The New England Patriots have been making waves this offseason, not only with high-profile acquisitions like Stefon Diggs and a revamped coaching staff under Mike Vrabel, but also with under-the-radar talents emerging during organized team activities (OTAs). One such player is rookie running back Lan Larison, who has been turning heads with a unique skill that could make him a hidden gem—or, as some are calling him, a “monster”—in the Patriots’ backfield.
A Rising Star in Foxborough
According to a recent report from Sports Illustrated, Larison has been impressing coaches and teammates alike during the Patriots’ OTAs in early June 2025. While the team has focused on bolstering its receiving corps and defensive unit, Larison’s performances have quietly stolen the spotlight. His standout attribute? An exceptional ability to read and exploit defensive gaps, paired with an uncanny knack for evading tacklers in tight spaces. This elusive skill set has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers, making Larison a potential breakout candidate for the 2025 season.
Larison, an undrafted free agent from UC Davis, wasn’t a household name coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his college tape showcased a versatile skill set, combining vision, agility, and surprising power for a player of his size. During his final collegiate season, Larison racked up over 1,300 all-purpose yards, including 950 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to make defenders miss in open space has carried over to the professional level, earning praise from Patriots running backs coach Eddie George.
“He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” George said during a recent press conference. “Lan’s ability to make something out of nothing is special. You can’t teach that kind of instinct. He’s a monster in those moments when the play breaks down.”
Why Larison’s Skill Stands Out
What sets Larison apart is his unique combination of patience and explosiveness. Unlike traditional power backs like teammate Rhamondre Stevenson, Larison thrives in situations where he can use his vision to navigate crowded backfields before bursting through small creases. This skill was on full display during a recent OTA session, where Larison reportedly turned a would-be tackle for loss into a 20-yard gain by juking a linebacker and spinning past a safety.
This ability to create explosive plays from seemingly dead-end situations is particularly valuable for a Patriots offense looking to support quarterback Drake Maye in his second year. With established receivers like Stefon Diggs and emerging talents like Kyle Williams, the Patriots’ passing game is expected to open up the field, giving Larison more opportunities to exploit defenses in the run game and as a check-down option.
A Crowded Backfield
The Patriots’ running back room is competitive, with Stevenson entrenched as the lead back and veterans like Antonio Gibson providing depth. However, Larison’s unique skill set could carve out a niche role for him, especially in passing situations or as a change-of-pace back. His ability to contribute in the passing game—evidenced by 35 receptions in his final college season—adds another dimension to the Patriots’ offense, which has been criticized in recent years for lacking dynamic playmakers.
The team’s new offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt, has emphasized a versatile, unpredictable attack, and Larison’s skill set aligns perfectly with that vision. If he continues to impress in training camp, he could earn significant snaps as a rotational back or even challenge for a larger role.
The Vrabel Effect
Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots are undergoing a cultural shift, emphasizing discipline, physicality, and attention to detail. Vrabel’s no-nonsense approach has already made an impact, as seen in his handling of high-profile players like Stefon Diggs and his reprimands of younger players like Javon Baker for lapses in focus. Larison, however, has reportedly been a model of consistency, earning Vrabel’s approval with his work ethic and ability to execute in high-pressure situations.
“Lan doesn’t say much, but he lets his play do the talking,” Vrabel noted after a recent practice. “He’s the kind of guy who can sneak up on you and make a big impact when you least expect it.”
Looking Ahead
As the Patriots head into the 2025 training camp, all eyes will be on whether Larison can maintain his momentum and secure a spot on the 53-man roster. The team’s investment in offensive talent, combined with Vrabel’s leadership, has raised expectations in Foxborough, with some analysts even suggesting the Patriots could challenge the Buffalo Bills for AFC East supremacy. If Larison continues to showcase his unique ability to turn broken plays into game-changing moments, he could become a key piece of that resurgence.
For now, Larison remains a hidden “monster” in the Patriots’ arsenal, but his performances in OTAs suggest he won’t stay concealed for long. As training camp approaches, Patriots fans have every reason to be excited about this unheralded rookie and the spark he could bring to an offense in desperate need of one.