The New England Patriots like the fullback situation they have for 2008
The Patriots don’t use a fullback much in their offense but they like the ones they have. 29-year old Heath Evans is an effective power runner, receiver and blocker. He is 6′0″, 250 pounds but he often runs like an even bigger man lowering his shoulder and delivering the blow often. Evans played in 16 games (1 start) last season for the Patriots and he carried the ball 34 times for 121 yards (3.6 ypc) with 3 TD runs. He also caught 4 passes for 43 yards (10.8 avg) last season. Don’t look for Evans to post better numbers than last season unless the Patriots suffer a lot of injuries at tailback. Evans has now played in 105 games (8 starts) in his NFL career and he has carried the ball 146 times for 538 yards (3.7 ypc) with 3 TD runs. He has also caught 37 passes for 269 yards (7.3 avg) with 1 TD grab in his career.
26-year old Kyle Eckel in the backup fullback but he was only really used in garbage time last season for the Patriots. He is a little on the small side at 5′11″, 237 pounds but he runs with conviction. Eckel played in 12 games (0 starts) for the Patriots last season and he carried the ball 33 times for 90 yards (2.7 ypc) with 2 TD runs. He also caught 1 pass for 6 yards.
PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: B
Instead of FB Kyle Eckel being counted on for special teams work exclusively, the New England Patriots should consider signing free agent FB Lorenzo Neal and installing him in the backfield as a starter with RB Laurence Maroney, especially since the Patriots do not have a stud blocking TE in Benjamin Watson.
It would be smart to bring in a legit fullback like Lorenzo Neal but you have to wonder how much the Patriots’ would be willing to spend on a player like him. If he doesn’t get the money he thinks he deserves he’ll just sit at home on the couch and watch the games.