Patriots Gridiron News: James Develin Playing an Important Role on Offense

New England Patriots fullback James Develin is the unsung hero in the Patriots’ offense.

With the loss of tight end Rob Gronkowski due to a season-ending back injury, the Patriots have turned to fullback James Develin to play more of a role in the offense.

Not only has Develin played the traditional role of the lead run blocker, he has also split out wide more often playing the role of the second tight end. The versatility he had displayed has definitely benefitted the offense.

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While he is not one of the top options Tom Brady looks at in the offense, the fact that he can actually catch the ball has been a plus. In Sunday’s 16-3 win over the Denver Broncos, Develin did catch a 13-yard pass from the star quarterback.

"“I’m not exactly Tom’s first read on those plays,” Develin said Tuesday via ESPN. “But when he needs the outlet and has to check it down to me, I’ll be there and have to earn his trust doing that.“As a competitor, you want to be out there between the lines, so it was great to get into the flow of the game and pick things up and kind of know what you can do against certain guys.”"

Develin has seen his role increased due to the absence of Gronkowski and he has made his presence known. His toughness in the running game has factored in on the team’s increased performance on the ground from a year ago when he was out for the season.

In the tradition of fullbacks such as Lorenzo Neal, Daryl “Moose” Johnston and present day fullbacks such as Jerome Felton, Develin symbolizes a position in the NFL that continues to be important even when it appears the league is moving away from it.

"“Obviously, I’ve heard those stories the past few years about fullbacks being a dying breed, but I think the position is alive and well,” he said.“It’s kind of an ever-evolving game, you follow trends, so I think the position has to ebb and flow and do a little more things other than lead blocking. There are a lot of fullbacks on a lot of rosters and a lot of them are doing a lot of good things for their respective offense. It’s still out there if you look.”"

At 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, James Develin is a prime reason why running back LeGarrette Blount has had the type of season he is having.

Jacoby Brissett: As reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Patriots are expected to activate quarterback Jacoby Brissett to the 53-man roster on Wednesday.

Brissett has been sidelined since he had thumb surgery earlier in the year. He has played in two games this season. He went 34-for-55 for 400 yards and a rushing touchdown. His activation adds depth at the position.

Michael Floyd: Things continue to get bad for wide receiver Michael Floyd. A day after releasing a video of the receiver being arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, TMZ Sports has released a report that Floyd could receiver a mandatory 45 days in jail for his DUI arrest.

Next: Boston Bruins Forward David Pastrnak Returns To Practice

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