For the first time in five years, the New England Patriots have a true fullback back on their roster. In free agency the team signed Reggie Gilliam to fill the role after converted tight end Jack Westover handled it last year.
During his six years in Buffalo, Gilliam was mainly used as a lead blocker lining up in the backfield. That’s a big part of the role those like James Develin and Jakob Johnson had in New England, but Gilliam is preparing to have more on his plate too.
“I’m learning the entire the entire offense. I’m not just learning fullback,” Gilliam shared on Tuesday when speaking to reporters. “I’m learning different positions and how [offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels] can spread you out one way or, have you in motion this way, he’s very versatile.”
During his previous tenure as Patriots offensive coordinator, McDaniels would move fullbacks around the formation to test defenses. Of course, that means that player has to show enough for the defense to respect them from whatever alignment that may be. For instance, there were times the Patriots would come out in an ‘I’ formation with the fullback in the backfield, only to spread out to five wide with the fullback outside. That can force the defense to declare a man-zone look, and potentially end up in a personnel that doesn’t fit the situation.
“I was actually watching film yesterday and I seen James Develin split out running a go route and I was just like, ‘Hey, if he can do it, I can definitely do it,'” Gilliam said with a laugh on Tuesday. “No disrespect to James, but I’m a little a little more agile than him. But, it’s nice to see that, Josh values the position in a way more than just running your head into a wall.”
“Absolutely,” Gilliam replied. “I feel like I’ve been underutilized before and I feel like a lot of people don’t know what I can do with the ball in my hand because it hasn’t been displayed. I haven’t really had the opportunity to do so, but I definitely feel like there’s some untapped potential there.”
In 94 games so far in his career, Gilliam has has carried the ball eight times for 14 yards, and caught 16 passes for 135 yards with two touchdowns. That includes two carries for four yards and two catches for 24 yards last season.
If the Patriots can tap into Gilliam’s ability as a ball-carrier, that would make him a multi-faceted tool for McDaniels and the offense. He’s already proven to be among the best lead blocking fullbacks in the NFL, as he helped pave the way in Buffalo’s league-leading ground game last season.
