New England Patriots coach Dante Scarnecchia has deservedly received plenty of praise for how the offensive line has greatly improved over its lackluster performances in 2014 and 2015. Not only has the pass blocking been better with each subsequent week, but the run blocking has also been incredible, capped off with a dominant performance against the #1 ranked Ravens defense in week 14.
But while Scarnecchia and the offensive line have received the credit, one player is flying under the radar: FB James Develin.
“I love James and I think he’s the best fullback in the league,” QB Tom Brady said back in the 2014 playoffs. “He doesn’t get as much credit for it because he doesn’t get as many opportunities, but any time we call on him he delivers.”
Develin missed the entire 2015 season with a broken leg and the team opted not to replace him in the line-up. Instead, the Patriots unsuccessfully asked RG Shaq Mason to serve as fullback. With Develin back, the run game that ranked 18th and 30th in yards in 2014 and 2015 now ranks 7th in the NFL in 2016.
And Develin might start getting the credit he deserves on a national level.
Top-graded NFL fullbacks this year
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) December 15, 2016
1. Kyle Juszczyk, Ravens, 86.4
2. James Develin, Patriots, 85.7
3. Aaron Ripkowski, Packers, 85.5 pic.twitter.com/ZqPYVW5CuO
Pro Football Focus has Develin as the 2nd highest graded fullback in the NFL, and they also note that Develin “currently leads all NFL fullbacks in 2016 run blocking grade.” Ravens FB Kyle Juszczyk holds the edge due to his receiving ability, which was on display last week.
Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount is having the best season of his career at age-30 and called Develin “definitely number 1”, and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick credits Develin for a lot of the success.
“Regardless of what [Develin’s] assignment is there is a decision making process within the play that might trump that,” Belichick said about the fullback position in October. “Similar to a quarterback following his reads or progression that if something happens and you have to make an alternative decision based on the circumstances of that play then that's what he has to do. I'd say he does a good job of that but I mean he's a very smart guy.”
Develin has been making the right reads and will be needed more than ever as the Patriots offense tries to move the ball against the vaunted Broncos defensive front. If Develin can continue his high level of play, maybe the Patriots will be able to leave Mile High with a victory.