In 1986, Run D.M.C and Aerosmith joined forces to blend rap and rock music with the hit song “Walk this Way.” In a similar fashion the spoon and fork came together to form the “spork” in 1874, and now, the NFL is witnessing a similar mutation.
Fullbacks have been known to be the big bruisers, who lead the way for running backs, rarely contributing to the passing game. Tight ends have traditionally been a glorified lineman that will occasionally go out for a pass, but NFL offenses have evolved.
Because of this metamorphosis, versatility is the primary characteristic that scouts are looking for when dissecting the fullbacks and tight ends. On Sundays we see tight ends in the backfield as a lead blocker, and fullbacks can be put in the slot as well. The days of having a sole purpose as a lead blocker are over, and so are the days of a tight end that is not a threat in the passing game.
The fullbacks in this year’s class are led by Owen Schmitt and Peyton Hillis, who are both extremely versatile. The top fullbacks could hear their names called in the third round but most fullbacks will hear their names called in the later rounds. Click below to check out our complete top five list.
The tight ends this year are extremely deep. I don’t see any of the tight ends this year going in the first round, but they are very talented, and a couple, in USC’s Fred Davis and Notre Dame’s John Carlson, could very sneak into that range. Here are the top 5 tight ends:
The evolution of the NFL offense over the years has been amazing. Offenses are very much more spread out and positions are changing. The transformation of the fullback and tight end positions will be worth watching. This is such a talented group and it will be interesting to see how the NFL will use them on into the future.
What lame picks…Carlson is so overrated. Dustin Keller out of Purdueis a physical freak with specifications as good as Miami’s Greg Olsen (2007 Bears) and with better collegiate production than Carlson. Plus he can hit homeruns.
Keller killed Carlson at the combine in every event except one, and Keller ran back to back 4.54/4.56 in the 40, while Carlson just beat the Offensive Lineman with a sun-dial time of 4.9
Combine – Keller
40–4.54sec Vertical–38″ Bench–26 reps
Broad Jump 10’11″ 3-Cone Drill–6.88 sec
20 Yard Shuttle 4.14 sec 60 Yard Shuttle–11.74 sec
Combine – Carlson – ND
40–4.87sec Vertical–30.5″ Bench–No Place (less than 20)
Broad Jump- no place 3-Cone Drill–no place
20 Yard Shuttle 4.28 sec 60 Yard Shuttle–11.59 sec
2007 Combine Greg Olsen & 1st Round Draft pick by Bears
40–4.51sec Vertical–35-1/2″ Bench–23 reps
Broad Jump 9’6″ 3-Cone Drill–7.94 sec
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Keller,Dustin
RECEIVING GP No. Yards Avg TD Long Avg/G
—2007—-13–68—-881—13.0–7—80—-67.8
—2006—-14–56—-771—13.8–4—69—-55.1
—2005—-10–13—-128—9.8—3—34—-12.8
John Carlson, ND
RECEIVING GP No. Yards Avg TD Long Avg/G
—2007—-12–40—-372—9.3—3—41—-31.0
—2006—-11–47—-634—13.5–4—62—-57.6
—2005—-12–7——56—-8.0–1—22—- 4.7
I take it you’re a Purdue fan who doesn’t care much for anything Notre Dame-related?
These rankings were coming into the combine, so each guy’s performance will reflect in our post-combine rankings.
Keller certainly helped himself today, no doubt about that, and with some teams like the Seahawks looking for a tight end who can be a quality part of their passing game, his stock could jump quite a bit.