Where The Lions Roster Stands: Fullback

by Sean Yuille on Jun 19, 2011 4:59 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Returning from last season: Matt Clapp (he was with the Lions for part of training camp)

Currently a free agent: Jerome Felton (he is a restricted free agent; the Lions tendered him at the original-round level), Jake Nordin (he was on injured reserve last season and is currently an exclusive-rights free agent)

New to the team: None

The last few years, the Detroit Lions' fullback position has essentially been only Jerome Felton. Going forward, that very well may still be the case, as Felton was tendered at an original-round level by the Lions earlier this offseason. Felton has previously said that he wants to be used more or play elsewhere, but since he is a restricted free agent and has been tendered an offer, it's likely that he will be back.

The other two fullbacks currently in the mix are Jake Nordin and Matt Clapp. Nordin converted from tight end to fullback last year before suffering an injury in training camp that landed him on injured reserve. Clapp was let go during training camp, but the Lions re-signed him at the beginning of this past February.

Need going forward?

Unless Felton were to sign somewhere else or be traded, I can't see the Lions adding another fullback that would compete for a spot on the roster. It wouldn't surprise me if an undrafted free agent fullback is brought in as a training camp body, but with three fullbacks already expected to be on the roster, there isn't much of a need at this position.

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I have a feeling

That you’re doing the most stable/boring positions first in hopes that by the time we get to the juicy ones free agency will be done and you’ll have something to write about.

Smart man.

by Mavyrk on Jun 19, 2011 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

I wonder what they see in Felton

I like some aspects of his game, but he one of the worst blocking FB in the league. I’d like to get a stellar one to help LeShoure out (then we’d be almost assured to be much better in short yardage situations).

The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.

by rames on Jun 19, 2011 7:20 PM EDT reply actions

I don't get the Felton hate

Do you have ANY proof of what you’re saying at all?

The Lions have run a LOT of single back sets last year, especially with the shotgun while Hill was injured and playing. Felton has never been a stellar run blocker, but I don’t think he’s unserviceable either…

'The reality is - the police become necessary in human society, only at that junction in a society where it is split between those who have, and those who ain't got' - Omali Yeshitela

"In the absence of logic it is not uncommon that sanity can only be found by embracing lunacy." – Leonuro, circa 2011

by Nate D. on Jun 19, 2011 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions