What Patriots Year Two Leap Signals No. 3 RB Battle?

Patriots Year Two Leap and No 3 Running Back Battle at Training Camp captures a pivotal summer.
The Patriots enter 2026 with young talent ready to test the limits.
This analysis hunts for the biggest year-two leaps.
We examine usage, scheming, coaching trust, and measurable growth.
Because development often hides in practice reps and special teams work, we look there too.
Moreover, film study and metrics help separate flashes from sustainable progress.
Meanwhile, the No 3 running back job is a fierce summer fight.
Contenders include Jam Miller, undrafted Myles Montgomery, Lan Larison, and Terrell Jennings.
Reggie Gilliam, Rhamondre Stevenson, and TreVeyon Henderson hold roster locks, but depth matters.
Because the Patriots rarely carry four backs, competition matters more than ever.
Therefore, special teams value and pass-catching chops could decide the final roster spot.
Read on to see which second-year players could surge and who might win the No 3 job.

Patriots Year Two Leap and No. 3 Running Back Battle at Training Camp: The No. 3 RB Race
The No. 3 running back job shapes into one of the Patriots’ fiercest training camp battles. Because Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are locked in, the third spot carries outsized importance. Moreover, the Patriots usually do not keep four backs. Therefore, special teams, pass-catching, and roster versatility will prove decisive.
Jam Miller — Prototype third down option and special teams ace
Jam Miller mixes size, speed, and catching chops. He measures roughly 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, which fits the third-down back mold. Scouts see upside on special teams, and Dane Brugler wrote that “scouts are bullish about his potential on special teams.” In addition, Phil Perry noted Miller’s experience.
- Strengths: reliable hands out of the backfield, strong contact balance, and quick burst in short spaces
- Special teams resume: over 300 snaps in 2022 and 2023, which gives him an edge on kickoff and punt units
- Measurables: clocked a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, which helps on coverage and gap shooting
- Track record: 40 catches across four college seasons at Alabama; trusted in passing-down reps
- Why he matters: because he blends offensive upside with clear special teams value, he may lead the pack
Myles Montgomery — Undrafted grinder with upside
Myles Montgomery plays with urgency and fierce pursuit. He lacks pedigree, but he compensates with tackle-breaking and pass protection skills. Therefore, coaches may favor him for early-down duty in rotation.
- Strengths: physical runner between the tackles and sound blocking technique
- Special teams: willing and coached for coverage roles
- Track record: productive in college tape with flashes of home-run ability
- Why he matters: in a tight roster decision, reliability in pass protection could swing votes
Lan Larison — Power back with situational value
Lan Larison brings downhill running and short-yardage chops. He fits goal-line packages and third-and-short schemes. Moreover, his size and leg drive translate well to run-heavy snaps.
- Strengths: short-yardage convert, gap creation, and red-zone usage
- Special teams: developmental but coachable for return and coverage duties
- Track record: consistent volume in college, effective in contact-heavy zones
- Why he matters: when the Patriots need a bruiser, Larison offers clear situational value
Terrell Jennings — Versatile pass-catching option
Terrell Jennings projects as a change-of-pace receiving back. He shows route awareness and soft hands. However, he must prove himself on special teams to leap the others.
- Strengths: route discipline, YAC after receptions, and zone-read feel
- Special teams: limited resume, so opportunity matters
- Track record: productive on screens and passing downs in college systems
- Why he matters: as a mismatch weapon, he can create matchup problems for linebackers
Because the Patriots kept three backs on last year’s initial roster, this battle will come down to clear-cut special teams value and positional versatility. As a result, Miller enters camp with the inside track. However, each contender offers a different path to the roster, so training camp reps will tell the story.
Patriots Year Two Leap and No. 3 Running Back Battle at Training Camp: Quick-Compare Table
| Player | College Experience | Height | Weight | Special Teams Snaps | 40-yard dash | Expert Scout Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jam Miller | Alabama; four college seasons; 40 career catches | 5-foot-10 | ~210 lb | 300+ snaps in 2022 and 2023 | 4.42 s | Scouts bullish on special teams value; Phil Perry and Dane Brugler noted his kick-coverage upside |
| Myles Montgomery | Undrafted; college not specified here | Unspecified | Unspecified | Limited public data; expected to compete on coverage units | Unspecified | Grinder profile; strong early-down running and pass-pro potential |
| Lan Larison | College not specified in notes | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified | Power, short-yardage skill set; situational value in goal-line packages |
| Terrell Jennings | College not specified in notes | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified | Versatile receiving back; must show special teams value to stick |
Notes: The Patriots generally carry three backs. Therefore, special teams and pass-catching will likely decide the No 3 job.
Patriots Year Two Leap and No. 3 Running Back Battle at Training Camp: Other Year-Two Leap Candidates
Year-two growth rarely limits itself to one position. Therefore, this section highlights non-running back players who could jump in 2026. Moreover, we focus on traits that predict real leaps. Those traits include increased route polish, stronger technique, trust from coaches, and special teams impact.
Wide Receivers — breakout via timing and route nuance
- Why they can leap: receivers often improve dramatically with a full NFL offseason. As a result, cleaner route running and better timing with the quarterback create immediate gains.
- What to watch: separation at the top of the route, contested-catch ability, and third-down reliability.
- Projection summary: a second-year receiver who adds subtle route concepts and improves body control could carve a larger role on third downs and in two-receiver sets.
Tight Ends — increased blocking and route tree expansion
- Why they can leap: tight ends gain value when they add consistent blocking. Additionally, better route discipline expands their target share.
- What to watch: run-block technique, blitz pickup, and seam-route timing.
- Projection summary: a tight end who improves in-line play and catches contested passes will earn more snaps in fast-paced drives.
Offensive Line — technique refinement and consistency
- Why they can leap: linemen often make year-two jumps through technique fixes. Moreover, strength gains and fewer penalties matter.
- What to watch: hand placement, footwork, and assignment soundness in pass sets.
- Projection summary: a young lineman who cleanly sustains blocks will help the run game and protect the quarterback more often.
Defensive Backs — instincts and coverage polish
- Why they can leap: young defensive backs gain from improved recognition. Therefore, quicker reads and tighter hips reduce big plays.
- What to watch: backpedal speed, tackling in space, and route recognition.
- Projection summary: a corner or safety who sharpens instincts can move from special teams to a regular coverage role.
Linebackers and Special Teams — versatility wins roster spots
- Why they can leap: linebackers who add coverage chops increase snap counts. Meanwhile, players who excel on special teams often secure spots.
- What to watch: drop coverage competency and special teams snaps in camp.
- Projection summary: a versatile linebacker or special-teams ace can transition from depth piece to situational starter.
In short, Patriots Year Two Leap and No. 3 Running Back Battle at Training Camp will matter across the roster. Coaches reward reliability, versatility, and special teams impact. Therefore, watch players who show clear technical growth early in camp.
Conclusion
The Patriots Year Two Leap and No. 3 Running Back Battle at Training Camp will shape roster depth and roles. Because the No. 3 job sits behind Stevenson and Henderson, it matters far beyond snaps. Jam Miller has the inside track thanks to special teams work and receiving chops. However, Myles Montgomery, Lan Larison, and Terrell Jennings each offer clear paths to earn a spot.
Training camp will reveal who grows and who stalls. Therefore, special teams value, pass protection, and catching ability will likely decide the final cut. Moreover, coaches reward reliability and versatility when they shape the initial 53-man roster. As a result, look for players who flash consistency on day one.
For ongoing coverage and deeper film breakdowns, follow Patriots Report LLC. Visit Patriots Report for articles and updates. Also follow the team beat on Twitter at Zach Gatsby for rapid camp notes and insights. Stay tuned for regular updates as camp unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How will Patriots Year Two Leap and No. 3 Running Back Battle at Training Camp affect roster decisions?
The No. 3 running back fight will influence depth and special teams assignments. Because Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are established, that third spot matters more. Coaches will reward players who contribute on coverage and return units. Therefore, the battle could decide who makes the initial 53-man roster.
Who are the leading contenders in the No. 3 running back battle?
Jam Miller, Myles Montgomery, Lan Larison, and Terrell Jennings headline the group. Miller stands out for pass-catching and special teams snaps. Dane Brugler noted scouts are bullish on his special teams upside. Phil Perry also highlighted Miller’s 300-plus special teams snaps and 4.42 40-yard dash, which matter in roster fights.
What traits will separate a winner in the No. 3 running back battle?
Special teams value, pass protection, and receiving ability top the list. Moreover, reliable hands on third down will increase a candidate’s chances. Coaches prioritize versatility when roster space shrinks. As a result, a multi-use back will likely carry the day.
Which non-running back players could make a Patriots Year Two Leap?
Watch receivers, tight ends, young offensive linemen, and defensive backs closely. Receivers often improve timing and route nuance in year two. Tight ends can add blocking and seam awareness, which raises target share. Meanwhile, linemen usually refine technique and reduce penalties, boosting snap counts.
When should fans tune in for the first public look at these contests?
The Patriots open a public training camp session on July 25, 2026. That practice will offer the first extended evaluation of reps and roles. Therefore, fans who watch early camp reps can spot momentum shifts. In short, early special teams drills and third-down reps will reveal breakout trends.
For ongoing camp notes and deeper analysis, follow this series and check back as reps unfold.