UNDRAFTED FULLBACK SIGNINGS

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Rashawn Jackson-SR-Virginia *INSIGHT*

I was a little surprised that no teams used a pick on Jackson during this year’s draft, as he was graded by many to be the best FB of the class.  He brings a lot to the table as an athlete and is more of a big RB than a traditional FB.  He was used quite a bit in Virginia’s running attack and actually led the team in rushing with 461 yards as a senior – including a 90-yard performance against Maryland.  Jackson has prototypical size for an NFL FB at 6’1”, 241lbs.  He gets up field fast for his size (4.70sec) and can hold his own as a receiver out of the backfield.  The problem is that he is not the strong and aggressive lead blocker you want in a true FB.  He also got in a little trouble in college – was charged with grand larceny and breaking and entering, but charges with ultimately dropped for lack of evidence.  Many question his work ethic.  If he puts forth the effort and works to improve his blocking skills, though, Jackson should be able to latch onto a roster.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Joe Tronzo-SR-Louisville

DALLAS COWBOYS

Chris Gronkowski-SR-Arizona

DETROIT LIONS

Matt Clapp-SR-Oklahoma

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Quinn Porter-SR-Stillman

HOUSTON TEXANS

Jack Corcoran-SR-Rutgers *INSIGHT*

This guy can catch a football.  He made some pretty impressive catches while at Rutgers (as seen in the video below).  He does a pretty good job running the ball for a guy his size (6’0”, 232lbs).  He has the toughness you love to see from a player at his position and was a linebacker in high school.  Unfortunately for Corcoran, he never really stood out on tape and was buried deep or non-existent on most draft boards.  He’s also not the grating FB teams look for as a lead blocker.    However, teams will be intrigued by his catching ability and could be a situational-type player at the next level.  If he can develop more as a blocker, or at least show potential in that area, he should hold onto a roster spot.  As a former New Jersey state champion in wrestling, you’d expect Corcoran to be more than capable of doing so.

Isaiah Greenhouse-SR-Northwestern State (LA)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Ben Stallings-SR-Lambuth

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Tervaris Johnson-SR-Miami (FL)

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Chane Moline-SR-UCLA

Manase Tonga-SR-BYU*INSIGHT*

Tonga was one of three FBs invited to this year’s combine, but slid out of the draft for the same reasons as most of this year’s class – blocking.  While he puts a lot of effort into this area, he was very inconsistent and inefficient on many occasions.  Aside from that, Tonga was pretty productive as a runner and receiver at BYU.  He has a nice build for the position and uses his 5’11”, 245lb-frame to shed off blockers.  He knows how to catch the ball out and away from his body, and is dependable in that aspect of the game as well.  He had his share of issues at BYU, though, and may have scared many teams away from drafting or signing him.  He was arrested for running a stop sign, in which the police then discovered a warrant for his arrest (for previously running a stop son).  He ultimately decided to give the police a false name, according to report.  After serving his suspension, he was ruled academically ineligible the following season.  He committed himself and worked his way back to eligibility.  He suffered several injuries throughout his career, including a PCL in his right knee last season.  He will also be a 26-year-old rookie.  Tonga will have to polish his blocking skills to get a chance to see the field, but has the tools to merit a roster spot.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Chris Zardas-SR-Massachusetts

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Demetrius Taylor-SR-Virginia Tech

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Cory Jackson-SR-Maryland *INSIGHT*

One of the best blockers in this year’s class, Jackson has plenty of attributes to win over a coach.  He is very tough and hard-nosed.  He has the mentality of a linebacker, attacking anything that comes his way.  Jackson has an endless motor and will leave it all out on the field, doing anything to help his team.  He has his moments as a receiver out of the backfield, but won’t do much after the catch.  He will never do much as a runner, but has the bulk (6’0”, 245lbs) to punch it in on the goal line.  Overall, he is a pretty one-dimensional player and doesn’t live up to the high standards for the position nowadays.  However, he has the attitude, desire, and selflessness that make him hard to ignore- he should fit onto a roster somewhere.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Rendrick Taylor-SR-Clemson

TENNESSEE TITANS

William Rose-SR-Florida Atlantic