Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots’ 2021 NFL Draft fourth-round pick, a dual-threat value

The New England Patriots upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 was the blueprint to how they want to win games this season.  Play solid defense and on offense lean on the legs of fourth year running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

In rushing for 120 yards and a touchdown, Stevenson not only made Bengals defenders miss after first contract, but he also showcased the kind of running back the Patriots believed they had when they selected him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

After a strong rookie season, Stevenson really broke out in Year 2 with a 1,000-yard season on the ground while also leading the team in receptions with 69.  Although he took a step back in 2023, it’s that dual-threat ability that earned him a four-year, $36 million contract extension, which has been rare for Patriots players drafted by Bill Belichick.  But, with Jerod Mayo taking over and a new regime handing personnel, the Patriots saw Stevenson as a player who would be at the center of what the team is building.  His Week 1 performance outlined just that.

2021 NFL Draft: Rhamondre Stevenson making the Patriots NFL Draft history look better

With that performance, Stevenson has earned national respect as well.  In the NFL.com Week 2 RB index, former NFL running back and NFL.com analyst Maurice Jones-Drew has him as the No. 3 ranked running back given his road performance vs the Bengals.

Jones-Drew writes:

“Who saw the Patriots beating Cincy on the road? (Put your hand down. I don't believe you.) The Pats earned this one, though, with a physical performance. At the center of the winning effort was Stevenson, who had a career-high 25 carries for 120 yards and a 3-yard touchdown -- marking his fourth career game (and first since Week 15 of 2022) with 100-plus rush yards and at least one rush TD. New England will likely lean on this guy as Jerod Mayo works through the quarterback situation.”

Until the Patriots start throwing the ball more or eventually switch to Drake Maye, the question will be whether Stevenson can be the force he was in 2022 as a dual threat force who can keep the chains moving like he did in Cincinnati, especially towards the end of the game when he controlled the clock and earned the yards necessary to seal the game.  It was a great effort and one that looks to be the start of a former fourth-round pick turning into the type of offensive playmaker well worth the money. 

Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Seattle Seahawks in Week 2

The Patriots aren’t making it a secret as to the gameplan in their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks.  They will continue to lean on Stevenson and the running attack which will be a tougher task against a Seattle defense tough up front.  Along with Leonard Williams, the Seahawks have an outstanding rookie in Byron Murphy II.  Will Stevenson be able to gain yards after contact? 

The better question is whether Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots’ offense can offset Seattle’s pressure attack by dumping the ball off to Stevenson and Antonio Gibson.  The Patriots will also need to get the ball off quick to second-year receiver Demario Douglas and see if he can make players miss as well. If the Patriots can get off a couple of big plays in the short passing game, it may open opportunities for Stevenson to do his thing and continue to show his worth in New England’s offense.