Patriots Signing Ex-Packers FB Danny Vitale Could Mark End of James Develin's Tenure
By Adam Weinrib
In case Patriots fans didn't already know the importance of the fullback to their running game, James Develin and Jakob Johnson's 2019 injuries proved it quickly.
Without the experienced Develin in place, or even his body double in Johnson, LB Elandon Roberts was forced to plow lanes for Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead, and it was glaringly obvious he was better suited for other activities -- even the passing game, it turned out.
On Friday, the Pats accounted for the absence of Develin, while also signaling that his days in Foxborough could be numbered. Ex-Packers fullback Dan Vitale will be filling the role in 2020, and though he's skilled, Patriots fans certainly trust their three-time champion a bit more.
#Packers FB Danny Vitale will be signing with the #Patriots, according to NFL Network.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 20, 2020
Will Develin be moving on? Or is he still not well enough to bowl over the competition?
Based on Friday's reports, it seems as if his time in the NFL may be drawing to an end.
The #Patriots run game struggled without a fullback once Develin and then Johnson were injured, forcing them to give LB Elandon Robert's reps. Vitale is quite tough and quite athletic. Also makes you wonder if Develin is headed for retirement. https://t.co/NuL9gNjNnN
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 20, 2020
Fullback is a punishing and thankless position, and though you may have only noticed the 31-year-old Develin when he was getting small rewards, like a TD in the 2014 AFC Title Game, he was responsible for a good chunk of this team's ground yardage in their second dynastic burst.
Vitale could be an adequate replacement, but New England is definitely losing a sense of continuity here.