The New England Patriots are reportedly set to host Dylan Sampson, a standout running back from the University of Tennessee, for a crucial top-30 visit. Sampson's impressive collegiate career includes 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in the last season alone, earning him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year title. Despite Rhamondre Stevenson being the Patriots' primary back, Sampson's explosive style could complement the roster, especially in a draft class rich with running back talent.

The 2025 NFL offseason has not generated as much buzz for running backs as 2024. However, clarity has emerged regarding team strategies, with several players stepping into starting roles while others are relegated to backups. With a promising draft class on the horizon, teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders may fortify their backfields, potentially selecting multiple running backs in the first round.

This offseason has prompted a reassessment of running back power rankings. While the elite players remain stable, shifts occur further down the list as teams prepare for the upcoming season. For instance, Tyrone Tracy Jr. of the New York Giants and Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars are both looking to solidify their positions in 2025.

The AFC East showed a lackluster performance in the 2024 NFL season, with only the Buffalo Bills securing a playoff spot, while the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets struggled significantly. The Bills fell short in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving them with room for improvement heading into the next season. In contrast, the Dolphins and Jets faced coaching changes after disappointing seasons. As the teams regroup, key players on these struggling squads could become valuable assets for fantasy managers looking ahead to 2025.

Drake Maye, the Patriots quarterback, emerged as a serviceable fantasy option despite a lack of support from his teammates. His accuracy and potential rushing ability make him a valuable buy in dynasty leagues. Keon Coleman of the Bills showcased promise in his rookie season, and if he can recover from injury, he could become a top target for quarterback Josh Allen. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson is another player to watch, as he has the potential for a bounce-back season with a new coaching regime. Similarly, wide receiver Malik Washington from the Dolphins, while initially unremarkable, could find opportunities in a changing offense.

The 2024 NFL season has seen a significant drop in the perceived value of several key players, causing concern among Dynasty fantasy managers. Injuries, poor coaching, and underwhelming performances have led to some players becoming trade targets as their stocks tumble. Isiah Pacheco's promising start was cut short by injury, while Travis Etienne's role is threatened by backups. Kenneth Walker III's health issues have compounded, and his team's offensive line struggles have hurt his value. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn't lived up to expectations, and Jaylen Waddle's inconsistent performance has raised red flags. Tua Tagovailoa's ongoing injury problems and Dak Prescott's decline further add to the list of players whose values have taken a hit.

In contrast, some players, like Rhamondre Stevenson, remain intriguing as buy targets if managers can look past the offensive line issues and coaching troubles. D.J. Moore's potential under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron offers a glimmer of hope, but managers need to be cautious given the team's struggles. Meanwhile, Sam LaPorta's impressive rookie campaign raises questions about his decreased usage this season, and the emergence of other players may affect his long-term value.

The New England Patriots are actively seeking to bolster their offensive capabilities this offseason, particularly at the running back position. After a disappointing year in 2024, Rhamondre Stevenson’s performance has raised concerns, and reports suggest the team may pursue Dallas Cowboys' Rico Dowdle as a potential fit. Dowdle, who had a breakout season with over 1,000 rushing yards, is seen as a viable candidate due to his ability to run effectively between the tackles and maintain ball security—an area where Stevenson struggled last season.

Despite Dowdle's promising stats, including his dual-threat capabilities with both rushing and receiving yards, his status as a one-season wonder raises questions about the long-term viability of such a signing. The Patriots have the financial flexibility to make a move, but they must tread carefully when considering a contract for a player who has only recently shown significant production.