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Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2018: FB Preview

How much will the fullback matter in Todd Haley’s offense?

By Chris Pokorny
NFL: Cleveland Browns-Minicamp Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

After covering the running backs the past two days, we put our bow on the positional group by looking at the fullback position next.

NFL: Cleveland Browns-Minicamp Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

1. Danny Vitale - Primary FB

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 245 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 3 years | College: Northwestern

Can you believe that Danny Vitale will already be entering his third season with the Browns? Last year, Vitale played in 15 games, starting 6 of them. Often times, he would see some action at the beginning of the game before disappearing the rest of the way. Although he may not be utilized very much, that didn’t stop him from posting a motivational message to fans this past April on the consistent commitment it takes to see results in your body:

I often get messaged by young athletes or others asking for advice on how to change their bodies, and it is difficult for me to respond to everyone individually. I’m not an expert on fitness and I have no certifications, but I do have experience and can share what has worked for me. I have felt like I have stalled in my progress in the past, I have felt like I have plateaued, and there have been times where I wasn’t sure what I needed to do to to get over the hump. Anyone attempting to make fitness/muscle gainz, weight/fat losses, or just be healthier all around, my main piece of advice is to be self-disciplined and to be consistent. It’s great to work hard, smash weights, and put forth max effort, but if you aren’t consistent with that work and only do it once or twice a week you won’t see the results you want. If you eat great 4 days a week then binge on junk food on the weekend, you’ll only set yourself back. It doesn’t matter what plan you follow or who is training you. Yes, you may stall. Yes, you may hit a point where you feel you have plateaued. But if you learn to be SELF-DISCIPLINED and make fitness a CONSISTENT HABIT, you will see results. You just find little changes and tweaks that you make along the way. Fitness is a PROCESS and a JOURNEY. It will not happen over night. I started my journey as a 14 year old kid at 5’7” 145lbs, and 10 years later have hit my long term goal of being 6’1” 245lbs. 100lb difference took 10 years, a couple inches of growth, and a whole lot of consistent heart and dedication. YOU CAN DO IT! #fitness #workout #workoutmotivation #motivation #cleveland #browns #nfl #dawgpound #fitfam #inspiration #hardwork #dedication #discipline #consistency #habit #fitnessmotivation #fitnessaddict #myobsession #fullback #espn #gainz #heart #passion #titancrew #nobull #bench #squat #deadlift #lift

A post shared by Dan Vitale (@danvitale40) on

Vitale is on an exclusive rights free agent deal this year. Cleveland will likely carry a fullback on their roster in 2018 under Todd Haley, who used one in Roosevelt Nix with the Steelers. But Nix’ usage was minimal (less than 200 snaps on the season), so it is unlikely that we will see Vitale’s utilization as a receiving threat increase despite it being an asset to his game. Nix did make the Pro Bowl as a replacement with his blocking abilities.

Final Roster Odds: 75%

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Marquez Williams - Backup FB

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 260 lbs | Age: 23
Experience: 2 years | College: Miami

Last December, the Browns signed Marquez Williams to their practice squad before promoting him to the active roster for the final regular season game (Danny Vitale was ruled out due to a groin injury).

Williams was a 7th round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 and the 9th-ranked fullback in his draft class. Here are some clips of Williams from his college days:

The fullback job isn’t guaranteed for Vitale. This should be a true competition between both players, and Todd Haley will see which one understands the system the best and blocks efficiently. If he’s only going to use the position for 10-12 snaps per game, he’s going to want to make sure the fullback knows how to do their job every play they are out there.

Final Roster Odds: 25%

Our poll question asks which fullback you think will make the roster this year.

Poll

Which fullback will make the Browns’ roster in 2018?

This poll is closed

  • 83%
    Danny Vitale
    (228 votes)
  • 6%
    Marquez Williams
    (18 votes)
  • 9%
    Neither fullback
    (26 votes)
272 votes total Vote Now

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