The Patriots reportedly are not utilising a traditional fullback in the 2022 season, but fullback aficionados do not worry just yet.
We see from the coaching staff that coach Bill may not be one for ‘labels’, and so in that narrative there may be a lot less for fullback fans to worry about.
Now, that’s not to say the loss of Jakob Johnson isn’t significant. He was a really good Patriots player, who last season developed his skill set by making a few catches, as well as his impact on the run game.
And it would seem his former Offensive Co-ordinator sees his value, as Johnson makes his way to Vegas to join Josh McDaniels and the Raiders.
So, where does that leave us Patriots fans huh?
You may, or may not recall, this humble writer/podcaster has been on the “Dalton Keene for fullback” hill for a while. I sat here kind of alone for a bit, but many seem to be pondering this option and that’s great, just as I’m thinking of heading down…
Now hear me out folks, I haven’t given up on the 22 year old from Virginia Tech, I just have concerns over his injury history. He has been in the Patriots system for two years now, and it feels like 2022 might have to be a show or go year.
So there we have option one… do you wanna see what’s behind door number two…
It’s someone who is also already in the Patriots system, it’s Jonnu Smith! But you probably guessed that too.
Smith came over on quite a large contract for four years, and had as many touchdowns in 2021 for the Patriots as JC Jackson did… not ideal. However, this chap is an immense athlete, and has the potential to be rather versatile, did someone say weapon? No, good, that’s not my favourite term to be honest.
Okay I jest, but seriously, we know he is a good player, we have seen it, in fits and starts we just need some constancy and development, and hopefully training camp 2022 will showcase a bit of this.
Smith’s blocking abilities are a little lacking in comparison to Johnson, but with the strength of the running backs like Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson it may pale into insignificance.
And that is sort of door number three, power running backs. There are plenty of holes in the roster to fill but the work out of Leonard Fournette, even though he went back to the Bucs, shows that depth at that position could be extra important as the duties of the running backs could evolve a little, there’s that versatility again.
Another guy sitting on the Patriots roster, with some H-back kinda qualities is Nebraska’s Devine Ozigbo. At 6 foot 2, and 225 pounds he’s got some height there, and some talent, but as a Patriot he’s an unseen entity at present.
So there you have it fullback fans, there are many options to get yourself excited about, maybe?
