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Rundown: Jets Fullbacks

by Bassett on July 16th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Second in a series of position rundown posts leading into the Jets training camp, today focusing on fullbacks:

STRENGTHS Beefy Run Blocking. Although Tony Richardson (6-1 238) is reaching the end of his career, no one doubts his ability to create holes for the player following behind him. Richardson’s current backup on the Depth Chart is Jehuu Caulcrick. Caulcrick (6-0 255) could be an interesting option for the team to hold onto this fall. There were many teams interested in his services, and he decided on joining the Jets. Caulcrick was a short yardage and goal line specialist at Michigan State who scored 20 TDs in 2007 and who will look to learn from one of the league’s best fullbacks and most willing leaders and tutors. Though, it remains to be seen how well he can play without the ball in his hands.
WEAKNESSES Receving abilities. Although Richardson is still competent, this is one of the first areas that starts to fade for aging backfield players. Tony Richardson is getting older and Caulcrick only caught double digit passes (15 in 2006) once in college.
QUESTIONS Will the Jets employ a short yardage specialist after last year’s troubles? Can Tony Richardson stay healthy all season? Is Jehuu Caulcrick a competent NFL level replacement?
ANALYSIS With a better run blocking offensive line, and a penchant for motioning Tight Ends out, having a solid thumping fullback can be an important part of the Jets’ offense. The Jets have struggled to find a consistent contributor since letting Jerald Sowell go a few years back, but Richardson’s arrival should be helpful to the team as long as he can stay on the field. Keep an eye on where Musa Smith (6-0 232) is lining up in practice, as he might contend for a roster spot as a fullback / short yardage specialist with some receiving skills.
FUTURE Tony Richardson signed a one year veteran deal to join the Jets, leaving the team with flexible options in the coming year. The Jets will try to bring along Jehuu Caulcrick or Musa Smith using them or another younger player as a longer term replacement for Richardson.

7 Responses to Rundown: Jets Fullbacks

  1. avatar Reprocity says:
    July 16, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    I think it says a lot about some who is 37 and plays fullback to still be effective. Kicker/Punters and QB’s are really the only people you see playing that long but a FB? That’s just crazy!

    Reply
  2. avatar Bent says:
    July 16, 2008 at 5:59 pm

    I think Pociask will also be used in this role if he makes the team.

    Caulcrick was more of a ball carrier than blocker in college, but has great size and agility. Those TDs last year?…not all one yard plunges – he bounces to the outside and into the open field too (btw I think it was 21, not 20).

    Richardson (and Callahan) should make a huge difference but we are going to see a totally different running style this year so I wonder if this will be an area where they have a slow start.

    Reply
  3. avatar vbsiena24 says:
    July 16, 2008 at 6:56 pm

    Jets signed fourth-round CB Dwight Lowery to a multi-year contract.

    1st!!

    Reply
  4. avatar ramble914 says:
    July 16, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    Nice post vbsiena24!

    That leaves Ainge, Keller and Gholston (I think).

    Reply
  5. avatar Bassett says:
    July 16, 2008 at 7:37 pm

    correct ram, and thanks vb!!

    Reply
  6. avatar ramble914 says:
    July 17, 2008 at 10:44 am

    Now it’s only Keller, and Gholston.

    Reply
  7. avatar Jon says:
    July 19, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    I am a huge Jets fan and MSU fan and Caulcrick deserves to get his chance he does have some speed and people here should watch when he truck sticks zbirkowski ND safety. I hope he gets his shot.

    Reply