Sony Michel Drafted by Patriots: Predicting RB's Fantasy Value in New England

The New England Patriots selected former Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel at No. 31 in the first round of Thursday night's NFL draft, and the pick should have fantasy owners on high alert as the summer approaches. 

A four-year contributor for the Bulldogs, the 23-year-old racked up 3,613 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns between 2014 and 2017. His senior season, in particular, was a sight to behold, as he rushed 156 times for 1,227 yards and 16 scores. 

"He's my second[-ranked] back," an NFC executive told NFL.com's Tom Pelissero before the draft. "Michel's aggressive. He's downhill. He's got good vision. He's strong. He's got burst. He's explosive. Doesn't have elite long speed [4.54 in 40-yard dash at 5'11", 220 pounds], but he's pretty good."

CBS Sports' Danny Kanell and Fox Sports' Skip Bayless thought highly of the selection:  

Given his skill set, it won't be a shock to see Michel in the mix for featured role right away, considering New England's other backs are Rex Burkhead, James White and a couple of plodders in Jeremy Hill and Mike Gillislee. 

"

#Patriots updated Skill-Position Group

QB Tom Brady / Brian Hoyer
RB Sony Michel / Rex Burkhead / James White
WR Julian Edelman
WR Chris Hogan
WR Cord Patt/ J Matt / C Patt
TE Rob Gronkowski

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) April 27, 2018"

As NESN.com's Doug Kyed wrote, the Patriots' willingness to spend a first-round pick on Michel means "it definitely wouldn't be surprising" to see him as the lead back when Week 1 rolls around. 

That belief is bolstered by the fact that Michel isn't a typical early-down lead back. While he's plenty capable of gashing opponents for chunk gains between the tackles, Michel also packs serious potential as a pass-catcher and could be a legitimate three-down threat, as NFL.com's Bucky Brooks noted: 

For fantasy purposes, it's always tricky drafting Patriots running backs. 

Head coach Bill Belichick has long spread the wealth in lieu of riding a true workhorse, and his mercurial decision-making in that regard could make it difficult for owners to spend a high selection on Michel. 

But given his versatile skill set and the Patriots' high-scoring nature, it wouldn't be a stretch to value Michel as a low-end RB2 or high-end flex option with White and Burkhead locked into specialist niches.