AP Photo/Elise Amendola
Los Angeles Rams added running back Sony Michel to their backfield Wednesday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Michel was acquired by the Rams from the New England Patriots for two conditional draft picks in the late rounds.
Ian Rapoport, NFL Network's reporter, reported on the details of the compensation.
Cam Akers, the Rams' presumptive starting runningback, was injured in an Achilles tore and the Rams are currently without Darrell Henderson, who has a sprained thumb but it is not considered serious.
Michel was No. The 31st overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft from Georgia was Michel. He was largely the Pats No. 1, back in 2018 and 2019, but injuries changed his usage for 2020.
Michel led New England in 2018 with 931 yards and six touchdowns, despite missing three games because of injury. In 2019, he added 912 rushing yards to his total and seven touchdowns.
Michel's average yardage per carry went down from 4.5 yards as a rookie to 3.7 in his second year, which allowed Damien Harris, a 2019 third-rounder to assume a larger role in 2020.
Harris' rise was made possible by Michel's quad injury that left him unable to play seven games last season and his time on the COVID-19/reserve roster.
Michel was unable to make it, so Harris assumed a more secondary role and ran 691 yards. Harris averaged 5.0 yards per run.
Michel was replaced, but he still averaged 5.7 yards per run while running for 449 yards and one touchdown. He also scored his first career touchdown.
Given their similarity in passing ability, Michel and Harris were clear contenders for the roster bubble in 2021.
This was further highlighted by Rhamondre Stephenson, a 2021 fourth-round selection, leading all players with 193 yards of rushing in the preseason.
Michel may not have a landing spot in New England anymore, but L.A. could make a great spot.
Sean McVay, the head coach, may choose to keep Henderson as his starter if he is healthy. This is especially true after Henderson ran for 624 yards and five touchdowns last season, averaging 4.5 yards per run.
Michel is a better option than Henderson for pass-catching out of the backfield, with Henderson making 16 grabs last season for 159 yards and a touchdown.
Michel still has a major role. Jake Funk was No. The Rams selected Jake Funk with the No. The seventh round of 2021's NFL draft saw him selected as the 233th overall pick.
The expectation is that McVay will call the plays, and Matthew Stafford will take over as quarterback, so the Rams should have a highly-powered offense by 2021.
Michel excels in short-yardage situations, so this could be a lot of scoring opportunities.
Michel is a promising addition to L.A.'s roster, but fantasy players with Henderson may have to deal Michel vulturing touchdowns regularly.
