New England Patriots: 5 unsung heroes of the 2018 NFL season

James Develin

If there is one player who symbolized the 2018 New England Patriots, it is fullback James Develin neck roll and all.

The Patriots turned back the hands of time and showed that a physical running game could win a championship during a time in the NFL where the league was shifting towards more of a high-powered air attack.

The offensive line had a lot to do with setting the tone, but what Develin re-defined as a fullback can’t be underestimated.  The Brown University alum did put up minor, but effective offensive numbers with four rushing touchdowns and 12 receptions out of the backfield, but what he did as a lead blocker was monumental for the team.

With his physicality, he opened holes for Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White and really became the force behind the running game.  In a copycat league, James Develin has brought the fullback position back to relevance in the league.

"“I think the fullback position has always kind of got the moniker that it’s a dying breed, that it’s kind of on its way out, but I think football is such a matchup game and things work so cyclically,” Develin said back in January.  “As defenses get smaller and try to stop the passing attack, it kind of leaves them susceptible to, with lighter, faster guys on the field, for a power running game.  I think there’s always going to be a legitimate use for a fullback and I’m just happy to be out there doing what I do.”"

A Pro-bowler in 2017, James Develin didn’t get the honors in 2018, but doesn’t mean he didn’t perform like a Pro-bowler.  If he didn’t before, he definitely proved his importance to the New England Patriots offense in a season that saw the team work their way to a title.