The New England Patriots selected Georgia RB Sony Michel with the 31st overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft Thursday, April 26.

Footballguys View: The Patriots haven’t drafted a first round running back since Laurence Maroney, but they got a good one here. Michel is a decisive runner who has good burst, vision and runs hard. He’s also solid in pass protection which will help with a shaky offensive line and keep him on the field for all three downs. He doesn’t make very sharp cuts, and needs to improve his overall pass-catching ability, but should have a role early for the Patriots.