Following the retirement of James Develin this offseason, the hope would have been for Danny Vitale to help fill the void in the backfield. We all know how Belichick can use the position to great effect. Whilst the offense may look different this season, the Patriots Fullback position will still be a vital need for the run game.
So who’s in contention?
Jakob Johnson
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Clearly, Johnson would be a safe bet to fill the role if he continues to improve and can stay healthy. The 6-foot-3, 255lb German became part of the roster under the NFL’s International Player Pathway system in 2019. He was only able to make three starts last season before being placed on IR with a shoulder injury.
With Vitale out of the picture, at least for this season, Johnson remains as the only traditional FB on the team, he should be itching for a chance to make the 53-man roster at the end of August. My only concern, his health, now I know injuries happen all the time, but for him to have a chance at sticking around and making the spot his own, he needs to stay fit.
Dalton Keene*
USA TODAY Sports Images
When the Patriots took Keene 101st overall in this year’s draft, fans and insiders were pumped that Bill decided to take the second of two Tight Ends in the class. Having watched tape from his time at Virginia Tech, Keene certainly has the potential to stake a claim as a multi-positional player.
Built at 6-foot-4, 253lbs, he’s similar in stature to Johnson. The pair recently took part in some off-season drills in Massachusetts, potentially the beginning of a positional partnership?
Jake Burt*
(AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
Everyone loves an underdog story, especially when Jake Burt is one of your own. Having survived the nine player cull this past Sunday, I’m intrigued to see how he gets on in camp.
Burt, a native of Lynfield, Mass, caught 23 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns during his career with the Boston College Eagles.
An outsider for sure, but with the TE depth chart expanding since the end of last season, Burt could potentially be involved in the backfield to earn more reps.
*Rookie
[…] wrote about the potential options the Patriots had for the fullback position last week. Being the only traditional FB left on the roster, Johnson is my choice to own the […]