FOXBORO — The Patriots don’t at present roster a fullback, however after they lined up close to the aim line on the finish of observe, there was a lead blocker carrying No. 48 positioned in entrance of the working again.
Defenders lit up after Monday’s totally padded observe when requested about linebacker Jahlani Tavai moonlighting as an offensive talent participant at fullback.
“It’s good seeing him on the offensive ball because we get to hit him,” defensive deal with Davon Godchaux mentioned. “He’s a defensive man however enjoying offense, so once I see him over there, I get an opportunity to hit him. I don’t suppose he’s received a fullback play but, however I’m fairly positive he’s going to get one.
“When I first saw him go there, the offensive coaches called him to go to fullback, I was like, ‘OK, OK, we’re going to sting your (expletive) now.’ It’s always good to see him over there getting some more reps at somewhere else too.”
Defensive finish Deatrich Wise famous that Tavai, who’s 6-foot-2, 255 kilos, was enjoying fullback in organized crew actions and minicamp, as properly.
“It’s cool seeing him doing offense and defense,” Wise mentioned.
Tavai, 26, is now in his third 12 months with the Patriots. He was drafted forty third general by the Detroit Lions when former Patriots defensive coordinator and offensive line coach Matt Patricia was head coach. Tavai performed defensive position, tight finish and rugby in highschool earlier than transferring to linebacker on the University of Hawaii.
“The more you can do,” Patriots security Jabrill Peppers mentioned about Tavai’s temporary transfer to offense.
“He’s getting better at it,” working again Kevin Harris added. “It’s his first time doing it.”
Tavai began 12 video games for the Patriots at linebacker final season. He completed the 12 months with 69 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, 4 QB hits and two cross breakups. He may see his defensive workload reduce this season if rookie Marte Mapu continues to impress this summer season.
The Patriots have used defensive gamers on offense previously. Last season, cornerback Marcus Jones noticed reps at huge receiver. Former Patriots linebacker Elandon Roberts was used at fullback in 2019, and linebacker Mike Vrabel famously performed as a goal-line tight finish for the crew. Defensive linemen Dan Klecko and Richard Seymour additionally noticed time at fullback within the early 2000s.
The Patriots have used offensive gamers on protection, as properly. Wide receiver Julian Edelman and special-teamer/huge receiver Matthew Slater have been converted to the secondary in 2011. Tight finish Rob Gronkowski was in at security through the Miami Miracle when the Dolphins scored a 69-yard landing down 5 factors with seven seconds to go to beat the Patriots 34-33 in 2019.
Source: www.bostonherald.com