2009 NFL Free Agency: Fullbacks

Klecko has looked solid as a DT, but he is no Fullback

Dan Klecko is not a fullback.  Kyle Eckel isn’t an NFL starter.  Improving the Fullback position will boost the Eagles running game when we occasionally choose to hand the ball off, as well as help out in pass protection.  Last season, the front office made the mistake of assuming that because the Eagles run more plays out of the single-back than most teams, they didn’t need a Fullback.  Hopefully they aren’t too arrogant to recognize the error in their ways and go get a FB in ‘09.

Their numbers are few, but the Fullbacks available in Free Agency this year could provide a huge upgrade for the Eagles.

New Models

• Leonard Weaver – 26 – Seattle – A solid blocking Fullback who is also a little dangerous with the ball (4.3 yards/carry, plus 222 receiving yards and 2 TDs in ’08). Came up in the NFL learning from All Pro Mack Strong
• Heath Evans –30– New England – He been a consistent player on the Patriots since 2005.  Has some ability to catch and run in short-yardage situations (3 rushing TDs in ’07 season).  Evans is a bit of a bruiser, and his game reminds me of Jon Richie, just without the bleeding forehead.

Old Classics

• Tony Richardson – 37 – New Jersey B – The four time Pro Bowl, most recently in ‘07, has blocked for Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, and Adrian Peterson.  Helped Thomas Jones resurrect his career in ’08, and appears to still have some gas left in the tank.
• Lorenzo Neal – 38 – Baltimore Ravens – I would love to sign Lo to a one-year deal.  Like Richardson, he’s a four time Pro Bowler who is still punishing opposing defenders.  Helped the Raven’s average 148.5 rushing YPG in ’08, 4th most in the NFL.

All of these Fullbacks represent improvement at the position, so the Eagles signing any of them in Free Agency would be a positive.  If I had my pick, I would chase either Leonard Weaver or Lorenzo Neal.  Weaver provides a younger, more versatile options (which the Eagles generally favor), but Lorenzo is one of the best blocking FBs in the league, even at 38.