Stevenson's improvement with his passing game skills has impressed coach Bill Belichick, Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal reports.
Belichick noted that the 2021 fourth-rounder has made strides in blitz pickup and pass protection as well as route running, while adding that the 6-foot, 230-pounder has "good hands, catching the ball's never really been an issue." With that in mind, Stevenson -- who already is on track be part of the Patriots' early-down mix this season along with Damien Harris -- also could see his role as a pass catcher out of the New England backfield increase, with the team looking to fill the void created by the retirement of James White. Also in the mix for change-of-pace touches are Ty Montgomery and perhaps rookie Pierre Strong, but if Stevenson does claim his share of them, the Oklahoma product's fantasy utility will see an uptick.