Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Joey Iosefa
The New England Patriots open the 2016 regular season in 47 days, so we’re profiling the owner of the No. 47 jersey, running back Joey Iosefa.
Size: 6-foot, 245 pounds
College: Hawaii
2015 stats: 15 carries, 51 yards
NFL experience: One season
Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Iosefa bounced into FXFL. His stay with the Brooklyn Bolts was short-lived, as the Patriots swooped in and signed Iosefa to their practice squad in mid-October. A few months later, Iosefa was hammering multiple Tennessee Titans defenders in the Patriots’ Week 15 win.
Don’t forget about Joey Iosefa
Iosefa is handy to have around because after LeGarrette Blount, the Patriots do not have much in the way of a power ground game. James Develin will be Iosefa’s primary opponent in training camp, as there is room for only one of the two similarly-sized power/fullback types.
Recent installments in Patriots kick-off countdown profile series:
48 days – No. 48 Kamu Grugier-Hill
50 days – No. 50 Rob Ninkovich
Now, it may be hard for Iosefa to make the roster outright. You have to think that Blount, James White, Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden are roster locks (don’t forget about James Develin), so it may be tough for Iosefa to squeeze onto the 53-man for Week 1. However, in the event that backfield injuries mount over the course of the season, Iosefa could hear his name called (especially if Blount goes down).
The Hawaiian Hammer’s best days are ahead. He is a unique player, one who has to prove himself in training camp but figures to factor into the Patriots’ plans for 2016.
Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster
Be sure to stop by Musket Fire on tomorrow morning as we count down 46 days until kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 46 jersey, fullback James Develin.