Despite a couple instances of noticeable impact during the 2018 season, Buffalo Bills fullback Patrick DiMarco saw his offensive snaps dwindle from 25 percent to 16 percent. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll does not seem to utilize fullbacks as much as former coordinator Rick Dennison. Considering DiMarco’s contributions to the team along with his $2.1 million cap hit in 2019, it’s fair to wonder if cheaper, or more useful, options could be found in the draft.
Few teams utilize fullbacks anymore, and those that do rarely employ NFL-caliber players. As such, there’s only a couple prospects this draft season who will earn draft-able grades. All three players below will likely be available in the seventh round, if they are drafted at all.
Tier I
Alec Ingold (Wisconsin)
Trevon Wesco (WVU)
Ingold was the lead blocker for college football’s most prolific rushing attack and is the lone fullback invited to the Senior Bowl. Ingold isn’t just a linebacker eraser at the second-level either, he rushed for 143 yards this past season and has four touchdown catches over his tenure at Wisconsin, thanks to a soft pair of hands. More of a tight end or H-back, Wesco is a 6’4,” 274-pound rumbler who was asked to do a lot of things for the Mountaineers offense, including being a lead blocker. His production in the passing game was relatively high, with 26 receptions for 366 yards and a touchdown this past season.
Tier II
Winston Dimel (UTEP)
After three effective years with Kansas State, Dimel chose to transfer to UTEP. As a pure run-blocking fullback, he’s part of a dying breed. He’s excellent at holding the point of attack and keeping running lanes open, and has served as a goal-line runner at K-State.