The New England Patriots signed tight end Thomas Odukoya to their practice squad, leading to another reunion between head coach Mike Vrabel and one of his former players in New England.
In 2022, after going undrafted, Odukoya landed with the Tennessee Titans as part of the International Player Pathway Program from the Netherlands. He signed reserve/future contracts with the Titans during that span, including making the 53-man roster last season.
In their short time together in Tennessee, Vrabel praised Odukoya for his work ethic and for finding a role for himself in the unique way he even got on the team.
“We lucked out, we absolutely lucked out because there’s not a better human being. And we got great people around here, but there’s not anybody better that cares about this team, that works his tail off and has really taken advantage of those reps at the line of scrimmage,” Vrabel said, via Shaun Calderon of USA Today Sports.
The addition of Odukoya is not one that was made for the passing game, but rather an attempt to improve the run game, as he’s an exceptional blocker who is strong enough to take on defenders at every level of a defense.
That said, Odukoya is poised to serve as a fullback more than a tight end for the Patriots, which is an essential element in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense.
It’s worth mentioning that New England wanted to have undrafted rookie Brock Lampe at fullback, but he suffered a season-ending foot injury during the offseason.
After that, New England turned to backup tight end Jack Westover to handle the fullback duties, but he hasn’t been consistent enough as a blocker to help open up the run game in the way New England’s coaching staff has wanted. Westover plays more on special teams than he does offense, which is fine, but he has not proven to be part of the solution on offense this season.
Odukoya’s best path to the field for the Patriots is in a blocking role as a fullback, serving as the third tight end in a 13-personnel formation, or a jumbo package of some sort where he is tasked with blocking on the edge and getting to the second level.
While fans in New England aren’t as familiar with the newest addition to the roster as his head coach, Vrabel offered up a preview of what he believes Odkoya can provide the Patriots.
“Thomas has been with us when we were in Tennessee,” Vrabel replied when asked what Odukoya brings to the table for the Patriots. “He’s continued to improve, great teammate, practices extremely hard. He’s improved – was a very good blocker – but has improved just his overall body control and ability to run routes for a wide tight end. It’s not like some receiving tight end, but he knows what his role is. He contributes on special teams and he’s gotten better. We just weren’t able to get him before. Hopefully he can continue to improve, be a valuable member of the international program and be ready, like everybody else on this practice squad; to prepare as a starter.”
For now, Odukoya will be on the practice squad as he gets reacclimated with Vrabel and the coaching staff for the Patriots. It’s a great addition that we should see at some point during the season. Although this isn’t a running back, it does help the run game if Odukoya can get on the field for the Patriots.
