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Ravens Free Agency: Don’t Forget About Kyle Juszczyk

By Chris Schisler

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) stretches the ball across the goal line to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) stretches the ball across the goal line to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ravens Have To Keep Kyle Juszczyk on board and they have to make him an integral part of the offense:

Kyle Juszczyk has to be a more integral part of the Ravens offense next season. Cam Cameron was far from a great offensive coordinator but he understood that the Ravens do best with two backs in the backfield. In the beginning of the Harbaugh era, the Ravens were always a team that needed a fullback. LeRon McClain, Lorenzo Neal and Vonta Leach were important cogs in the Ravens offense. Now the Ravens have one of the best fullbacks in the league and they don’t get the most out of him.

Kyle Juszczyk has the ability to be an offensive weapon on top of the more unflattering fullback duties. He is a good lead blocker, he is better in pass protection than any of the Ravens running backs.

There is really nothing he can’t do at the fullback position. While fullbacks are not the most coveted position anymore, you’re fooling yourself if you think that Juszczyk isn’t going to get paid handsomely.

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When Juszczyk was a rookie in 2013, the Ravens barely used him. Jim Caldwell was a pass first offensive coordinator and he liked having a one back set. In the past three seasons however, the Ravens have made “Juice” part of their attack.

The Harvard educated fullback has caught 97 passes in the past three seasons. His best statistical season was in 2015 when he caught 41 passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns.

It is mind boggling that the Ravens don’t use more of a two back set. Juszczyk’s versatility lends itself to the pass game and the running game. When he is on the field, the Ravens simply have more options.

I think the Ravens will retain their fullback, but that have to use him more. If I were calling the shots you’d see a ton of 21 personnel with Juszczyk and Dixon in the backfield. This would give the Ravens two receiving threats from the backfield and Juszczyk’s blocking.

Next: NFL Free Agency: 3 Potential Game Changers For The Ravens To Target

The Ravens want to get back to the run game, a fullback like Juszczyk can help them do it. With him as a lead blocker, a runner and a receiving threat, the defense has so much more to worry about. The Ravens need to use more of two back sets in their offense. They don’t just need to retain Juszczyk’s services, they need to let him be a star.

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