I really think we should draft one of the better fullbacks out there this draft. I know there are other higher priorities like O-line, D-line and/or LB corps, and WR. Assuming we do aggressively use the FA amrket to fix our O-line, one of the other ingredients to a good running game and even passing game for that matter is a big fullback. If we don't use our 3rd round pick on a fullback (probably not necessary), we should definitely do it in the 4th round. Here's what's available: #11 Jorvorskie Lane Born: February 4, 1987 Hometown: Lufkin, TX Height: 6-0 Weight: 263 lbs. Age: 20 Pos: RB Class: Junior (The guy may declare to test the market, but he is big, but a hair on the slowish side at 4.9 - who cares - he is actually 13 pounds heavier than Beattis was coming out fo college. If this guy gets going he will be very tough to bring down. He does look a little weak in the arms, though.) ATT 169 | YDS 780 | TD 16 Peyton Hillis, Arkansas Height: 6-2. Weight: 240. 40 Time: 4.78. I actually would prefer a little heavier, but that's just me. This guy did block for Darren MacFadden for what it's worth. Here is we should zero in on in the draft: Owen Schmitt, West Virginia Height: 6-3. Weight: 250. He actually listed at 260 now. 40 Time: 4.81. Carried the ball 13 times for 109 yards in the Gator Bowl against Georgia Tech. I think this guy has what it takes to be very good at the position.
Get Mike Cox in the 7th, he's probably the best blocking fullback in the draft, but that's all he's good at. Not sure how you can call Owen Schmitt a sleeper, most people have him ranked as the top FB in the draft
I guess sleeper was a poor choice of words in this case, but I really think the guy would bhe good here. Picking up just a blocking fullback is too one dimensional. Here's some footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbwbWOJM-bM
Javorsike Lane can't block and he can't hold on to the football. He's a FAT running back. Schmitt is probably the best all-around fullback in this year's draft and I wouldn't mind seeing the Jets take him with a 4th-6th round pick. Peyton Hillis and Jacob Hester are also pretty good options for fullback.
Take Schmitt as soon as humanly possible. He's a smart, dedicated team player that makes everyone around him better. He's an absolute superman in the weight room and can run, catch and block with the best of them. The guy appears to be a top notch human being as well. That goes a long way in this day of a-hole NFL players.
Lane looks like he's 1 cheeseburger away from playing NT. 263 at 20 and pudgy looking is not gonna make it in the NFL. Too slow. I'd rather have the workout warrior Schmitt.
i think we?re more looking for a H-Back than a FB. we had a thread about these guys in the Draft forum 2 weeks ago: http://forums.theganggreen.com/showthread.php?t=28186
Why draft a fullback? Why not get a good blocking tightend and line him up in the backfield instead? Belichik is right on this, the day of the blockingback as a runningback is over. The day of the blockingback as an outlet receiver is where we're at now and a decent tightend is both a better blocker and a better receiver than most runningbacks can possibly be. The appropriate breakdown between runningbacks and tightends on a roster is three halfbacks and three tight ends.
Seriously, why does everyone say we need a fullback? We never would use one, and people say its cuz we dont have one and thats not true we cut Barnes cuz he had no place in this offense not because he sucked( well he kinda sucked but thats besides the point) If you must get a Good all around Te ala Heath Miller of Jason Witten but I think MANY needs should be addressed before we go there so i say no go on the FB
I really liked what I saw in Jason Pociask(sp?) in preseason and felt he had the potential to be a good h-back,I haven't had the time to watch him during the season but he's my tip for starting FB/H-back next season.
I thought we signed a good blocking FB in Barnes, but we never used him, so why acquire another one? Anyway, Just because a guy is big and athletic doesn't mean he can block, most of the guys you have mentioned are used to running with the ball, not blocking.
Yes...we do need a fullback in this offense....I'm sick of running out the single back formation....Jones and Washington will have better numbers with a lead blocker IMO. Besides a retooled Oline.
Jones does not run into a designated hole, more often than he picks a space, and that sort of negates any impact a FB would have... Jones will have better numbers next season when he goes back to the film, and sees the 300 odd yards he left on the field, by running inside of Clement, instead of following Baker.
Both Hillis and Schmitt should be able to play H-Back better than Ryan, Pociask or Kowalewski, and I'm a fan of Kowalewski.
full backs take time to develop, they need to first and foremost be good blockers we don't need one, but if we did, i would bring in a free agent over a draft pick
All I want in a FB is a road grader to clear the path for the RB behind him, and have halfway decent hands for an occasional checkdown pass.
No Love for The Dawgs? Southerland might come into the draft this year although he's a junior. He definitely has the talent! Watching him play reminds me of Moose Johnston or even Tom Rathman. He's a beast of a blocker, plus he's got great hands -- and is dangerous coming out of the backfield. He is seriously one of the reasons Knowshon Moreno has had such a stellar year. Brannan Southerland Ht: 6-0 Wt: 235 Position: FB Date of Birth: 11/12/1985
