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Baltimore Ravens: 3 players they will miss in 2017

By Joe Schiller

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) stretches the ball across the goal line to score a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) react in the fourth quarter of a game 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 as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) react in the fourth quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Juszczyk

In a league that relies heavily on the pass, you rarely ever see the fullback position used. Most teams do not even carry a fullback on the roster. There are plenty of sets and formations that don’t call for one. With that being said, the Ravens went against the norm and used fullback Kyle Juszczyk to their advantage.

Related Story: Baltimore Ravens: 3 reasons why Joe Flacco can turn it around in 2017

Juszczyk is a one of a kind player, and is much more than just a fullback. He has the ability to not only block, but also run the ball and catch. It’s more impressive that he can do all of these things well. As he got more acclimated into the Ravens offense over the years, they used him in more ways. A big part of his production came in the passing game, especially off of screen plays. This kind of versatility is hard to replace.

Because of Juszczyk’s success, he earned a huge contract with the 49ers. There was absolutely no way the Ravens could match the $21 million he got. They had a lot more important positions that needed to be addressed, but that doesn’t mean that losing Juszczyk doesn’t hurt. He was another weapon that opposing defenses would have to plan against. There are options on the roster to replace him, but it won’t be the same.

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