Latest news with #RhamondreStevenson
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rhamondre Stevenson's Make-or-Break Season With Rookie Waiting in Wings
Rhamondre Stevenson's Make-or-Break Season With Rookie Waiting in Wings originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New England Patriots shocked fans by drafting Ohio State's dynamic running back TreVeyon Henderson in the 2025 NFL Draft's second round, despite Rhamondre Stevenson's $36 million extension. This bold move sparks fierce backfield competition, setting up a make-or-break season. The Athletic's Chad Graff pinpointed Stevenson's four-year, $36 million contract as a 2025 focal point. 'The Patriots don't really have an obvious contract problem,' Graff wrote, 'but Stevenson's extension already looks foolish after his struggles.' Henderson's arrival gives New England flexibility if Stevenson falters again. Last season, Stevenson led with an okay 801 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. However, his six fumbles, three causing turnovers, exposed a critical flaw. Advertisement New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Gillette Stadium. New head coach Mike Vrabel, known for his tough mindset, backs Stevenson. 'We're extremely excited to have him with us,' Vrabel told reporters in May, stressing his offensive role. Yet, Henderson's speed looms large. Henderson, a 2024 national champion, posted 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns at Ohio State, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. His 4.43-second 40-yard dash and pass-catching ability could redefine the backfield. Stevenson holds the top spot, but it's fragile. The Patriots' draft strategy reflects their best-player-available philosophy, prioritizing talent over immediate need. Henderson's explosiveness adds pressure on Stevenson to sharpen his ball security and reclaim dominance. Training camp will be pivotal. Will Stevenson cement his role as the lead back, or will Henderson's electrifying talent steal the spotlight? The 2025 season will decide Stevenson's future in New England. Related: More from Patriot Country: This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Drake Maye recreates signature play with help of teammate riding a jet ski
Remember that time Drake Maye threw a miracle touchdown to Rhamondre Stevenson under pressure in the closing seconds against the Tennessee Titans? The New England Patriots teammates sure do. They just recreated the play on the water – and a jet ski was involved. Advertisement The Patriots Instagram account shared a video that compared the signature play of Maye's rookie season to the teammates' watery recreation. It showed Maye throwing from a small platform while falling backwards into the water. He completed the pass to Stevenson, who caught the ball while riding a jet ski. You can check out the video here. The clip is an apparent recreating of the touchdown Maye threw in the closing seconds of regulation against the Titans last season. That would be the play where Maye ran around in a frenzy in the backfield, evading defenders before heaving a desperation pass that was caught by Stevenson in the endzone. You can watch that play here. It was the most memorable play of Maye's rookie season and wound up sending the game into overtime. However, the Titans would end up winning that game on a field goal. Advertisement While the Patriots are on break until training camp later this month, Maye and his teammates have been spotted on a throwing retreat recently. Photos posted Tuesday to social media showed Maye and backup quarterback Josh Dobbs throwing a number of receivers, including. Stefon Diggs, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Ja'Lynn Polk. Stevenson and tight end Hunter Henry were also spotted among the group. More Patriots Content Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson landed in NFL.com's RB rankings
analyst and former Jacksonville Jaguars All-Pro running back Maurice Jones-Drew ranked each of the starting running backs heading into the 2025 season. New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson came in at 18th overall in the rankings, following one of the more disappointing seasons in his NFL career. Advertisement Stevenson recorded 207 carries for 801 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry with seven fumbles. The Oklahoma product has shown that he can be a top back, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2022. Here's what Jones-Drew had to say about Stevenson. "Stevenson is now two seasons removed from his 1,000-yard rushing campaign and faces immense pressure as the lead back with second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson joining New England's backfield. The rookie will see a fair amount of touches, but I do believe the Stevenson will get the bulk of the carries -- at least this season -- as he is set up to rebound in 2025 with the Patriots bulking up their offensive line with proven veterans and No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell." The pressure from Henderson contending for reps, along with the offensive line improvements, should be enough to bring out the best in Stevenson. Advertisement A reliable workhorse back combined with a speedy and elusive home run threat, like Henderson, would add a powerful one-two punch dimension to the Patriots' offense. It could be exactly what the unit needs to finally get back on track. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Where Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson landed in RB rankings
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson Considered Most Overpaid Player at His Position
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson Considered Most Overpaid Player at His Position originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Big changes were made over at Foxborough in the offseason. The New England Patriots fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and replaced him with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. On top of that, no team spent more than the Patriots in free agency in an attempt to improve upon their 4-13 record in 2024. Advertisement Per Spotrac, the Patriots spent $360 million in total contract value in free agency, $95 million more than the next closest team. Like all contracts in the NFL, some of those handed out will hit and prove to be successful, while others will likely not live up to their production. Something the Patriots know a little about in recent memory. According to Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, one particular Patriots player should be considered the most overpaid player at his position. In an article titled 'The NFL's Most Overpaid Player at Every Position', Davenport lists off players who have been given big-money contracts but haven't lived up to those expectations before arriving at Patriots' running back Rhamondre Stevenson, naming him the most overpaid player at the position. 'It's not easy to make big bucks in the backfield in today's NFL. There are only seven running backs in the league with an average annual salary of $10 million or more—and those backs all have resumes with multiple seasons of high-end production.' Davenport writes. New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) hands off the ball to running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38).David Butler II-Imagn Images Stevenson earned a four-year, $36 million extension a year ago after rushing for 2265 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first three seasons in the NFL, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. However, Davenport isn't impressed. Advertisement 'Yes, the 27-year-old topped 1,000 yards on the ground for the Patriots in 2022, carrying the ball 210 times for 1,040 yards and five scores,' He added. 'But in 2023 (before getting his payday), he missed five games and saw his yards per carry drop by a full yard.' The concerns are fair. Stevenson averaged 5.0 yards per carry in 2022 but dropped down to 4.0 yards per carry in 2023, as well as missing five games due to injury. In 2024, Stevenson lost his starting job because of fumbling issues. 'Things got that much worse for the Oklahoma product last year. He missed time again. He averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. His 431 yards after contact ranked outside the top 20 at the position. He also fumbled seven times, the most of any NFL running back.' The Patriots drafted Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and if Stevenson continues to struggle, he could find his role reduced even further. Related: Mega Trade Idea Lands Patriots Superstar Edge Rusher This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots Rookie TreVeyon Henderson Garnering Huge Praise From Analysts
Patriots Rookie TreVeyon Henderson Garnering Huge Praise From Analysts originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Buckle up, New England Patriots fans, here comes TreVeyon Henderson. New England's second-round pick is poised to ignite the 2025 NFL season. Snagged 38th overall from Ohio State, his blistering speed and versatility have analysts buzzing with excitement. Will this fleet-footed rookie resurrect a Patriots offense that's been stuck in a ditch? Advertisement Henderson's college stats are electrifying. He racked up 1,016 rushing yards in 2024, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and hauled in 27 receptions for 284 yards. His five playoff touchdowns, including two against Oregon, prove he's a clutch performer. His pass protection is indeed a rare gem. The Athletic calls him a 'rock,' critical for shielding young quarterback Drake Maye. At 5-foot-10, 202 pounds, with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) walks to the practice fields at Gillette Canha-Imagn Images New England's backfield is stacked with Rhamondre Stevenson, signed for $36 million, and Antonio Gibson. Henderson's zero fumbles in 667 college touches scream reliability. He'll need to dominate training camp to carve out a significant role. Advertisement Mike Vrabel, a run-game savant, likely sees Henderson as the antidote to an offense that ranked 30th in scoring in 2024. His 66-yard touchdown scamper in 2024 showcases explosive flair. Yet, missing eight college games raises serious durability concerns. Henderson's speed could stretch defenses thin, creating opportunities for Stevenson and Maye. His quick cuts and receiving prowess make him a matchup nightmare for lumbering linebackers. If he stays healthy and masters NFL blitzes, he might redefine New England's attack. Critics argue his injury history makes him a risky bet, but his upside is undeniable. The 2025 season will unmask whether he's a superstar or a fleeting spark. Related: Patriots Rookie Drawing Serious Interest From CFL This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
