Pierre Strong Trade: Who is Patriots' No. 3 RB?

FOXBORO — Just a little over a year since being selected in the fourth round (No. 127 overall) by the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pierre Strong era in Foxboro has come to an end. 

Despite the potential to be a significant contributor in their backfield, Strong was traded to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in exchange for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. — ultimately deemed expendable in the face of a glaring need for depth along a struggling offensive line. 

Though Strong was not expected to challenge either Rhamondre Stevenson or Ezekiel Elliott for the top two spots on the depth chart, he was considered a discernable option as the team's third rusher. 

In the wake of Strong's departure, here are New England's top three choices to help bolster their corps of running backs. 

Ty Montgomery

During his usage during New England's offseason workout program, Montgomery appeared to be settling into a notable role on third-down, as well as a backfield receiver. He was also the logical choice as their third Z-receiver option [off the line of scrimmage] on select packages. Unfortunately, Montgomery suffered an undisclosed injury early in training camp, which kept him out of action for much of the preseason. Since that time, he has engaged only limited action in a pair of recent camp practices. Still, Montgomery has the skill set to play a prominent role in the Pats offense, as well as special teams when healthy. Should he be ready for Week 1, Montgomery should be the Pats' solution to their depth questions at running back. 

Kevin Harris

Though he performed well early in training camp, Harris' production has recently cooled a bit. However, he has shown an ability to contribute on early downs, as well as on goal-line stands. Despite spending the first five weeks of the 2022 season on the practice squad, Harris still saw action in five regular-season games. The South Carolina product compiled 52 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown in his rookie campaign in 2022. Measuring in at 5-10, 221 pounds, Harris is the type of straightforward power runner that can provide some short-yardage production. The Pats rookie is a reliable back with the talent to quickly develop into a solid rotational option in the Patriots backfield. 

J.J. Taylor

Just when you thought he was out, the Pats may, indeed, pull Taylor back in. Since joining the Pats in 2020 as an undrafted rookie out of Arizona, Taylor has appeared in 12 career games for New England 156 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 52 carries. Taylor was a quite effective between-the-tackles runner for the Patriots, and also contributed as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Taylor is also capable of making things happen on early downs. When he is at his best, the former Arizona Wildcat has the shiftiness and the skill set to be a solid ‘change-of-pace’ back. With Strong now in Cleveland, Taylor's similar skill set and speed may finally earn him the roster spot which has typically eluded him in previous years.