When it comes to breakout seasons in the NFL, Rhamondre Stevenson is a name that cannot be ignored. This rising third-year running back has caught the attention of both fans and experts alike, including NBC Sports analyst Matthew Berry, who has high praise for him.
In his recent column titled "100 Facts You Need to Know Before You Draft," Berry dedicated fact Nos. 57-61 to Stevenson and the New England Patriots. Not only did Berry rank Stevenson as the 10th best running back in his preseason positional rankings, but he also highlighted some impressive numbers that showcase Stevenson's potential.
Fact No. 57 reveals that only four running backs last year had at least four games with 65 rushing yards and four receptions. The elite trio of Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs were mentioned alongside Stevenson, emphasizing the company he keeps. McCaffrey, known for his versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher, is widely regarded as one of the league's best backs. Barkley's recent contract extension with the Giants speaks volumes about his exceptional performance last season. Meanwhile, Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022. Stevenson is certainly in good company.
Fact No. 58 sheds light on Stevenson's growth as a receiver. With a target share of 17% last year, he ranked third highest among running backs. This indicates that he is a trusted and valuable weapon for his quarterback. Stevenson's impressive 69 receptions and 421 receiving yards on 88 targets last season demonstrate his ability to contribute in the passing game, a crucial skill for any modern running back.
Fact No. 59 further solidifies Stevenson's prominence on the field. He had 15+ touches in 14 out of 17 games last year, emphasizing his consistent involvement in the Patriots' offense. These numbers are likely to increase in 2023, considering the offseason moves made by the team to further utilize Stevenson's talents.
Fact No. 60 highlights the New England Patriots' success in generating PPR points per game from the running back position since 2017. Despite cycling through different running backs, the Patriots have remained consistently productive in fantasy football. From Dion Lewis to James White, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden, and now Stevenson, the team has found success in utilizing their running backs effectively.
Finally, Fact No. 61 reveals a crucial aspect of Stevenson's potential for fantasy football. With Damien Harris moving on to Buffalo, the Patriots' current running back room lacks experience. Pierre Strong, with only 10 career carries, and the smaller-statured J.J. Taylor, standing at 5-foot-6 and weighing 190 pounds, provide little competition for Stevenson. Ty Montgomery, known for his receiving abilities, further solidifies Stevenson's position as the team's RB1.
When it comes to fantasy football, it's still early to make draft decisions. However, it's clear that Rhamondre Stevenson has the potential to become one of the league's top running backs. His impressive numbers, combined with the Patriots' commitment to him as their lead back, make him an enticing choice for fantasy owners.
So, keep an eye on Rhamondre Stevenson. His breakout season may be just around the corner, and you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to have him on your fantasy football roster.
