If there’s one 2016 NFL Draft prospect who best fits the New England Patriots’ mold, it’s Northwestern’s Dan Vitale.
It doesn’t come as much of a surprise, then, that Patriots director of player personnel met with Vitale on Tuesday after Northwestern’s pro day, The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin reported.
Vitale, who measured in at 6-foot-1, 239 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, was listed as a tight end in college, but he’s undersized for the position in the NFL. That’s why he’s being listed as a fullback on most draft rankings. Vitale likely would play a hybrid role at the pro level.
Regardless of his position, Vitale had a monster combine, running a 4.60-second 40-yard dash with a 38.5-inch vertical leap; 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump; 4.12-second short shuttle and 7.12-second 3-cone drill. He ranked among the Patriots’ best draft fits at both running back and tight end.
He caught 135 passes for 1,427 yards with 11 touchdowns in four seasons at Northwestern. He also added six carries for 29 yards.
The Patriots have Rob Gronkowski, Michael Williams, A.J. Derby and James Develin under contract at tight end and fullback.
Thumbnail photo via Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports Images
