Rhamondre Stevenson is the one of the main reasons to watch the Patriots right now. While the rest of the roster fights for scraps, the veteran running back is playing like a star. He took nearly every meaningful rep during the 21st practice session. The coaching staff did not even bring in backup Hassan Haskins to share the load. They just gave Stevenson more work. This move tells you everything you need to know about the depth chart.
Stevenson’s Big Play Ability
The best moment came in the fake end-of-game drill. Stevenson caught two passes in that single series. One of them was a 15-yard touchdown grab over the shoulder. He was covered tight by linebacker Robert Spillane. Yet he still made the play look easy. According to Pats Pulpit, this was one of multiple touchdowns he scored that day. It shows he can be a factor as a runner and a receiver. That dual threat key in this league.
Other players got hurt or sat out. TreVeyon Henderson left early. Christian Gonzalez was just returning. But Stevenson was there. He was sharp. He was fast. He was the best player on the field. That is a problem for the rest of the offense. They are relying on him to carry the load. If he gets hurt, the plan falls apart. The team needs to protect him better than they have in the past.
The Rookie Edge and Line Depth
Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins were disruptive. Jacas had three hurries and stopped a run. Hutchins got into the backfield a couple of times. Per Pats Pulpit, both players lined up as starters on the second-team defense. They are trying to earn a spot. The team drafted them for a reason. Now they have to prove they can stay on the field. The depth at linebacker is thin. These two need to step up.
Offensive line Greg Van Roten also did his job. With Ben Brown out, Van Roten played all three interior spots. He started at right guard and moved to left and center. This flexibility helps the team a lot. The value the Patriots see in him is clear. He looks like a lock to make the final roster. But the line still needs help. The team used to have depth. Now they are just trying to find it.
John Saunders Jr. Makes His Case
John Saunders Jr. is fighting for his life. The team brought in Jaylen Reed in the Kayshon Boutte trade. That makes Saunders’ spot uncertain. But he keeps making plays. He grabbed a Tommy DeVito pass for an interception. That is his fifth takeaway this summer. According to Pats Pulpit, Saunders continues to do his thing despite the odds. He is a playmaker. The coaches have to notice that. You cannot ignore a player who creates turnovers.
Other names like Hunter Henry and Tanner Arkin got work too. Henry caught a touchdown in the fake end-of-game drill. Arkin played both tight end and fullback. But the real story is Stevenson.
