Alternative Options At Fullback

Jacob Johnson has done a decent job replacing James Devlin as the primary fullback but so far, he's seems to have limited upside as a weapon for the Patriots. While Johnson has done a respectable job at the position, he's apparently one of the worst at the position.

Elliot Kennel of Musket Fire wrote the following about Johnson, "On the other hand, out of 12 rated fullbacks around the NFL, Pro Football Focus gave Johnson the lowest score (45.1) of all of them last season. That’s horrible. Even Charlie Brown received a higher grade from PFF after repeatedly falling on his butt when Lucy yanked the football away from him as he tried to kick it."

Now, Johnson's second year was affected by the pandemic just like everyone else. And the Patriots may not be using Johnson to his full abilities. 

Zachary Dupont wrote the following about Johnson in 2019. Dupont wrote, "Johnson was originally recruited to the University of Tennessee to play linebacker, but after his freshman season, the Volunteers coaching staff decided to move Johnson to tight end. After the position change, Johnson was used primarily on special teams and as a blocking tight end.

Once he moved back to Stuttgart in 2018, Johnson had a prolific season in the German Football League, recording 43 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns. He then made one last position change to fullback for the International Player Pathway Program."

A tight end fullback hybrid is basically another way of saying H-back. While the fullback has their typical spots, the tight end position can line up as the H-back, as the move tight end, or as an inline blocker. It's all depending on how the Volenteers used him. But 43 catches for almost 500 yards is more productive than what the Patriots had produced individually the past two seasons.

The rest we all know. If the Patriots want to to replace Johnson the team has options. One of the names I have heard thrown around is Jonnu Smith. I don't think the Patriots will use him in that role but the club does currently have six other guys that can also play fullback.

The first guy up is Brandon Bolden. He's been used as a utility running back for the Patriots but he primarily is a special teams ace. Over his career, Bolden has played the fullback role for the Patriots when needed. And they're not afraid to use him as a blocking back on passing downs.

The next guy up is H-back Dalton Keene. Although the H-back is a tight end position, it is often interchangeable with the fullback position. The H-back is also known as the super back position because the guys can typically line up at tail back, in the slot, or on the line as an extra tackle. 

The Patriots spent a third round selection on Keene, so it be a bit premature to get rid of him after having a rookie season during the pandemic. Keene could have the potential to be the next Keith Byars? It all depends on if the team takes the time to develop him.

Rashod Berry also makes a good prospect for the position. Berry was a former tight end at Ohio State that the Patriots converted to defensive end. Berry serves as a long shot depth piece for the defensive line. Having Berry play the position would allow the Patriots to keep depth on defense while having athleticism at the fullback spot.

Devin Asiasi and Matt Lecosse are both fighting it out for the number three spot at tight end. Asiasi is better suited to come in and give both Henry and Smith a break. Lecosse is a career journey man that has never found his nitch. The Patriots are likely to keep three tight ends anyways. The odd man out between the two could find their way on to the roster as a fullback, while providing extra depth at tight end.

The last name is one that Kennel mentioned. Now prior to the draft, I could've believed this but the player lost about twenty pounds. That's third round pick Rhamomdre Stevenson. The guy is being compared to Lagarret Blount and Frank Gore but if he could show the ability to be an "Ironhead" Craig Heyward or Mike Alstott, I'm sure Belichick wouldn't mind.

Kennel wrote, "Stevenson is said to have more affinity for the running back position than fullback, but in any case he is a straight-ahead, between-the-tackles, power back who has the tools to be competitive at the fullback position. With the three-headed monster of Damien Harris, James White and Sony Michel also on the roster, fullback might not be a bad way to obtain playing time."

Regardless of who it is, the Patriots have versatile options to compete with Johnson for the fullback position. Honestly, I think of heavier players when I think of the position. James Devlin and Jacob Johnson are both over 250. Berry and the three tight ends in that regard would make the better battering rams.

However, if the Patriots also want to run the ball from that position, Keene and the two backs are better options. All six names I mentioned can help in the passing game as well out of the backfield but Johnson also did catch eight of nine targets in 2020. Showing that if used properly, he has the hands to contribute in the passing game.