The Patriots don’t currently roster a fullback, but when they lined up near the goal line at the end of practice, there was a lead blocker wearing No. 48 positioned in front of the running back.
Defenders lit up after Monday’s fully padded practice when asked about linebacker Jahlani Tavai moonlighting as an offensive skill player at fullback.
“It’s good seeing him on the offensive ball because we get to hit him,” defensive tackle Davon Godchaux said. “He’s a defensive guy but playing offense, so when I see him over there, I get a chance to hit him. I don’t think he’s got a fullback play yet, but I’m pretty sure 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 end Deatrich Wise noted that Tavai, who’s 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, was playing fullback in organized team activities and minicamp, as well.
“It’s cool seeing him doing offense and defense,” Wise said.
Tavai, 26, is now in his third year with the Patriots. He was drafted 43rd overall by the Detroit Lions when former Patriots defensive coordinator and offensive line coach Matt Patricia was head coach. Tavai played defensive line, tight end and rugby in high school before moving to linebacker at the University of Hawaii.
“The more you can do,” Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers said about Tavai’s brief move to offense.
“He’s getting better at it,” running back Kevin Harris added. “It’s his first time doing it.”
Tavai started 12 games for the Patriots at linebacker last season. He finished the year with 69 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, four QB hits and two pass breakups. He could see his defensive workload lessen this season if rookie Marte Mapu continues to impress this summer.
The Patriots have used defensive players on offense in the past. Last season, cornerback Marcus Jones saw reps at wide receiver. Former Patriots linebacker Elandon Roberts was used at fullback in 2019, and linebacker Mike Vrabel famously played as a goal-line tight end for the team. Defensive linemen Dan Klecko and Richard Seymour also saw time at fullback in the early 2000s.
The Patriots have used offensive players on defense, as well. Wide receiver Julian Edelman and special-teamer/wide receiver Matthew Slater were switched over to the secondary in 2011. Tight end Rob Gronkowski was in at safety during the Miami Miracle when the Dolphins scored a 69-yard touchdown down five points with seven seconds to go to beat the Patriots 34-33 in 2019.