Former New England Patriots fullback James Develin is a big fan of the franchise signing Reggie Gilliam to take over the position he once played in Foxborough.
Develin, who won Super Bowls XLIX, LI, and LIII during his tenure with the team, told Evan Lazar of Patriots.com about why he thinks adding Gilliam was a smart move.
"Reggie can do it all. He's a tenacious run blocker, he can carry the ball, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and then when he has the ball in his hands, he can do something with it. He can make people miss and do some nice things with the ball in his hands," Develin said. "I'm just happy to see that he made it to New England and I think New England made a great choice. He's a great fullback."
Reggie Gilliam could help Patriots return to a more physical offensive identity in 2026
The return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who also previously coached Develin, has coincided with increased usage of the fullback for New England. After the Patriots chose to not even roster a player at the position in 2023, with McDaniels back calling plays, they ran 21-personnel (two wide receivers, one tight end, and two running backs, typically including a fullback) on 15.3 percent of their offensive snaps last season, the fourth-highest rate in the league.
After bringing in Gilliam, the top-ranked fullback overall and as a run blocker by Pro Football Focus last season, New England could further increase how often they deploy these types of formations during the 2026 campaign. Develin asserts doing so would ultimately have a positive impact on the Patriots' offense, especially considering the past success McDaniels has had when utilizing a fullback.
"I'm happy that Reggie found a new home. I'm very biased, but I think the Patriots offense runs at its best when there's a fullback involved," Develin said. "Being able to run two-back runs, it declares you as a tough football team and that's something Josh wants to be as an offense; a tough football team that doesn't make mistakes."
Gilliam is well aware of New England's fullback history
Gilliam and Develin have bonded over what the latter refers to as a "fullback fraternity." It was this friendship that helped inform him about joining the team, Gilliam told reporters during his introductory press conference earlier this month.
"I'm good friends with James now. We've talked a lot. He's had nothing but great things to say about New England," Gilliam said. "Obviously, growing up watching the whole era of the Patriots being the greatest team ever, Josh McDaniels knows how to use a fullback. I'm excited to see what he does with me."
Seems fair to say Develin shares in Gilliam's excitement over how McDaniels plans to use this new versatile offensive weapon amid a continued fullback renaissance in New England.