2009 NFL Combine: Fullback

There aren’t many Fullbacks invited to the Scouting Combine, and those that were invited in 2009 aren’t projected to be 1st day draft picks.  That’s just the way it is for this gritty, thankless position.  For the Eagles, the way that the front office handled the Fullback position in 2008 was an embarrassment.  After letting Thomas Tapeh walk the Eagles tried and failed to convert DT Dan Klecko into a FB.  Once it was obvious that Klecko isn’t an every down Fullback (days into training camp), the Eagles started bouncing Tony Hunt back and forth between HB and FB to point where his head was so spun around the Eagles ended up cutting Hunt.

Fullback is a position that requires a ton of strength and detailed knowledge of pro blocking schemes.  Therefore, not all rookies are up to the task of starting immediately, which is why adding a veteran player through free agency makes a lot of sense for the Eagles.  It’s always good to keep an eye on the future, and here is how some of the Fullbacks of the future performed at the NFL Combine:

Quinn Johnson, converted to FB from LB, may turn out to be a beast of a Fullback

• Tony Fiammetta - The 6′0″ 245 pound FB distanced himself from his competition at the position with his Scouting Combine workout.  Fiammetta led all Fullbacks with a 4.63 40 yard dash and 30 bench reps.  Although he isn’t a running FB, the Eagles don’t need a rusher at the Fullback position, and Tony’s got decent hands coming out of the backfield.  I would welcome him to Philadelphia with open arms.
• Quinn Johnson - The LSU product could only put up 16 bench reps at the Combine, the least of any Fullback who benched.  Johnson is a converted Linebacker, and as he is purely a blocker, you’ve got to think that his weak Combine is going to hurt his stock.  He does seem like a bit of a beast as a lead blocker and a special teamer, so I’ll overlook the poor Combine showing and gamble a late round pick on Johnson.
• Brannan Southerland - Was slightly behind Fiammetta in both his 40 yard dash (4.78 seconds) and bench repetitions (28).

Any of the three FBs listed above have the potential to fill a glaring need on the Eagles roster, blocking Fullback.  Fiammetta is the pick of the litter, as his experience at the position and pass catching ability to go along with power blocking push him over Johnson and Southerland.  However, Quinn Johnson is a raw, physical player who is still learning the position and has some potential.  If Johnson is still available when the Eagles go on the clock in the 6th or 7th round, I’d scoop his up, although the Eagles won’t due to his ineptitude as a receiver.

Even if the Eagles don’t address the Fullback position through the draft, they will absolutely need to via Free Agency.