Who Will the Next Fullback Be?

Jan 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons fullback Mike Cox (42) runs out of the tunnel prior to the NFC divisional playoff game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

We are entering possibly the slowest news time for a football blogger.  No games, no practices, some OTAs, but they don’t show much as almost every professional looks good with no one lined up on them.  The season is over 90 days away and the free agent signings have come to a crawl.  As writers, we will look at any news as a shining, glimmer, splendid topic.  And since I don’t want to talk about the cheerleaders finishing up their swimsuit calendar photo shoot, let’s have a look at one of the least used positions in the league: Fullback

Ever since the NFL has turned into a passing league, the fullback received less action.  Since some of the best Running backs are already hardnosed and thumping runners, the fullback has been reduced to a backfield blocker.  Sometimes, he gets just a little more action with the ball as an eligible offensive tackle.

But when it comes to running out the clock or trying to get bruising yards, that lead blocker is very important.  Since the release of Ovie Mughelli, the Falcons have been searching for that next hard hitting fullback.  They drafted Bradie Ewing last year, lost Lousaka Polite to injury (as well as Bradie) and Mike Cox played fairly well.  They brought in an undrafted free agent Deon Goggins who didn’t last very long.  After that, they signed Patrick DiMarco who hasn’t started for any team and hasn’t played anything more than special teams and maybe a few downs as a blocker.  But then again, the Comrade seems to have an eye for young talent, maybe there’s something there.  I would doubt that he would contribute very much.

Given the state of the Fullback position, what are your thoughts?  Has Mike Cox played well enough to keep his spot, or will Ewing come back in for the starting role?  Or will one of the younger guys step in?