"Now, Gilliam has revealed he is looking to Develin for some tips, as he's locked onto a great role model not only at the position but as a former Patriot. Develin was strictly a blocker who didn't produce much as a runner or pass-catcher. His highest number of rushes in a season was six, and catches were 12. Gilliam has had eerily similar first six years in Buffalo to Develin's."
"While he'd like to be more involved as both a runner and a pass-catcher, it's safe to say he's a blocking back first, and anything additional is gravy. Regardless, if the Patriots are thinking of more reliance on the run game, Gilliam is a perfect fit as a lead back. Like Develin, Gilliam is a block of granite at 6'0" and 244 pounds, built to bulldoze linebackers and defensive linemen and to open up holes for Patriots' runners that were largely non-existent in 2025."
"The Patriots' run game was decent in 2025 as Rhamondre Stevenson held onto the ball after the first couple of games, and rookie TreVeyon Henderson showed his explosiveness with four touchdown runs of over 50 yards. Yet, neither gained 1000 yards. In addition, a lot of their production came without the offensive line doing much to help. That's where Gilliam's strengths come into play."
""New England Patriots fullback Reggie Gilliam is beginning to do his homework on how the organization has embraced the fullback position. While doing his research, he has come acros"
Reggie Gilliam joined the New England Patriots in free agency as a true fullback, coming from the Buffalo Bills. He is looking to James Develin for guidance, viewing him as a strong role model from a former Patriots fullback. Develin was primarily a blocker, with limited rushing and receiving production, and Gilliam’s early Buffalo production has followed a similar pattern. Gilliam wants to be more involved as a runner and pass-catcher, but his primary value is as a blocking back. The Patriots’ 2025 run game lacked consistent offensive line support, and Gilliam’s size and blocking ability are expected to help open holes for Patriots runners.
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