Not many teams in the NFL utilize the fullback position as they did 20 years ago, but let’s imagine the Cincinnati Bengals manage to utilize one this season. It’s actually conceivable, and it comes in the form of a seventh-round draft pick.
Landon Robinson was seemingly on the Bengals’ radar from the Senior Bowl. Sure enough, the Bengals drafted the defensive tackle from Navy and an Ohio native in the seventh round this past April. Robinson shined in the preseason opener last Thursday, showing a ferocity to get into the offensive backfield and disrupt the flow of the play the opposing offense is trying to run.
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However, the Bengals have a deep defensive line, so they may find another way to keep Robinson on the 53-man roster: Giving him reps at fullback.
Robinson at fullback? Before you quickly dismiss this notion, remember that Domata Peko came in multiple times and acted as a fullback in goal-line situations. A guy like Robinson can play a similar role.
“Coach Pitcher came to me and said, ‘Hey Landon, have you ever played fullback?'” said Robinson. “I was able to sit in on a couple of offensive meetings, and he installed the goal-line package.
“The quickness I use at D-line kind of translates to fullback. Low center of gravity and boom! I think it worked out pretty well.”
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Even being a blocker for Chase Brown or Samaje Perine down near the goal line can provide great value for the Bengals. Versatility is a great asset for any seventh-round pick trying to make the 53-man roster, and it looks like Robinson is showing just that in training camp.
