Top 3 most underrated Patriots players of the last ten years

James Develin (2012 - 2019)

He's everybody's favorite fullback, right?

The Patriots haven't been a team that has used fullbacks too often throughout the team's existence, but James Develin's rise of importance during the second half of the dynasty has gone a bit under the radar.

At first glance, his stats are far from impressive. He never eclipsed 100 yards in a season and finished his career with 248 yards receiving and rushing. But that doesn't explain nearly how impactful he was for the offense during his seven years in New England.

Develin didn't get his first official start until the 2013 season, and other than missing all of 2015 and nearly all of 2019 due to injury, he never missed a game during the rest of his career.

Because of that, he was voted into the Pro Bowl in 2017, becoming the first fullback to receive the honor since Sam Cunningham in 1978.

Besides his contributions in the passing game or on the ground, which might have been few and far between but were always crucial, he was a significant help along the offensive line. Develin helped make the run game strong, which was a big part of the offense then, especially in the AFC Championship against the Chiefs in 2018. His contributions as a blocker led to four rushing touchdowns, helping the Patriots move on to Super Bowl LIII.

Although it's clear he was an essential contributor to the Patriots' success, Develin's career is often unappreciated. Perhaps it's because of the names on the team with him at the time that make him go unnoticed, but he should be credited more for what he did in New England.

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