Browns Add Fullback, Reviving Old-School Power Runs

0:00On April 28th, Cleveland Browns just added a fullback to their training camp roster, and it's Michael Burton, a 34-year-old veteran. Roster projections had zero fullbacks listed, which stood out since the position is basically extinct in today's NFL. But New Head coach Todd Mokin loves using one. He ran it heavy in Baltimore the last three years. Fullbacks faded out league-wide, with stars like Kyle Jewishsick and San Francisco leading the few survivors. Back in the day, Browns fans dug guys like Andy Janovich, blocking for Nick Chubb. Mokin scheme these that extra punch up front, so GM Andrew Berry skipped drafting one and grabbed Burton off the free agent market instead. Burton hails from New Jersey, where he balled out in high school as a running back, rushing for 1,769 yards his senior, year and winning a state title. Despite the stats he walked on air-ruckers, switched to fullback, started 24 games, and became a beast blocker after a knee injury. In the pros, he's a 10-year journeyman at 6-speed tall, 247-pound stints, with Detroit,

1:05Chicago, New Orleans, Washington, Kansas, City, and Denver. Career totals, 42 rushes, 31 catches, mostly special teams, and lead blocking. No big numbers, but he's reliable paving lanes. This move fits Mokin's vision perfectly, giving Chubb that old school hammer. Rounds on his way to Berea, likely locking down a roster spot as camp heats up. Brown's fans, get ready for some throwback power runs.