Will the Patriots carry a fullback?

[cstjohn17]

Evans was versatile, play FB, RB and special teams. I could see a roster spot going to someone with a similar skill set.

Scout.com: Updated Best Available Free Agents-Offense

UFAs are pretty thin
Fullback
Lorenzo Neal/UFA

Maybe a RB or TE could be converted into a hybrid type player or Russ Hoch. assumes the role in short yardage.

Running Back
Edgerrin James/UFA
Warrick Dunn/UFA
Deuce McAllister/UFA
Ahman Green/UFA
DeShaun Foster/UFA
Najeh Davenport/UFA
Rudi Johnson/UFA
Michael Pittman/UFA
Tatum Bell/UFA
Chris Perry/UFA
Reuben Droughns/UFA
Aaron Stecker/UFA
Maurice Hicks/UFA
Jesse Chatman/

Tight End
Owen Daniels/RFA/Houston Texans
George Wrighster/UFA
Bubba Franks/UFA
Nate Jackson/UFA
Mark Campbell/UFA
Mark Bruener/UFA
Jerame Tuman/UFA

 

[NEGoldenAge]

I think we'll see Pryor take some reps at fullback.

 

[Schmo]

Hochstein in short yardage, otherwise I see us going to single back sets for the most part. Too bad, I liked the way we ran with Evans at FB.

 

[jsull87]

yeah ia gree i think with the rb's we have unless one of them can convert to fb e.g bjge then its just hoshstein as converted fb

 

[jsull87]

lorenzo neal... honestly i have liked this gy for a while i know it probably isn't an option it's just that wherever he goes the running game seems to go well

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Chris Baker was signed after the Jest cut him, I believe he's a better in-line blocker than Ben Watson or David Thomas; if we think back to how the TE's were used when Daniel Graham was here, he'd normally work as the in-line blocker and Watson would line up in the backfield as a FB or come in motion from the slot to be the lead blocker. Grahambo was also very good at "wham" blocking as a pulling TE, perhaps Baker can be as effective.

I expect BB to carry three Tight Ends. If you think of a three TE, one RB, one WR formation, with Moss split wide, Thomas lined up at FB in an "I" or offset "I" look, Baker in-line, and Watson flanked outside Baker or the tackle or coming in motion, you've got a pretty good power formation for short yardage that can also shift to a pass with minimal effort by spreading the three TEs and the RB out wide. Moss and Watson become the deep threats, Baker, Thomas, and the RB have the short and intermediate routes.

If you really want to have fun, you sit Moss and line Vollmer up at in-line TE, especially in goal line sets, and have him run the old Vrabel routes. Watson and Baker run end zone routes with a 6'8" former TE waving to Brady while the defense is reacting to Thomas or a reserve G leading Morris into the line behind Mankins...could be rather interesting.

 

[WhiZa]

lorenzo neal... honestly i have liked this gy for a while i know it probably isn't an option it's just that wherever he goes the running game seems to go well

Seems like a no-brainer to give him a call. Maybe he's asking for too much money. Also, Cecil Sapp is available who is formidable with experience. Either one should come at the vet minimum.

 

[tatepatsfan]

If they want an FB, Neal is a great blocker. But I think BB prefers 3 WR sets, and in goal line situations to use Hochstein or some other o-lineman.

 

[Patjew]

Why is Neal still available?

 

[NE39]

Why is Neal still available?

Because he is 38. That is old for any player, but for a fullback who takes big collisions regularly it is even older.

Besides, Neal was a pure lead blocker. If the Pats were to sign a FB it would have to be someone with more versatility. They haven't had a Sam Gash-type FB since, well... Sam Gash.

I think they might employ an H-back on some plays. Using someone like David Thomas and lining him up in lots of different places.

 

[Patjew]

Because he is 38. That is old for any player, but for a fullback who takes big collisions regularly it is even older.

Wow, I didn't realize that. I thought he was like 32. I guess I haven't followed him closely at all. Thanks for the info.

 

[furley]

I still have an interest in Southerland... With youth being injected into the offensive line through the draft for 2010. Why not develop a young fullback for less of a salary? I expect a team will take a flier on him soon. I'm trying to find out what the knock on him is. It reads like he could be an ideal fit in New England's offense, opening running lanes for our running backs, blocking and protecting Brady on blitzes. Also, it sounds like he can give a team a little extra on offense as an offensive threat himself.



"Overview

Southerland embodies the hard work ethic, team-first attitude that head coach Mark Richt preaches. Along with his natural receiving skills, outstanding lead blocking ability and a frame that is as powerful as any offensive lineman on the team, is it any wonder that most professional scouts regard Southerland as the premier blocking fullback in the college football ranks?

Taking on the thankless task of creating rush lanes for the team's renowned tailback unit, Southerland has also proven to be a devastating inside runner near the goal line. Forty-five of his 83 rushing attempts have resulted in first downs, with 27 of his carries coming on goal-line plays. In addition to his 17 touchdowns on the ground, he had key plays that set up 40 Georgia touchdown drives and 11 other series that ended with field goals.

Southerland was responsible for converting 13 third-down carries and eight more on fourth-down handoffs. His 281 knockdown blocks are the most of any active running back in the collegiate ranks and his 45 touchdown-resulting blocks are the most by a college fullback in a career since Rob Konrad of Syracuse registered 48 (1995-98)."

National Football League: NFL Draft 2009 - Brannan Southerland

 

[furley]

Alright, from what I'm reading... The negatives on Southerland are the question of his durability and limited upside offensively. But, he won't be asked to provide much on offense if with the Patriots. Anything he gives you offensively is gravy.



"NEGATIVES: Displays marginal quickness to his game. Has never been a true offensive threat. Coming off a difficult foot injury.

ANALYSIS: Southerland has been a terrific fullback the past four years at Georgia, and he is a competitive player who goes hard until the whistle blows. He offers the ability to play in a number of offensive systems at the next level, and he will be in the league a long time if his foot is healthy."

Brannan Southerland - 2009 Draft Tracker - SI.com



3. Brannan Southerland, Georgia (6-0, 242)
Southerland is coming off a second surgery in two years to repair a broken left foot. He got healthy and played well down the stretch and passed medical exams at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is a tough, hard-nosed fullback who could become a solid NFL starter, but he must improve his lead blocking to be anything more than a backup.
Draft projection: 6th round

NFL draft: top five fullbacks - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Alright, from what I'm reading... The negatives on Southerland are the question of his durability and limited upside offensively. But, he won't be asked to provide much on offense if with the Patriots. Anything he gives you offensively is gravy.



"NEGATIVES: Displays marginal quickness to his game. Has never been a true offensive threat. Coming off a difficult foot injury.

ANALYSIS: Southerland has been a terrific fullback the past four years at Georgia, and he is a competitive player who goes hard until the whistle blows. He offers the ability to play in a number of offensive systems at the next level, and he will be in the league a long time if his foot is healthy."

Brannan Southerland - 2009 Draft Tracker - SI.com



3. Brannan Southerland, Georgia (6-0, 242)
Southerland is coming off a second surgery in two years to repair a broken left foot. He got healthy and played well down the stretch and passed medical exams at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is a tough, hard-nosed fullback who could become a solid NFL starter, but he must improve his lead blocking to be anything more than a backup.
Draft projection: 6th round

NFL draft: top five fullbacks - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

I suspect NE is looking at the roster and sees FB as a luxury position. Evans was used as a FB/RB/ST/TE, nice and versatile. The question becomes who else can cover those duties and do they help in other areas?

TE: NE uses their TE's as H-backs. 6'6" Tyson DeVree may not work so well in that regard, but the other four all have played the role effectively as Pros or in college. TE's give you more speed and power for ST's blocking as well.

LB: Some of the better Linebackers have been RB/FB in high school where seeing the running lane is critical for either side of the ball. Mayo, Ruud, Banta-Cain, Alexander, and McKenzie were all RBs in high school, and Adalius had 300 yds rushing as a TE in high school. Use a reserve LB as your FB and you still have STs covered.

RB: Patrick Pass was listed as a FB at 217 pounds, Taylor's 228, Morris 220, Maroney 220, Green-Ellis 215. One of them may not be as effective leading inside, but like Pass they could be just the ticket for runs off tackle.

OL: BB has used OL at FB often enough.

DL: I wonder how 6' 319 lb former high school OT Myron Pryor would do as a lead blocker?

Everything Evans could do as a runner, blocker, receiver, or ST's coverage man is addressed by someone at another position, that's why I suspect the Pats are looking at this as a luxury they can't afford and are looking to use that extra roster spot for a FB, TE, DL, OL, DB, or LB...or maybe a fourth QB, who knows?

 

[mgteich]

As I understand this thread, we would rather the patriots use a scrub 6th round DT as fullback instead of signing a veteran. We also prefer Pryor rather than Green-Ellis.

Hochstein is our FB in short yardage situations.

The question is whether we want to have the offensive flexibility provided from having a real fullback in the backfield. It was posted that all Lorenzo Neal can do is block. Somehow I think that this is a pretty good asset when looking for a blocking back. I suspect that Neal is done. His age is irrelevant. The question is whether he can perform for much of this year and whether is more valuable to the patriots than Green-Ellis.

There are lots of running backs available. I find it difficult to believe that Green-Ellis is more valuable than any of them.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

As I understand this thread, we would rather the patriots use a scrub 6th round DT as fullback instead of signing a veteran. We also prefer Pryor rather than Green-Ellis.

Hochstein is our FB in short yardage situations.

The question is whether we want to have the offensive flexibility provided from having a real fullback in the backfield. It was posted that all Lorenzo Neal can do is block. Somehow I think that this is a pretty good asset when looking for a blocking back. I suspect that Neal is done. His age is irrelevant. The question is whether he can perform for much of this year and whether is more valuable to the patriots than Green-Ellis.

There are lots of running backs available. I find it difficult to believe that Green-Ellis is more valuable than any of them.

There have been suggestions of available blocking backs whom NE might consider. There has been speculation as to which players currently on the roster might pick up lead blocker as an auxiliary assignment. Somehow you found a consensus for having Myron Pryor be the lead blocker, perhaps he will, yet I hardly think two mentions constitutes a meeting of the minds.

The question is not "whether we want to have the offensive flexibility provided from having a real fullback in the backfield," the fan answer is "yes." The actual question is "will the Patriots carry a fullback?" At the moment the Belichick answer is "no," which leads to us to speculate as to how the team might divide the assignments Evans performed amongst the other players.

Now we're back to poor Myron Pryor, who is probably going to read this and wonder just what this fan base expects from him? In short Myron, if Coach Fears thinks you're nimble enough to be his pet battering ram, we expect to see bodies littered on the field wherever you are pointed, but we'll settle for you opening a can of "hi Peyton, I'm Myron" if you get a roster slot for the Indianapolis game - we're easy to please that way.

 

[NEGoldenAge]

There have been suggestions of available blocking backs whom NE might consider. There has been speculation as to which players currently on the roster might pick up lead blocker as an auxiliary assignment. Somehow you found a consensus for having Myron Pryor be the lead blocker, perhaps he will, yet I hardly think two mentions constitutes a meeting of the minds.

The question is not "whether we want to have the offensive flexibility provided from having a real fullback in the backfield," the fan answer is "yes." The actual question is "will the Patriots carry a fullback?" At the moment the Belichick answer is "no," which leads to us to speculate as to how the team might divide the assignments Evans performed amongst the other players.

Now we're back to poor Myron Pryor, who is probably going to read this and wonder just what this fan base expects from him? In short Myron, if Coach Fears thinks you're nimble enough to be his pet battering ram, we expect to see bodies littered on the field wherever you are pointed, but we'll settle for you opening a can of "hi Peyton, I'm Myron" if you get a roster slot for the Indianapolis game - we're easy to please that way.

When I mentioned Pryor, I said he'd be taking some reps at FB, not that he'd become the teams FB. That is assuming he earns a roster spot, and if he does, I think versatility will have something to do with it. Do you see that film of him posted on the forums recently? For such a big guy, he can really move, even in traffic.

If this guys makes the roster, I bet you'll see him playing more than one spot, maybe even a lil ILB.