Will we ever have a true Fullback?

Do you think Arians will ever wise up and move toward having a true fullback? The evidence of its success in the running game is undeniable. LT had Lorenzo Neal, one of the best blocking fullbacks in NFL history, and rode him all the way to having some of the most productive years for any RB ever. From 2003 to 2007 LT had at least 1300 yards, averaged around 4.5 yards a carry, and 15 touchdowns each year including 28 in 2006. After 2007 Lorenzo left, and likewise LT's production plummeted.
Here's an article arguing for more fullback use in the NFL http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/s ... id=5238185
A staggering stat from that article is that all top 10 rushing attacks in 2008 utilized FB's.

And even here, on the Steelers, you can see a definite improvement in the running game whenever we use a fullback instead of the usual two TE's or three WR's look during running plays. Mendenhall has been screaming since before the beginning of the year, yet here we still are. Our running game is mediocre at best, with flashes of brilliance here and there. Most plays are 2 or 3 yards, with a big run here and there. We need to up that to 4 or 5 yards.

Your thoughts?

 

How much are the top FBs getting paid? I would have to think that this would be a fairly cheap upgrade for the potential inrease in production.

 

Lorenzo Neal, probably the best FB in the league over the past ten years has averaged about 1 million to 1.5 million in cap. So, it's a relatively cheap acquisition.

 

Lorenzo Neal also blocked for Eddie George when Eddie George ran well. Maybe Eddie and LT were not that good.

 

Again, at least 1300 yards both years he was with the team and 9 and 14 TD's. The year after he left George didn't even get a 1000 yards and had 3.0 yards a rush.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the year Barry Sanders went over 2,000 yards was the first year he had a fullback.

I don't get it. It's one thing to say "It telegraphs our plays," but we do that anyway!! Plus, we already waste a spot on the field with Johnson. A fullback could do all the same inline blocking and receiving that he does, plus much better lead blocking and possibly even the ability to run. It wouldn't change a thing except improve our running game.

 

I agree completely.

 

Yep, Tommy Vardell. He wasn't particularly talented yet his presence helped Barry to that 2,000 yard season and jumped his yards per rush up a yard from 5.1 to 6.1.

 

Probably a coincidence. :banghead:

 

If you say so Bruce

 

I doubt if we ever get one

 

looking at the draft there is only one true blocking fb (chad diehl clemson)

 

Any idea when he's projected to get drafted? If he's in the 4th or 5th or later I don't see why we shouldn't use a pick on him.

 

Yeah, Bonehead B.A., made it perfectly clear, when he ran one of the last, best true fullbacks in the league, Dan Krieder, outta town, that he sees no use for one...
IDIOT!!!

 

Not under this current OC.

 

Who needs Barry Sanders when you've got the bubble screen?