Chicago Bears: Free agents no one is talking about
By Ryan Heckman
Fullback Jamize Olawale
The fullback position is one that isn’t used nearly as much as it was 20 years ago. But, some teams with those workhorse backs like to stay old school in their running game. Jamize Olawale is a perfect example of a guy who is still used occasionally to help lead block for one of the league’s best running backs, Ezekiel Elliott.
Looking at the Bears, last year, Matt Nagy insisted on using fullback Michael Burton. First of all, if a fullback is going to be used in an offense like Nagy’s, he has to be able to block. There is a whole lot of movement happening with RPO-style plays being called left and right. Burton, while he is a standup human being, simply isn’t worth keeping on the roster.
Trending. Bears: March Mailbag featuring fan questions. light
Some of the worst whiffs by Bears blockers over the last couple of seasons have come at the hands of Burton. If I had it my way, the Bears wouldn’t even carry a fullback. Ryan Nall would be brought up permanently and used in that role if needed. But, I’m not the coach.
Olawale is an option for the Bears if they insist on using a fullback within their offense. Last season, he was one of the better blocking fullbacks in the NFL. It certainly helps to have an intelligent back like Elliott to help make you look good, and the Bears have a crop of smart backs as well.