Georgia Rookies Fit, Concerns and Predictions: Offense
Sony Michel
Pick: Round 1, Pick 31
Team: New England Patriots
Fit:
Perhaps the fastest rising of all the Georgia players, Sony Michel grabbed the spotlight on Georgia’s offense during his junior and senior seasons.
A crowded backfield limited his opportunities his freshman year. Each year afterward Michel had over 150 rushes in Georgia’s run-heavy offense. During his senior season, Michel rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns. He played the perfect compliment to Nick Chubb, but could dominate the running game on his own.
He is a good blocker that can chip for offensive tackles and hold off bigger defenders shortly if they break through the offensive line. Because of the question marks along the Patriots’ offensive line, he will be an asset to blocking schemes.
His speed deceives defenses into believing he isn’t a power back–don’t be fooled. Michel powers through arm tackles and is bigger than he appears.
He has a high football IQ which Bill Belichick will love. He often makes the most of any run without costing his team yards by trying to be superman. He was also a captain at Georgia for two years. He leads by action and will leave the call outs to Belichick and Brady.
The Patriots were looking for another back to join their tandem after letting Deion Lewis sign with the Tennessee Titans during the offseason.
New England takes a run-by-committee approach, often running 3-backs deep. If their method holds true for next season, Michel will have fresh legs by the end of the season. He will have a specific role on the offense to help him acclimate to the game while preserving his energy for potential playoffs.
Concerns:
Because of his size and speed similarities to Alvin Kamara, Michel jumped up several draft boards to make it to the first round. They have similar builds and in theory, Michel could be for Tom Brady what Kamara was for Drew Brees.
Fans should temper expectations for Michel. He’s not the receiver Kamara is. Kamara took short passes from Brees and turned them into a huge gain. He has an easier time pulling the ball in and running after the catch.
Georgia quarterbacks seldom threw in Michel’s direction. When they did, Michel was an adequate receiver, but nothing special.
With defenses studying tape on Kamara, they will be more prepared for the skill set Michel brings. The pressure of comparisons to 2017 rookie of the year could cause confidence problems if Michel struggles early on.
Several teams also knocked Michel down their draft boards for knee problems. How well his knee holds up will determine how much he plays.
Prediction:
Michel will have a good rookie season, but may not post the statistics some fans and scouts expect.
Sharing the backfield will reduce his opportunities, particularly as a receiver and in short yardage situations thanks to James White and Jeremy Hill.
He may accrue around 800 rushing yards with limited red zone chances, but his workload will pick up as the season wanes down.
On another team, Michel may post more flashy numbers. But this is New England where the star is Brady and everyone else is second fiddle.