In the world of the NFL, getting genuine insights from coaches or general managers can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But Cleveland Browns' new head coach, Todd Monken, might just be breaking the mold. At 60, Monken is stepping into his first head coaching role with a refreshing approach that suggests he’s ready to do things his way, regardless of convention.
One of the intriguing aspects of Monken's strategy is his fondness for having a fullback on the roster-a position that’s becoming somewhat of a rarity in today’s game. The Browns currently don’t have a fullback, and there were whispers that the New York Giants outmaneuvered Cleveland for Monken’s former fullback, Patrick Ricard.
The fullback role is an interesting one, often filled by versatile players. Sometimes tight ends step in, or even extra offensive and defensive linemen take on the role.
As we look toward the NFL draft, Navy’s Eli Heidenreich stands out as the only fullback listed on Pro Football Focus’ board. Meanwhile, ESPN’s draft experts have highlighted several players under the FB/H-Backs category, many of whom transitioned from playing tight end in college.
This list includes:
- Oscar Delp from Georgia
- Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt
- Joe Royer from Cincinnati
- Max Bredeson from Michigan
- Riley Nowakowski from Indiana
- Justin Joly from NC State
The NFL’s official site only lists Bredeson at the fullback position, but names like Jaran Kanak, a former linebacker, Jackson Acker, and Hayden Large are also being considered as potential fullback options.
Monken’s approach might just bring a classic position back into the spotlight, and it will be fascinating to see how this plays out as the Browns look to carve out their identity under his leadership.