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5 NFL teams who could find their running back of the future in 2021

By Brad Berreman

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 22: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars rushes from defender Vic Beasley Jr. #44 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 22: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars rushes from defender Vic Beasley Jr. #44 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Sony Michel
Credit: Getty Images /

player. AFC. East. New England Patriots. 4. 47. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

After a nice playoff run as a rookie 2018 (336 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground), expectations for were raised for Sony Michel going into last year. Then he promptly delivered an ordinary 3.7 yards per carry on 247 totes in 2019, and he is now rehabbing from foot surgery in May.

The Patriots have Michel under their control for at least the next two seasons, with a decision to make on a fifth-year option. But 2020 feels like a prove-it season for him, and Bill Belichick could ultimately push his young back (aside or as motivation) with a trade acquisition (Leonard Fournette?).

Looking to 2021, the Patriots have the nice combination of ample cap space ($75.3 million right now, via Spotrac) and good draft pick capital (four picks in the first three rounds). So if they want to find a running back with more upside than Michel, which should not be hard based on the  evidence that has been shown, there won’t be much to deny them in that pursuit.

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