This straight from ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss at Patriots practice this morning:

Looks like Brown FB James Develin (Bengals) will fill final practice squad slot. He was present in locker room.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 2, 2012

Develin, as stated by Reiss, comes from the Cincinnati Bengals, who cut him on from their roster on Friday. The 6-foot-3 251 pounder played his college ball at Brown University, playing primarily as a defense lineman and earned second-team All-Ivy honors during his sophomore year.

While it's just a practice squad appointment, this is a Bill Belichick-type signing. Develin is a versatile player who can play both on offense and on defense (much like fellow practice squad member Alex Silvestro). He's a big, strong guy who, with development, could be used as the team's fullback later on down the road.

Develin will join Eric Kettani as the two fullbacks the Patriots will have on their practice squad.