run-defender shooting gaps from a MIKE alignment.
A hard-nosed tackler, McGrone translates short-area explosiveness into functional strength upon making contact with the ball carrier. Even outside the tackles, McGrone is able to smoothly navigate through traffic and sniff out the intended rushing lane, meeting halfbacks before they can break into the second level.
Grade: B+