FOXBORO — Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs called defensive tackle/fullback Khyiris Tonga “the best two-way player in the league” on Tuesday. However, a correction is in order: Tonga, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 335 pounds, is actually a three-way player.
“That’s a guy that plays on three phases,” head coach Mike Vrabel explained. “He helped us win defensively, helped us win offensively, and then goes out there and stands in the way of three guys on the field goal protection unit.”
Vrabel noted that the decision to try Tonga on offense as a fullback was a “group effort” by the Patriots. The team was looking to add more size at fullback to “try to push the pile a little bit.”
Tonga isn’t new to offensive roles. He started out as a tight end in high school, giving him experience that has helped with his transition. The Patriots also have a more athletic option at fullback in Westover, who has seen an increased role in recent weeks.
Vrabel, who himself was a versatile three-way player during his Patriots days—linebacker, tight end, and special-teamer—has been impressed with Tonga’s quickness at fullback in the two games he has played there.
For a big defensive tackle, Tonga is surprisingly spry. He ran a 5.1-second 40-yard dash coming out of BYU in 2021, showcasing his athleticism.
“It’s impressive just how quickly he gets out of his stance,” Vrabel said. “He’s been able to get out in front of the running back. Sometimes fullbacks are a little slower and out of phase with the runner, and the runners run up their heels.”
With Tonga’s unique skill set, the Patriots have added a powerful and versatile weapon to their lineup on all three phases of the game.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/11/how-best-two-way-player-in-the-league-has-impressed-patriots-hc-mike-vrabel/
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