1. Jeremiah Hall (Oklahoma) 6’2″ 240 lbs.
The time of the conventional, strictly run blocking, bulldozer fullback is coming to a halt. H-Back/TE hybrids are the newest craze for this specific position title. To earn a roster spot on the final 53 most positions have to offer flexibility. Hall’s most impressive attribute is his pass catching and size. I’m not expecting elite run blocking from any of this year’s crop but I’m more so looking for developmental ability and multi-usage utility. Hall could legitimately provide high end reps as a pseudo tight end catching multiple passes in the majority of NFL offenses in today’s game. [38 touches, 359 yards, 5 TDs]
2. Connor Heyward (Michigan State) 5’11” 233 lbs.
Heyward is more athletic than he looks. He dealt with his share of career adversity as well when he almost transferred from Michigan State due to wanting more reps at RB, his first position. He ended up staying and getting introduced to more of an H-Back role. How you perceive that is relative. Regardless, Heyward excelled in his role and is poised to be a late round draft pick. Along with Hall, he’s the definition of utility at his position. A bonus with Heyward is I believe he’ll be able to provide special teams value as a blocker on the return team and gunner. He’s that tough and competitive. [36 touches, 333 yards, 2 TDs]
3. Clint Ratkovich (Northern Illinois) 6’1″ 230 lbs.
Ratkovich probably is the most modern-day looking fullback prospect from an aesthetic standpoint. Often comped to Kyle Juszczyk he’s compact and tough as nails. Has RB traits and FB physicality. Enough speed to make plays on all levels. He has a 96-yard TD on his resume. Has the character profile of a team first adaptable prospect who will compete for a roster spot. [119 touches, 585 yards, 15 TDs]
4. Zander Horvath (Purdue) 6’2″ 232 lbs.
Horvath is a hardnosed football player. A true throwback FB. He is versatile. The athletic profile isn’t great, but the effort is there. [108 touches, 428 yards, 3 TDs]
5. John Chenal (Wisconsin) 6’2″ 250 lbs.
Chenal struggled some but has the build and tenacity to earn a look. [49 touches, 117 yards, 3 TDs]
6. Tobias Little (Missouri State) 6’0″ 237 lbs.
Smaller school guy that showed a ton of upside on tape. He can catch, create YAC, and run people over with his physical running style. He plays with excellent pad level. [150 touches, 678 yards, 10 TDs]
7. Sean Dykes (Memphis) 6’2″ 224 lbs.
There are going to be several former college tight ends who lack the size and/or athleticism who should try to be useful in some capacity. Although Sykes doesn’t lack in the athleticism category he certainly may not appeal to some teams as a tight end because of his size. He’s a mismatch for LBs due to his speed and YAC ability. He is very green when it comes to blocking and that’s where the coaching comes into play. This is only a possibility. I personally think he could play tight end and be very similar to a Delanie Walker archetype. [48 catches, 657 yards, 7 TDs]
8. Roger Carter (Georgia State) 6’2″ 250 lbs.
Carter has the size but must become more physical. Can catch well enough to get a camp invite. [20 catches, 323 yards, 2 TDs]
9. Bryson Cannon (Eastern Michigan) 6’2″ 238 lbs.
Plays with pride. Good catch radius. Tough and competitive. Camp invite. [20 catches, 272 yards, 3 TDs]
10. Xavier Gaines (Marshall) 6’3″ 220 lbs.
A big WR essentially. That plays hard. Fullback transition seems to be a long shot due to metrics and style of play overall but with his frame and 25 lbs. heavier he could work out an H-Back role in professional football other than the NFL. [43 touches, 491 yards, 3 TDs]