Why a healthy former Alabama RB is set up to be steal for Patriots?

Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News/USA Today images

He was the final Alabama football prospect to be selected in the NFL Draft, but the team that took him may have chosen the steal of the draft if he can stay healthy.

Reuben Foster says this Alabama DB could play in his era

Jam Miller, a former Crimson Tide running back, suffered multiple injuries in 2025 – including a collarbone issue in preseason camp. He managed to play and total 504 rushing yards, 109 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 11 games. The native Texan had a better campaign in 2024 with 668 yards rushing, 155 yards receiving, and eight total scores that season.

He waited until day three to hear his name called in the seventh round to the New England Patriots.

Miller has the potential to be successful, but will he be the biggest steal of the draft?

Trent Richardson, an Alabama legend at running back, feels Miller fits perfectly in New England. The two-time BCS National Champion (2009, 2011) and 2011 Doak Walker Award winner explained on The Dynasty podcast about why Miller will be productive for the Patriots.

Did the Patriots land a steal with Alabama RB Jam Miller? Presented by Autumn Air Home Services. pic.twitter.com/4LOE79fOWY

— THE DYNASTY (@TheDynastyBAMA) April 30, 2026

“I think that is the perfect fit for him,” Richardson said of Miller in New England.

“Just having that system, it is a pro-style system. I think he’s a little faster than Damien [Harris] was, but I definitely think he has the vision. He was just hurt last year. So, when you get a guy healthy that is in a pro system, and I always say he should be in the I or single back or the pistol, you get him going downhill. That was when he was the most successful. When you get a guy like that, and he’s got pretty good hands too … But, my biggest thing for Jam is when you get to this pro system you have to be able to block for the quarterback too.”

WATCH: Alabama running back runs 4.4 40-yard dash at NFL Scouting Combine

Richardson acknowledged that Miller was the best blocking back in the room last year, nevertheless, he wants him to expound more on it.

He is now healthy, so maybe Miller could be a steal for the Patriots.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.