Cory Schlesinger never rushed for more than 154 yards in a season. He never had more than 466 receiving yards in a season, and in his career scored 14 touchdowns rushing and receiving.
Yet the fullback is still one of the best -- if not the best -- late-round picks in Detroit Lions history. That might say something about the drafting acumen of Detroit’s front office over the years, but Schlesinger was incredibly valuable during his 12 seasons with the Lions.
He was the backfield blocker for Barry Sanders through the second half of Sanders' career, including his 2,053-yard season in 1997.