Arizona Cardinals: Bringing back a fullback is a good move
By Larry Brake
Derrick Coleman, FB – 6-0, 233 pounds
Derrick Coleman is a five year veteran. He has played in Seattle and Atlanta. Coleman sports a Super Bowl championship ring from the Seattle victory over Denver. Coleman signed a one year deal worth $790,000 in May, according to spotrac.com. His salary cap hit is $630,000. He will make huge contributions despite his meager salary.
Coleman is legally deaf. In fact, he is the NFL’s first deaf offensive player. Coleman is quoted by espn.com on how he plays each play:
"Coleman said: “I move when the ball moves. So as soon as we break the huddle, … I’m looking, so by the time I’m in my stance, I already know where everybody is. I already know what I’ve got to do. And I’m looking at the ball. When the ball is snapped, I’m able to go. And I adjust…”"
Last season in Atlanta, he rushed twice for eight yards. He caught two passes for ten yards. He played in all 16 games while starting seven of them. So, what will he add to the offense?
Fullbacks help lead block for the ball carrier. The kick out block on the edge will help David Johnson get upfield. Kick out blocks are obviously missing from zone blocking schemes.
Running backs have to look for cutback lanes or small holes in that scheme. However, fullbacks clear out the obstacles. Coleman will do that for Johnson.
Here’s the other fullback.