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        the Gridiron >> between the 20's >>  2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - FB
        
(Message started by: Philly on Mar 12^th, 2004, 4:40pm)

Title: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - FB
Post by Philly on Mar 12^th, 2004, 4:40pm

Key players at the FB position who have declared themselves eligible for the 2004 NFL Draft will be profiled in this thread.

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Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - FB
Post by Philly on Mar 12^th, 2004, 4:41pm

MIKE KARNEY
Arizona St.
HT: 6' 0"
WT: 255 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Mike Karney is, by far, the best blocking fullback in the draft. He has great size and strength and excellent blocking technique. He eats up the defender as a lead blocker on running plays and consistently opens holes for the running back. He is also a solid short-yardage runner, moving the pile forward on impact. He has decent hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield. For a team looking for a classic fullback, Karney is the prototype.

WEAKNESSES:
Fairly slow for a back (5.0 forty). He will need to increase his speed and quickness once he joins an NFL squad.

PROJECTION:
This year's draft is heavy on fullbacks with good running skills, but Karney is the best blocking fullback, so his draft position will be determined largely by team need. He'd be a perfect fit in Houston and he should be around in the fourth round when they select with pick #102.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - FB
Post by Philly on Mar 19^th, 2004, 10:00am

TROY FLEMING
Tennessee
HT: 6' 0"
WT: 227 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Troy Fleming is a bit of a mystery man in the draft. He played fullback at Tennessee after a record-setting career as a running back in high school. Fleming is strong (23 bench reps at 225 lbs.) and a capable blocker. He is an able pass-catcher out of the backfield as well. When given the opportunity to run the ball, Fleming shows good speed and quickness, and runs powerfully with a low center of gravity. On his Pro Day, Fleming posted a 4.47 time in the forty, faster than both of the top two running backs in the draft. Fleming plays hard and is a team guy who does whatever is asked of him. Because he has fullback skills and experience and the body and potential as a tailback, Fleming is a more complete back than many others in the draft and becomes a more valuable commodity.

WEAKNESSES:
If Fleming is expected to play fullback in the NFL, he'll need to bulk up some more. He could probably carry another 15 pounds on his frame, but that would affect his speed and quickness. While he is a good blocker, he'll need to improve even more to play fullback at the NFL level. If Fleming is expected to play halfback in the NFL, he'll need to improve his technique and get a lot of reps at the position. He only had 80 carries in four years of college. He was an excellent halfback in high school, but is still fairly inexperienced at the position.

PROJECTION:
Because of his size and speed, most teams will probably be looking at Fleming as a tailback in the NFL. Fleming is the type of player who could slip under most people's radar and end up being one of the better players at the position. The Patriots, Broncos, and Jets have all scheduled private workouts with Fleming. Look for Fleming to be a late third round pick at the earliest. He will probably go fairly early on day two of the draft.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - FB
Post by Philly on Apr 15^th, 2004, 1:19pm

LOUSAKA POLITE
Pittsburgh
HT: 5' 11"
WT: 245 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Lousaka Polite was one of the more impressive players during the week of Senior Bowl. Polite shows decent running skills at the position. He is fast (4.6 forty) for his size and is able to find the holes in the line. He is able to break arm tackles and always falls forward for extra yardage. Polite also has the ability to catch the ball in the short passing game. Polite is a very strong player (28 strength reps) who has a reputation as a workout warrior. He is a good blocker who seems to enjoy hitting players and creating holes. Was a three-time offensive team captain who was well-regarded by his teammates and coaches.

WEAKNESSES:
Polite's speed is mostly straight-ahead speed. He does not make players miss when running the ball, preferring instead to run over them. His strength is more weightlifting strength than functional football strength. He does not possess great athleticism. He is a bit of a tweener. He is too big and lacks the quickness to be an effective tailback, yet he is too small and lacks the skills to be a prototypical fullback.

PROJECTION:
Polite is one of the top five fullbacks available in the draft. Look for him to be selected in the fifth or sixth rounds. He could be a solid special teams player and a part-time blocking back until he learns the NFL system.

Title: Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - FB
Post by Philly on Apr 15^th, 2004, 1:20pm

THOMAS TAPEH
Minnesota
HT: 6' 1"
WT: 245 lbs.

STRENGTHS:
Thomas Tapeh impressed the scouts during the week of Senior Bowl. He carried the ball very well and caught the ball out of the backfield effectively. He has serviceable speed (4.8 forty) for the position. Tapeh is a tough back to tackle, almost never going down with the first hit. He has outstanding size and physique for the fullback position and can also be used in the tailback position. He is able to elude would-be tacklers. Tapeh is a hard worker on and off the field. He is a classic leader by example.

WEAKNESSES:
Despite playing the fullback position in college, Tapeh has not really developed into a good blocker. He gets off-balance and will often play too high. Tapeh is a better blocker in open space than in tight quarters. He has a lot of weight room strength which seem to limit his flexibility some.

PROJECTION:
As NFL teams primarily look at the fullback position as a block first, run and catch second position, Tapeh will lose some respect in the eyes of NFL scouts. With some coaching and experience, Tapeh could learn to be an excellent blocker who also has solid running ability. Look for a team to take a look at him in the sixth round with an eye for the future instead of immediate production.