7 fullbacks the Ravens could draft to replace Patrick Ricard
By Justin Fried
4. Ravens target: John Chenal, FB, Wisconsin
John Chenal played alongside his brother, Leo, at Wisconsin, although it’s likely his younger brother hears his name called first on draft day. While the younger Chenal is a Day 2 or 3 linebacker prospect, the older brother would be lucky to even be drafted.
Chenal is a typical fullback prospect with an ideal build at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds. A standout blocker, Chenal isn’t exactly a dynamic athlete, but he makes up for it with his road-grading ability.
He’s shown effectiveness as a short-yardage back too, recording five touchdowns over the last three years. Chenal is a prototypical replacement for Ricard, and someone the Ravens probably wouldn’t have to waste a draft pick on.
3. Ravens target: Connor Heyward, FB/TE, Michigan State
John Chenal isn’t the only fullback prospect with a more famous brother in this class. Michigan State’s Connor Heyward has to live in the shadows of his own older brother, Pittsburgh Steelers star Cameron Heyward.
Heyward isn’t nearly as large as his older brother at just 6-foot, 230 pounds. He began his career at Michigan State before transitioning into more of a hybrid fullback/H-back role as a senior.
Heyward is a very different player than someone like Patrick Ricard. He’s a good athlete who’s thickly built with the versatility to play running back, fullback, and tight end. But he’s not an overly dominant blocker at this stage.
Heyward is an intriguing target, and it would be something for him to square off with his brother twice a year, but I’m not sure the fit is right here.