Heading into the third preseason game the Baltimore Ravens still do not have a definitive starting fullback. I take a look at the options at the position.
Not many NFL teams utilize the fullback position in today’s game like the Baltimore Ravens. Over recent years it has been an integral part of the offensive success. This has been in part to some very impressive talent at the position, most notably Kyle Juszczyk. But after inking a much deserved four-year, $21 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, the Ravens are now left finding a replacement.
Juszczyk meant more to the Ravens offense than most people realize. Last season he was on the field for 463 offensive snaps. To put that into perspective, that was 40.8% of the time that the offense was on the field. It way not seem like a lot, but for a position that isn’t used on many offensive teams, that’s impressive. Juszczyk also doubled as one of the Ravens most important special team players. He played 69.8% of the special team snaps last season. Rarely you will see a starting offensive or defensive player do that. Juszczyk was a talented blocker, but also could run and catch the ball. He leaves a big hole for the Ravens this upcoming season.
Who is left to fill the void? There looks to be three main candidates at the moment.
Lorenzo Taliaferro
After losing Juszczyk, the presumable replacement coming into this season was Lorenzo Taliaferro. The fourth year back had played sparingly over the last two seasons because of injury, but has been kept around. He was a former fullback in college, so the transition back fullback seemed like the most logical option.
So far, Taliaferro has not helped his cause this preseason. From what we’ve seen in the first two preseason games, it hasn’t been promising. He’s totaled just six touches for 15 yards in the two games. At time’s he’s looked lost as both a blocker and a ball carrier. From the standard the Ravens have had at the position over the years, they have not seen that so far this preseason from him.
We’ve seen Taliaferro be primary coverage guy on special teams, so he’s got a chance at making the 53-man roster, but that doesn’t mean it will be at fullback. Along with Terrance West and Danny Woodhead, the Ravens are going to want to take a third running back. This leaves only one spot for the fullback. The injury history concerns me, but Taliaferro is someone to count out just yet. He’ll need to put together some solid performances the next two weeks if he wants to be the starter week 1.