J.J. Taylor

Since joining the team as a UDFA out of Arizona in 2020, Taylor has managed to carve out a depth role in New England's backfield, though last season he logged just 19 carries and four catches in the five games in which he suited up while working behind Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden. Though Bolden has moved on, veteran change-of-pace back James White is poised to return from an injury that limited him to three games in 2021, and New England doubled down in the 2022 Draft by taking Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. In such a crowded running back room, Taylor will have to compete for complementary work this summer, and unless personnel moves or injuries thin the ranks he's no lock to secure a roster spot.

With Sony Michel no longer in the mix, the 5-foot-6, 185-pound Taylor appears poised to stick as a shifty change-of-pace option behind top back Damien Harris. With pass-catching stalwart James White, power back Rhamondre Stevenson and special-teams ace Brandon Bolden also in the mix, Taylor doesn't have a path to steady volume, but the Arizona product has flashed playmaking ability when given touches and could emerge as a fantasy factor as the season progresses when injuries hit New England's backfield, or when game scripts favor his style of running.

Listed at 5-foot-5, 185 pounds, Taylor will compete for a depth change-of-pace role in the Patriots' backfield. Given the team's current running back options, however, the practice squad looks like a potential destination for the Arizona product, whose college resume includes kick-return experience.