Andy Janovich, FB, Nebraska, (6-foot-1, 238 pounds)
This is a surprise pick, undoubtedly, I had no fullbacks in my rankings and the most talked about top prospects at the position were famous brothers Derek Watt and Glenn Gronkowski, not to mention Northwestern’s Dan Vitale. Janovich was, however, invited to the NFL’s combine and is projected more as an H-back than just your classic blocking fullback which is a much more logical fit in the Broncos system.
Janovich was not featured in my rankings and is a prospect that I had not studied or had on my radar (I have ranked 250 players in my personal rankings). That said, Janovich is the top player at the position drafted and one of only three fullbacks taken in this year’s Draft.
From watching highlights of Janovich and studying his games against both BYU, Southern Miss and Wisconsin this season, this is my scouting report:
A much more explosive runner than his timed run would suggest. Sudden, explosive runner, who had an impressive 6.3 yards per run average in 2015 on 43 rushing attempts, with an added three touchdowns. Had more long runs than expected. His explosiveness in the run game suggest some more potential as a receiver as well (also shows explosion flying downhill in special teams where he was a true standout). When looking back at his testing numbers, Janovich is an explosive athlete for a 238 pounder, his jumps, in particular, showed an impressive burst that pops up on most of the positive plays he makes whether blocking, as a runner or on special teams.
As a runner, Janovich always keeps his legs churning and is able to break tackles this way, stays low and is able to churn out extra yards. As a blocker, he isn’t the most powerful especially in the few times where he’s lined up as a tight end and is used as an inline blocker. This doesn’t come as a surprise as he isn’t long or as big as your conventional tight end, also, his legs look thin, worrisome for a running back or backfield player, but doesn’t seem to affect him. As a blocker in motion, when he gets a head of steam he blows people back, hits holes quickly lowers the helmet and simply gets rid of defenders. A truly infectious player with his reckless style of play, very enjoyable to watch. He’s a true football player, plays physical all out and in all cases of the game, he blocks, he runs and he flies around on special teams.
Projected to be an H-back, has limited experience as a receiver, but his ability blocking in movement is essential for an H-back in a zone-blocking scheme and should help greatly. The few plays he’s had as a receiver are promising. He’s also been rumored to have shown well in workouts as a receiver and could have some sneaky hidden potential in that aspect of his game (Broncos are certainly banking on it or the selection wouldn’t make sense that high in the 6th round). He is short to be a tight end or deep threat in the NFL, limited to underneath routes or passes in the flats. Was lined up in a few different spots and even asked to run a few conventional routes out the slot.
His special team’s impact makes him incredibly valuable and gives him a much greater chance of getting on the 53 man roster. He can help both as a blocker and as a defender himself.
Best case scenario, he’s a smaller version of Marcell Reese with the added advantage of being as special teams contributor. Worst case, he gets on the 53 man roster as a special teams ace and gets 10-15 snaps a game as a blocking fullback who gets 10 runs a season (think the Packers John Kuhn).
There’s no doubt that he’s a fit in the Broncos offense, which is one of the few remaining in the NFL that uses a fullback (at least in a part-time setting). The value of picking a fullback at the beginning of the sixth round is much more questionable, considering there were still players with starter potential remaining in the draft. Not to mention the fullbacks who were ranked higher like baby Gronk (who didn’t get drafted) or Marshall’s Devon Johnson who is bigger and has more experience as a tight end and runner. Regardless Janovich has the skill set and intensity to become a fan favorite.
