Browns NFL draft: Finding Todd Monken his fullback

In the NFL, it is rare when coaches, GMs, or teams provide any kind of real information in interview settings. When they do, often it is with a motive that is not clear. New Cleveland Browns HC Todd Monken seems like he might be a bit of an exception to the rule.

With Monken getting his first head coaching job in the NFL at the age of 60, it makes sense that he might not try to play the same games in the media as other coaches. If Monken’s one shot at the top job is going to succeed or fail, he seems ready to do it his way.

His way often includes having a fullback on the roster, something the Browns currently do not have:

There were reports that the New York Giants outbid Cleveland for Monken’s previous fullback, Patrick Ricard.

The fullback position is an interesting one. Some tight ends become the de facto fullbacks while, at times, extra offensive and defensive linemen end up playing the role. In the upcoming NFL draft, Navy’s Eli Heidenreich is the only fullback listed on Pro Football Focus’ board. ESPN’s draft experts have a number of players listed under FB/H-Backs, many of whom were tight ends in college:

Riley Nowakowski, Indiana

The NFL’s official site only has Bredeson listed at the fullback position, while Jaran Kanak (a former linebacker), Jackson Acker, and Hayden Large have also been noted as options at fullback.

It will be interesting if Monken’s desire for a fullback leads to one being selected, a rarity in the NFL these days. Could the new Browns coach have his eyes on someone in particular with a late-round pick? Could Delp, who was recruited to Georgia by Monken, go higher than expected based on his versatility? Will ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi find his newest favorite player after years of begging for a fullback?

Do you think a fullback is an important position anymore? Should the Browns use a draft pick to find Monken his Ricard replacement?

Browns NFL draft: Finding Todd Monken his fullback

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