The New England Patriots have slowly transitioned into a run-heavy team, and they have put together an impressive backfield.
Before the 2019 NFL Draft, the Patriots had Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden. Bill Belichick decided that there was room for more talent in the backfield, and the Patriots drafted Damien Harris with the No. 87 pick.
Harris is a 5-foot-10, 210 pound running back from Alabama that has the ability to run hard and create yards from his pass-catching ability. Not only did the Patriots select Harris, but they also signed undrafted free agent Nick Brossette from LSU.
The new additions will add more competition for playing time, but injuries are inevitable in football and White understands that. He was asked by reporters on Thursday about welcoming two new guys into the backfield, and he is ready to bring them on.
White has been the ultimate leader for the Patriots’ backfield and his humble personality is perfect for a group loaded with talent. Splitting carries hasn’t been an issue for the Patriots in the past and it shouldn’t be going forward, especially with a high-character player like Harris.
“He’s a good football player,” White said. “Alabama’s a great program, and they pump those guys out of there each and every year. It will be good to get him in here and (undrafted free agent Nick) Brossette, get those guys, help them learn as much as possible and see what they can do to help us.”
White’s ultimate piece of advice to the rookie’s coming in, may be the most important.
“Take the coaching, learn from it,” White said. “We’ve all been rookies before. You’re going to get yelled at more than everybody else. You just got to take the coaching, have fun most of all. Rookie year is a long year, but it’s built for learning. I learned a lot my rookie year. I didn’t play. I have plenty of stories.”
There will be a huge learning curve for a group of players that all have tremendous talent. But, they have a leader in Tom Brady and a motive to win Super Bowl No. 7 for the franchise.
