2011 Fullbacks Pros and Cons
By Editorial Staff
There are 5 fullbacks that could get drafted. Right now Penn State fullback Joe Suhey and Texas fullback Cody Johnson are duking it out to be the top fullback to be drafted.
Penn State fullback Joe Suhey is the top fullback in 2012. Joe Suhey’s father was Matt Suhey the infamous fullback who blocked for Walter Peyton on the Chicago Bears.
Joe Suhey Fullback Penn State #37 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 1 222 pounds
STATS: Joe Suhey rarely got any touches at Penn State. Suhey is mainly a blocking fullback despite his lack of size. Suhey’s run blocking allowed for Penn State running back Evan Royster to rush for over 1,000 rushing yards 3 consecutive seasons.
Right now Silas Reed is starting at running back for Penn State. Reed has rushed for 705 rushing yards in 7 games mainly due to Joe Suhey’s run blocking ability at fullback.
DRAFT STATUS: Suhey could go as early as round 5 and as late as round 7. Joe Suhey will likely be the starting fullback for the North Team at the 2012 Senior Bowl. Suhey’s senior bowl performance could dictate his draft fate.
PROS: great physical ability, durability, can play in an NFL offense, intangibles, excellent run blocker, runs with the football with power running ability, ball carrier vision, makes catches out of the backfield, family bloodlines his father Matt blocked for Walter Payton at fullback, production, potential
CONS: Undersized Suhey is 6 foot 1 222 pounds Suhey needs to bulk up
Summary: Joe Suhey is probably the best blocking fullback in the 2012 NFL Draft. Penn State has had 4 1,000 yard rushers in 4 years mainly due to the run blocking scheme that Penn State runs with their offensive lineman, tight ends, and fullbacks all focused on run blocking.
Player Comparison: Matt Suhey
Projected Round: 5th Round
Cody Johnson Fullback Texas #11 Senior Redshirt 5 foot 11 252 pounds
STATS: Cody Johnson has 4 rushing touchdowns for the Texas Longhorns this season. Johnson is a real bruiser when it comes to plowing short goal line runs into the end zone. Johnson’s ability at fullback has helped freshman back Malcolm Brown.
DRAFT STATUS: Cody Johnson will likely start for the South Team in the Senior Bowl. Cody Johnson and Joe Suhey will determine who the consensus #1 fullback is at the 2012 Senior Bowl.
PROS: Elite physical tools, physical ability, durability, size, intangibles, ball carrier vision, production, potential
CONS: Can he learn an NFL playbook?
Summary: Cody Johnson has pro bowl potential if he can learn an NFL playbook. Even if he does not learn every play in an NFL playbook, Johnson will still contribute as a sleeper.
Player Comparison: Tony Richardson with steeper learning curve
Projected Round: 5th Round Talent
Joe Halahuni Fullback Oregon State #87 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 2 255 pounds
STATS: Halahuni is listed as a tight end, but is expected to convert to fullback due to size.
DRAFT STATUS: Halahuni will be a late round pick at tight end.
PROS: Elite physical tools, physical ability, durability, size, production
CONS: Lacks mental attributes, needs much more experience with reps at fullback
Summary: Halahuni could be a late round pick at fullback. Halahuni is a tight end who will convert to fullback.
Player Comparison: James Casey
Projected Round: 6th Round Talent
Devon Ramsey Fullback North Carolina #45 Senior 6 foot 2 250 pounds
STATS: Devon Ramsey has been mainly used as a blocking fullback.
DRAFT STATUS: Devon Ramsey is a borderline draft pick as he is graded out as a 7th round prospect.
PROS: Durability, size, potential
CONS: physical ability, production
Summary: Ramsey is a 7th round fullback who likes to rush it in the end zone.
Player Comparison: Vonta Leach
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent
Chad Diehl Fullback Clemson #30 Senior Redshirt 6 foot 2 260 pounds
STATS: Chad Diehl has been an excellent blocking fullback paving the way for runners trying to open up running lanes.
DRAFT STATUS: Chad Diehl is a borderline draft pick worth a late 7th round flyer.
PROS: physical ability, durability, size
CONS: mental attributes, intangibles, ball carrier vision, needs to catch more often, production, potential
Summary: Chad Diehl is a borderline draft prospect. I probably would pass on Diehl, but someone may spend a late round pick on him.
Player Comparison: Poor mans Lawrence Vickers
Projected Round: 7th Round Talent