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History and Evolution of the Fullback

With the NFL draft rapidly approaching, Commanders’ fans’ attention is focussing on positions of immediate need, such as offensive line, linebacker, occasionally even quarterback, and premium impact positions like cornerback and edge defenders. One position that is hardly ever discussed is the lowly fullback. The 2023 draft features one or two players at the position who are considered draftable.

Younger football fans might be surprised to learn that this wasn’t always the case. At one point in the league’s development, the fullback was the premium position on an NFL offense, sharing equal billing with the quarterback, sometimes even eclipsing him.