Dynasty Player Profile: Rhamondre Stevenson (2022 Fantasy Football)

2021 Production

Career Contextualization

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE) was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after two college seasons at Oklahoma. After spending two years playing at the junior college level at Cerritos College, Stevenson transferred to Oklahoma.

Stevenson immediately grabbed the attention of the Patriots coaching staff during the team’s first preseason game by accumulating 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.

Alas, his impressive exhibition game performances would not carry over to start the regular season, with Stevenson used sparingly. He fumbled in Week 1 and was subsequently a healthy scratch until Week 5.

It wasn’t until Week 9 that Stevenson saw a meaningful role in the New England offense, as the bruiser back compiled more than 100 yards from scrimmage. He followed that up with another 100-yard-plus outing on 24 touches in spot-start duties due to a Damien Harris (RB – NE) concussion.

And from that point on, Stevenson (93) and Harris (86) split touches nearly 50/50 in the team’s remaining seven games.

All in all, Stevenson experienced a very successful rookie season that dynasty managers should not overlook. After entirely escaping the Bill Belichick doghouse in Week 9, Stevenson earned top grades across the board.

He was PFF’s third-highest-graded running back (84.2). Stevenson also ranked 13th in rushing yards and yards per route run (1.41). For fantasy, the rookie running back was the RB25 in total points scored, eight spots behind his backfield teammate Harris.

Current Situation

Stevenson is currently entrenched as the 1B runner behind Damien Harris on the Patriots depth chart. James White (RB – NE) and J.J. Taylor (RB – NE) are returning to the roster, but they figure to only work in clear passing situations.

General Prediction for 2022 and Rest of Career

Stevenson proved he could serve as more than Harris’ straight backup in 2021, so I would anticipate he has a weekly defined role on offense. The coaches split touches between the two backs down the second half of last season, which vaulted Stevenson into fantasy RB3 territory.

It will be frustrating at times to roster Stevenson, but his clear upside as a three-down back should Harris miss any games is highly enticing. And it’s important to note that Harris will become a free agent in 2023, opening the opportunity for Stevenson to capture the true fantasy RB1 role.

Stevenson has a high ceiling, especially if you ask former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich. The ESPN analyst said that Stevenson “… will be one of the better, if not one of the top three, running backs in the league based on what I saw with his strength, explosion, and catch-and-run ability.”

It’s incredibly high praise from a player who has close ties to the organization and coaching staff. Dynasty fantasy managers would be wise to take notice.

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