New England Patriots: Danny Vitale signing should not be overlooked
The New England Patriots signed Danny Vitale to a one-year contract and it may end up being the most beneficial signing of their 2020 offseason.
The New England Patriots added a new fullback to their roster when they agreed to a contract with free-agent Danny Vitale. The assumption is the Vitale signing could mean trouble for current starter James Develin. However, it’s possible the Patriots not only see this as Develin insurance but as a new tool for the offense.
No team knows how to maximize a player’s strengths like the Patriots and, with Vitale, they have the opportunity to get creative. He may not be an All-Pro in their offense, but he could become the unsung hero.
Although he is a fullback by trade in the NFL, Vitale started his college career at Northwestern as a tight end. He moved to the team’s “superback” position as a sophomore and played the position for the next three years.
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At Northwestern, the “superback” position is a hybrid position using a player’s strengths and versatility. This position often has players lining up as a fullback, tight end, H-back and receiver. Vitale often found himself performing multiple duties during games and this fact should intrigue the Patriots offensive coaching staff.
Vitale spent time lined up in various spots on offense on any given play during his college career. He even took direct snaps under center. His versatility and ability to adapt to multiple positions and roles in the offense is something we can expect the Patriots coaching staff to take advantage of.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Josh McDaniels use him the same way he was used in college. It would also make sense for the team to use him in their no-huddle hurry-up offensive packages because he could have the versatility to line up anywhere they may need him.
Along with his blocking, Vitale showed the ability to catch the ball when he was in college. He had a total of 135 catches in his four years at Northwestern and, more importantly, he showed an ability to run similar routes to tight ends and wide receivers during his time there.
In the NFL, teams have not taken advantage of this ability but this is something the Patriots have utilized in the past. The Patriots may be looking at Vitale as a piece of their passing game as a Swiss army knife type of player. He can be a receiver out of the backfield, an H-back and move tight end for them.
They used Aaron Hernandez in a similar role when he was with the team. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Vitale catching a pass out of the slot on one play and gaining a crucial first down as the short-yardage back on the next play.
Although he projects to be a fullback, Vitale has the potential to be much more for the Patriots. He has the versatility to be used as a receiver in multiple positions on the field as well as the ability to be used as a third-down back. He also has been an accomplished special teams player which Bill Belichick surely loves.
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The team may find a way to keep both him and Develin on the roster and utilize their strengths while keeping each as injury insurance for the other. With a team lacking at some of the skill positions, this signing could pay big dividends for the Patriots in 2020.