Patriots' roster sleeper could already have one Day 3 draft pick in trouble

"The Patriots made five draft picks after the start of the sixth round. Mike Vrabel and company could soon face some tough roster decisions with returning veterans, late-round draft picks, and undrafted rookies all set to compete for spots around the edges of the 53-man roster."

"One of the team's fiercest position battles could come at No. 3 running back. The Patriots used a seventh-round pick, No. 245 overall, on Alabama's Jam Miller, and as expected, hype and fanfare quickly followed. On paper, he projects as an ideal candidate to help solve some of the team's short-yardage and goal-line struggles with his bowling-ball-like style of play."

""While Miller may be the front-runner for the third (and likely final) running back spot, it's not a given," Graff wrote. "Terrell Jennings was solid last season and has familiarity with this coaching staff. Lan Larison was an intriguing undrafted option a year ago before he suffered a season-ending broken foot during the preseason. One of those three will likely earn the last spot on the Patriots roster.""

"Given their kick return woes last season, special teams could ultimately be the deciding factor on whether Miller makes the initial 53, or if the Patriots attempt to stash him on the practice squad. Through that lens, Larison could be Miller's biggest threat as New England's offseason picks up steam."

The Patriots began Day 1 of rookie minicamp with multiple late offseason additions competing for roster roles. Five draft picks were made after the start of the sixth round, creating pressure for roster decisions among returning veterans, late-round selections, and undrafted rookies. A key battle is at No. 3 running back, where Jam Miller was selected in the seventh round and is viewed as a fit for short-yardage and goal-line needs. Miller is not guaranteed a roster spot, since Terrell Jennings has prior production and familiarity with the coaching staff, and Lan Larison has shown potential after an earlier injury. Special teams performance could decide whether Miller makes the 53-man roster or is placed on the practice squad.

Read at Musket Fire