On Saturday, the New England Patriots traded up from the 32nd overall pick to the 15th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. This trade landed the Pats a back-to-back Pro Bowler in Sony Michel and the highly touted Georgia product, linebacker, Roquan Smith. While the Patriots’ front office has been historically stingy about trading up for picks, the organization is very excited about both Michel and Smith.
After the NFL draft, the New England Patriots traded up to draft running back Sony Michel out of Georgia. The Pats traded their number two overall pick (which they owned) to the Cleveland Browns for the Browns’ first-round pick (No. 33) and a third-round pick. The Pats then traded Michel and a fourth-round pick to the New England Patriots for their first-round pick (No. 31) and a second-round pick. The Pats then gave up a third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns. So, essentially, the Patriots traded their two first round picks from last year, plus a third-round pick, plus a second-round pick, plus a fourth-round pick for a running back who has a
It has been four years since the Atlanta Falcons traded up in the NFL Draft to select tight end Tony Gonzalez in the first round, sending up to then-Falcons’ head coach Mike Smith the question of whether the team would ever draft another tight end.
Sony Michel is reuniting with the squad he assisted in defeating on the big stage. Michel scored the game’s only touchdown as the New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl 53, the lowest-scoring Super Bowl history.
Michel ran for 94 yards and a score on 18 attempts. The Patriots traded the running back to the Rams earlier this week, causing Rams defensive standout Aaron Donald to have some unpleasant memories.
When the Patriots traded Michel, he was taken aback.
On January 3, 2021, in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Sony Michel of the New England Patriots makes a long gain in the snow against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. | Getty Images/Al Pereira
Michel never quite lived up to expectations with the Patriots. In the 2018 NFL Draft, New England chose him as the first overall selection. Michel’s first two years with the club were good, but not outstanding. With a knee injury in his first season, he missed all of camp and the season opener. He ran for 931 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games.
In his second season, Michel started all 16 games but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry. He rushed for 912 yards and seven touchdowns, a career best. Michel was limited to nine games and 449 yards on the ground due to injuries. Michel became disposable as a result of his injuries and the rise of Damien Harris.
Michel was shocked by the trade, despite his lackluster statistics for a first-round selection and the fact that he was one of six running backs competing for playing time in New England.
According to ESPN, Michel stated, “I was shocked.” “I imagine that most individuals are shocked when they are traded.
“The last two days have sort of simply been a dramatic shift, to use football lingo. It’s as if something unexpected occurs, and all you have to do is prepare to act. There isn’t much time to spend. It’s simply a matter of getting up, getting ready to go, and getting accustomed to the new adjustment.”
Sony As Aaron Donald chooses to stay quiet on the issue, Michel joins the team he defeated in the Super Bowl.
In Super Bowl 53, which was one of the most dreadful offensive performances in NFL history, there weren’t many offensive stars. One of the shining lights was Michel. With seven minutes left, his 2-yard touchdown run broke a 3-3 tie and helped New England take a 10-3 lead. He rushed for 94 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry.
The offensive standout was Julian Edelman, who caught 10 passes for 141 yards. Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was voted the game’s MVP.
On offensively, there was little to rejoice about for the Rams. In the opening 53 minutes of the game, they kept Tom Brady without a touchdown. They were unable to capitalize offensively.
Brandin Cooks was the only player to have a strong game, catching eight receptions for 120 yards. Jared Goff, the quarterback, completed just 50% of his passes for 229 yards and an interception.
For many in Los Angeles, Michel’s deal brought up memories — or more accurately, nightmares — of the game. Aaron Donald, the Rams’ star defensive lineman, was asked what he recalled most about his new partner from the Super Bowl.
“I don’t want to speak about it,” Donald replied, smirking.
Cam Akers, the Rams’ rookie running back, suffered a torn Achilles tendon in practice and will miss the rest of the season. Darrell Henderson, who is expected to take over as the starter in place of Akers, has been dealing with a sprained thumb. By obtaining Michel, the Rams were able to fill a void.
Rams coach Sean McVay stated, “It was a chance to get a very talented guy who has had a lot of success.” “We feel good about the running back position, but given the unpredictability of what Darrell has gone through, even just in camp, we wanted to make sure you have someone else who has played in important games.”
Michel will be ready to play on opening day, according to McVay.
“From everything I’ve heard about Sony and the way he’s wired intellectually and the way he conducts himself, I expect him to be a fast study,” McVay said. “The objective is to get him ready to play on the 12th and be a major contributor.”
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