NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft: Number 31 overall, RB Sony Michel
Somehow someway, the New England Patriots always seem to find a gem at the backend of the draft. That trend continued as the team picked up running back Sony Michel with the second to last pick in 2018.
A knee injury may have slowed him down a bit and forced him to miss the entirety of the preseason in year one, but Michel got things going in a major way once he got on the field. Even with Tom Brady and his propensity to throw the ball, Michel managed to rush for 931 yards and six touchdowns. He really earned his money in the playoffs as he rushed for 112 yards per game to go along with six touchdowns. Michel would score the game’s only touchdown as the Patriots took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams. Michel’s six rushing scores are the second-most all-time in a single playoff run, behind Hall of Famer Terrell Davis.
Another solid year of 912 yards and seven touchdowns to go along with a decent, yet, disappointing run in the playoffs solidified Michel in year two.
Several physical setbacks, including an injured quad, took Michel out of the lineup for seven games this past season which ultimately produced a career-low of 449 yards on the year.
We won’t hold his most recent year against him too much. Michel has been rock solid during his short time in the league, and expect him to bounce back in a big way this upcoming year.
Grade: B