After a troublesome season at fullback in 2019, the New England Patriots now carry three on their roster.
The Patriots have newly signed Danny Vitale, seven-year veteran James Develin and second-year undrafted free agent Jakob Johnson. Both Develin and Johnson went down with injuries last season, leaving the job for former linebacker Elandon Roberts.
New England has been one of the NFL’s leading teams in fullback production, with Develin guiding the way for running backs and providing the occasional option as a pass-catcher. The 31-year-old went down last season with a neck injury, and his status for the 2020 season is still unknown. According to NESN’s Doug Kyed, Develin is feeling good, but it’s still up to the Patriots to clear him for the season.
Vitale, 26, is an up-and-coming fullback who’s healthier and seems to have a higher ceiling in terms of pass-catching. Although he carries similar NFL numbers to Develin — Vitale hauled in 135 catches, 1,427 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in college at Northwestern.
Another contributing factor is the absence of Tom Brady, which will create an enormous void throughout the organization, but offensively in specific. The Patriots struggled to run the ball effectively last season without a fullback and they needed a solid rush attack to compliment their overpowering defense. A healthy and capable fullback will be more essential than ever, with the strong possibility that Bill Belichick goes to a run-dominant offense and locks down with defensive dominance.
Given Develin’s age and recent injury, it’s very possible Belichick will view him as a liability and move on from the Pro Bowler. There’s also the possibility the position is viewed as high priority and they keep two very capable fullbacks on the roster.
Develin’s position on the team isn’t gone just yet, but the signing of Vitale will provide some uncertainty.
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