2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

31. Sony Michel, RB, New England Patriots

2018 Stats: 931 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 6 rushing TDs, 7 receptions, 50 receiving yards

Coming into Sony Michel’s rookie campaign, it was unclear what his role would be. With Tom Brady still playing elite football and plenty of other options to work with at running back, there were only so many opportunities to go around, right?

Well that wasn’t quite the case. Instead, Michel forced the Patriots to feed him early and often. As a result, the Georgia alum nearly broke the 1,000-yard mark on the ground. He was a game-changing option for the New England running game, taking plenty of touches away from other spark plugs like James White and Rex Burkhead.

However, although he only missed three games throughout the regular season, Michel seemed to always be nursing some sort of injury. While that did hinder his progress at times, the rookie running back found a way to continue producing at a high level.

The future is glaringly bright for Michel, who theoretically gives the Patriots a legitimate lead back — assuming he can stay healthy. Especially if Brady decides to hang it up sometime soon, New England could turn the keys of the offense over to the young, explosive back.

Grade: A-