Patriots' Reggie Gilliam Signing Draws Rave Review From Former Fullback

Patriots' Reggie Gilliam Signing Draws Rave Review From Former Fullback originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New England Patriots didn't necessarily go on the sort of spending spree they went on in free agency last year, but they still managed to bring some new faces to town when all was said and done.

One of the more surprising signings, though, saw them bring former Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam to town. While the addition of Gilliam isn't all that surprising, his contract (three years, $12 million) had some fans scratching their heads. Former Patriots fullback James Develin was not part of that crowd, though, as he recently explained why Gilliam could be a shrewd addition for New England.

“Reggie can do it all,” Develin said, per Evan Lazar of the team’s official website. “He's a tenacious run blocker, he can carry the ball, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and then when he has the ball in his hands, he can do something with it. He can make people miss and do some nice things with the ball in his hands.

I'm just happy to see that he made it to New England and I think New England made a great choice. " Develin spent his entire seven-year career with the Patriots, earning one Pro Bowl selection and three Super Bowl championships. Frequently used as a lead blocker in the run game, Develin provided the blueprint for what Patriots fans can expect to see from Gilliam in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' scheme moving forward.