ESPN’s Louis Riddick likes what he sees from Patriots’ Rhamondre Stevenson

ESPN’s Louis Riddick was very complimentary of Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson on Thursday.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson’s preseason tape for the @patriots is just ridiculously good. Smooth, great feet, vision, strength, breakaway speed…and they got him in the 4th!!!! He obviously put in the work to be ready to hit the ground running in camp. Love to see it. @dreeday32

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) August 27, 2021

The rookie out of Oklahoma had 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns on 165 carries over two years in Norman. He was the Patriots’ fourth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Riddick was drafted in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL Draft and spent 10 years playing professionally. Following his retirement from football, he was a scout and executive for the Washington Football Team and the Philadelphia Eagles. Riddick became an announcer for ESPN’s Monday Night Football in 2020.

Stevenson had issues early in camp

The rookie was not impressive when camp began; he actually failed his conditioning test. But since then, Stevenson has made dramatic improvements.

“He’s definitely taken to the coaching points, and he’s improved his status tremendously from where he was,” said Patriots running back coach Ivan Fears. “If you remember, he couldn’t even get started on the right day. He couldn’t quite finish the conditioning test. So he started out definitely in the tank, and he has made great improvement and has climbed out of there. So he’s definitely listened and tried to do the right thing.”

This preseason Stevenson has 25 carries for 193 yards and four scores including a 91-yard touchdown on the Patriots’ final drive against the Washington Football Team. Stevenson will have one final chance to demonstrate his skills on Sunday when the Patriots play their final preseason game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Mixup in the Patriots RB room with Michel gone

Sony Michel was traded to the Rams on Wednesday in exchange for two-late round conditional draft picks. Evidently, Michel became expendable due to the emergence of Damien Harris in New England and veteran James White. 

Harris and White are currently listed as the top-two running backs for the Patriots, but with Michel gone, Stevenson will likely play a larger role in the offense. 

The Patriots’ quarterback battle continues. Mac Jones has recently impressed, taking the first-team reps for most of the week due to Cam Newton being away from the team. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has yet to name a starter.