I think the OP is RIGHT on the money with his thoughts on Michel. I wasn't thrilled that he was picked so high. Though if he had gone in the 2nd or 3rd round I would have LOVED the pick. Funny how that goes.
Here's what I DIDN'T see from Michel last season. He didn't move the pile hardly ever. It wasn't a surprise. He simply isn't that big. But the Pats success on 3rd and short plays wasn't as good as when they had a LGB type runner. He didn't show any explosive acceleration or change of direction like a DLewis. His ability to make people miss and get yards after first contact weren't what you'd hope to see from a first round RB.
What I DID see from him was that extraordinary vision that the OP noted that consistently allowed him to get to the right place almost all of the time. It's not exactly a thing that makes you jump out of your seat and go "Wow", but it is a critically important asset for him to be able to maximize a running play. Getting the most out of a play consistently is a great asset.
I DID think that despite the injury hiccups he had during TC and the time when he was bent backward flat
Sony proved that he was "available". For the last 11 games of the season, Sony was the "bell cow" RB the Pats needed to win a Superbowl. As we all know, "availability" is often the best "ability" to have. He was there for us this past year, but how it will work over the long haul remains to be seen. With his knee situation, 4 more years as a quality RB seems like a VERY long ways away.
I also think RW has it right on the amount of carries Michel and the rest of the RB's will get. I think he will be more involved as a passing option this year, but will lose some 3rd and short/GL opportunities to Harris.
Lots of talent in the RB room this year, but that's what we were saying LAST year at this time. However given relative health for Michel, Harris, Burkhead and White, I don't think Sony will get enough carries to get to 1000 yds.....and I won't be unhappy.
What I'm going to look at with Sony this season is his ypc stats and receiving yds. THAT's where I want to see some of that 2nd year jump this season.