Buccaneers: Making the case for fullback Michael Burton
By Zach Sauers
As of yesterday, the Detroit Lions have released their only fullback Michael Burton. Could general manager Jason Licht and the Buccaneers come sniffing around?
Since head coach Dirk Koetter arrived in the Bay area, the Buccaneers have been one of the only teams that feature a fullback in their offense. In 2014, Koetter’s first year in Tampa as an offensive coordinator under Lovie Smith, Javorskie Lane was the featured fullback in his run first approach offense. Although Lane did not receive many touches, his ability as a blocker was one of the best features he brought to the team. Since Lane’s career ending injury, Tampa’s fullback position has been left to veteran tight end Luke Stocker.
Now although Stocker has done an adequate job for the Bucs throughout the past two seasons (when healthy), it is quite clear that Koetter does not view him as a solution for a fullback in his offense. Not only did Tampa dip their hands into the fullback equation by drafting Danny Vitale in 2016 NFL(the now Cleveland Brown), but they also were able to sign Austin Johnson (the former New Orlean Saint) and Quayvon Hicks (a former Georgia bulldog) to their 90-man roster for this upcoming season.
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Now that it is clear that Koetter has hopes once again for a featured fullback, much like his offense had in Atlanta (reference Patrick DiMarco), it would seem wise if Tampa threw their name in the hat for possibly signing the freshly cut Michael Burton out of Detroit.
Much like many fullbacks the stats just do not do the player justice, but the 25 year old, 5’11”, 235 pound fifth round draft pick out of Rutgers has made his mark in the NFL as one of the premier fullbacks since entering the league. Burton, as a rookie was named as one of the top three fullbacks according to Pro Football Focus, coming just behind Koetter’s former fullback Dimarco and Tennessee’s Jalston Fowler. The fullback’s ability to block has been one of the main reasons why he has shined. Under Detroit’s new offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, his role has diminished, which is why he was cut in favor of the newly signed Matt Asiata.
So how does Burton measure up?
If you take a look at the fullbacks currently on the roster, both Johnson and Hicks have very unaccomplished careers compared to Burton. As for Johnson, the now journeyman who started in Baltimore, has seen his fair share of snaps in the NFL to make his presence known. The former Saint only appeared in 18 games throughout his career, but played well enough to remain on and off the roster for about three seasons. As for Hicks, the 2016 undrafted rookie who began his career with the Titans has not registered a snap in the NFL. Therefore based upon career games, Burton beats Johnson and Hicks combined by 13 total appearances which gives him the edge on his opponents based upon experience.
If you reference back to Koetter’s fullback DiMarco in his time in Atlanta, Burton’s playing style and stature is very similar. Not only do both players have the capabilities to lead block successfully, but when called upon to catch a pass in the flat they could do so with success. This means well for Burton, who was drafted by Detroit due to these H-Back tendencies. Burton’s 2015 NFL Draft Profile by Lance Zierlein mentioned that the fullback was a “crafty pass-catcher out of backfield” and that he “shows desired speed into routes and is always ready for the throw.”
If Tampa would be able to reel in a fullback that not only can lead block, but also produce as an H-back (much like Alan Cross‘s role) it would be a great success for general manager Jason Licht. Burton has the potential to be able to continue his shine in the NFL, and adding him to an already loaded offense would be an ideal signing for a team turning the corner.
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