Jam Miller didn't get here by being flashy. A seventh-round pick in a league that chews through running backs like gum, he's had to earn every snap. Thursday's preseason opener against Indianapolis gave the young back a chance to stake his claim for the Patriots' third running back role, and based on early returns, he's making a real case for meaningful snaps this season.
The Patriots have Rhamondre Stevenson locked in as the primary back and TreVeyon Henderson as the complementary piece. That leaves the RB3 role—a spot that matters more than casual fans realize. In Mike Vrabel's scheme, that third back needs to be reliable in pass protection, capable of catching checkdowns out of the backfield, and ready to spell the starters when the game gets physical in the fourth quarter. It's not glamorous, but it's essential to offensive efficiency. Miller's performance against the Colts suggests he understands the assignment.
What makes Miller interesting is the simplicity of his job description. He doesn't need to be Stevenson or Henderson. He just needs to be dependable. Vrabel has never been a head coach who overwrought the running back room with exotic blocking schemes or complex assignments. He wants guys who know their lane and execute it. A seventh-rounder who shows up, takes his lumps in practice, and produces on Thursday nights? That's valuable organizational value in a 53-man roster crunch.
The Patriots have depth behind Miller—Deneric Prince, Elijah Mitchell, and others on the roster could fill the role. But the preseason is where unproven commodities either validate the organization's evaluation or raise questions. If Miller's performance holds up through the August slate, he's looking at a real roster spot. The Patriots have built a competitive roster under Vrabel and Eliot Wolf. Finding contributors at the margins, like a capable third running back, separates contenders from pretenders.
Based on reporting from Pats Pulpit.