Thoughts on RB/FB Brian Leonard?

[whcarm]

I really like this guy for some reason. I think he could add a lot to our offense. He is a decent blocker as a FB but I think his true value is his versatility. He has amazing hands and can catch as well as some WRs. He can also be an effective RB.

I think Garrett's offense needs a versatile FB like this guy. He would make our offense more unpredictable. With him and Witten able to be great receivers added to Glenn, TO and Crayton, I think our passing offense would be the best it has been in a long time. He would also be a dump off option for Romo and then he could turn not much into a lot.

Anyway, I just having seen much about this guy. I wanted to get your opinions on him. I've seen him being drafted anywhere from the late first round to the third round. I wouldn't want to take him in the first or second round, but I would love to see us get somewhere early in the third round to take him if he is still available there.

If we could get him and WR Gonzalez from Ohio State and then a decent CB on the first day of the draft then I would be pretty happy.

 

[tomson75]

I like him alot too, but as it stands right now, I'm not sure where he'd fit in our offense. He's down to like 230 lbs the last I checked...and is aiming at a tailback position IIRC.

If he were to bulk back up and improve his blocking I'd like him on our roster...he's one heck of a football player.

There are some other options out there that fit better right away.

 

[carphalen5150]

I'll take a pass on him. I'd prefer a more traditional FB for us.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I'll take a pass on him. I'd prefer a more traditional FB for us.

Me too.

It's not like we don't have weapons on offense.

And as other teams have proven against us-- even "no name" FB's can wreck a defense if ignored.

 

[Hostile]

I'll take a pass on him. I'd prefer a more traditional FB for us.

Agreed.

 

[marchetta]

Brian Leonard RB/FB Rutgers​

STRENGTHS
Brian has excellent size, speed and talent to play multiple positions at the next level. He is a very smart player and an excellent team player. He is playing multiple positions for his college team and has been solid in executing all phases of those positions. Brian has played Tailback, Fullback, H-back and I have even seen him line up in the slot as a receiver. This kid has the athletic talent to be a weapon at the next level. He can block like a fullback and picks up the blitz in the passing game like a RB. He still has not scratched the surface of his RB talents. He reminds me a lot of John Riggins (former RB - Washington Commanders).

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Brian has the same problem as Brian Urlacher when he came out in the draft. They both are so talented and athletic and have great character that it is too good to be true. Most scouts will try to nitpick this kid to death in the hope that he will drop to them in the draft. Of course I’m not sure how well the “Leonard Leap” will work in the NFL, but I’ll let Brian decide that for himself.

TALENT BOARD ROUND: 1
If someone tells you that Brian reminds them of Mike Alstott (FB - Tampa Bay Bucs), you know right away that they are listening to a scout who is trying to downgrade Brian and praying he is there for his team to pick late in the draft. Brian has more athletic talent in his left butt cheek than Mike Alstott ever thought of having. Brian has the same athletic talent that Brian Urlacher has. As I stated earlier - he reminds me a lot of John Riggins (former RB Washington Commanders) and I believe he will have the same impact on the NFL as Riggins did in his career. I personally consider Brian a top ten pick in this draft, but I’m sure he will not be picked in the top ten. The scouts know that a player who is a Fullback/ H-Back in college is not going to be picked in the top ten; however, I would if I was picking in these slots. Brian can play any position he wants and in a system you need him to play in. Tackling him on a sweep in the NFL is going to scare the living crap out of those itsy bitsy CB’s and safeties. To them, he is going to look like Jason in one of those Friday the 13th movies. I can just see him playing for the Denver Broncos and becoming the feature back in their system. I can see him becoming the featured back in any system for any team in the NFL. I’m going to call him Brian (Jason) Leonard because if you put a hockey mask on him and tell him to run, he is just going to scare the living crap out of you just like Jason did in all those Friday the 13th movies.

- Drew Boylhart (thehuddlereport.com)

 

[sago1]

Problem is that both Gonzales & Leonard are predicted to go before we pick in the 2nd round.

 

[acruther]

Problem is that both Gonzales & Leonard are predicted to go before we pick in the 2nd round.

That is the problem. He is an early 2nd guy. Now you could conceivably trade down to late 1st, pick up a 3rd and maybe a 4th or 5th (depending on partner), pick up say Blalock (or Leonard, depending on who you think will go first), then use the 3rd to move up in the 2nd and snatch Leonard.

I can't think of a better scenario that would get you two possible Day 1 starters (Leonard would be a lock to start).

Still, you would have to be convinced Leonard would be willing to be a lead blocker primarily.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Brian Leonard RB/FB Rutgers​

STRENGTHS
Brian has excellent size, speed and talent to play multiple positions at the next level. He is a very smart player and an excellent team player. He is playing multiple positions for his college team and has been solid in executing all phases of those positions. Brian has played Tailback, Fullback, H-back and I have even seen him line up in the slot as a receiver. This kid has the athletic talent to be a weapon at the next level. He can block like a fullback and picks up the blitz in the passing game like a RB. He still has not scratched the surface of his RB talents. He reminds me a lot of John Riggins (former RB - Washington Commanders).

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Brian has the same problem as Brian Urlacher when he came out in the draft. They both are so talented and athletic and have great character that it is too good to be true. Most scouts will try to nitpick this kid to death in the hope that he will drop to them in the draft. Of course I’m not sure how well the “Leonard Leap” will work in the NFL, but I’ll let Brian decide that for himself.

TALENT BOARD ROUND: 1
If someone tells you that Brian reminds them of Mike Alstott (FB - Tampa Bay Bucs), you know right away that they are listening to a scout who is trying to downgrade Brian and praying he is there for his team to pick late in the draft. Brian has more athletic talent in his left butt cheek than Mike Alstott ever thought of having. Brian has the same athletic talent that Brian Urlacher has. As I stated earlier - he reminds me a lot of John Riggins (former RB Washington Commanders) and I believe he will have the same impact on the NFL as Riggins did in his career. I personally consider Brian a top ten pick in this draft, but I’m sure he will not be picked in the top ten. The scouts know that a player who is a Fullback/ H-Back in college is not going to be picked in the top ten; however, I would if I was picking in these slots. Brian can play any position he wants and in a system you need him to play in. Tackling him on a sweep in the NFL is going to scare the living crap out of those itsy bitsy CB’s and safeties. To them, he is going to look like Jason in one of those Friday the 13th movies. I can just see him playing for the Denver Broncos and becoming the feature back in their system. I can see him becoming the featured back in any system for any team in the NFL. I’m going to call him Brian (Jason) Leonard because if you put a hockey mask on him and tell him to run, he is just going to scare the living crap out of you just like Jason did in all those Friday the 13th movies.

- Drew Boylhart (thehuddlereport.com)

I realize that THR has a lot of accuracy in their mocks and top 100 but dear lord these scouting reports are garbage. It sounds like he watches college football on TV and makes these assessments. Actually Im willing to be that is exactly what he does.

Its this guy that is pretty much responsible for the Branch is lazy tripe.

 

[AbeBeta]

I'll take a pass on him. I'd prefer a more traditional FB for us.

and by traditional, I would hope that means "7th round pick" type material.

where's all the Hoyte love?

 

[theogt]

If Garrett's being heavily influenced by Turner's offense, Turner's system uses an H-back/F-back type role, and that's exactly what we drafted Fasano to be. Maybe a year of pro weight training and experience will help Fasano out on his blocking. He doesn't have a problem running routes and catching, that's for sure.

 

[Biggems]

I just hope the Eagles, Pats, Colts, or Saints dont get him...that would suck.....

Houston would be wise to use their second on him. He sure would help take some pressure of Shaub with his versatility.

 

[jay cee]

I just hope the Eagles, Pats, Colts, or Saints dont get him...that would suck.....

Houston would be wise to use their second on him. He sure would help take some pressure of Shaub with his versatility.

I saw one mock that someone posted had the Eagles take him. I got excited about that, because I was thinking that he would probably be no better than Buckhalter.

I have always been afraid that the Eagles would get a special RB who can get the tough yards as well as make the big plays like Westbrook.

 

[Danny White]

Has anyone seen video of this guy doing his "Leonard Leap" -- it's crazy... he loves to hurdle tacklers in the open field. I get the feeling it won't take long for someone to lay him out on the NFL level if he tries that.

 

[Stash]

How about that "man crush" scouting from the huddle report?

That was sickening!

In fact, I think I'm gonna be sick!

uke:

 

[carphalen5150]

and by traditional, I would hope that means "7th round pick" type material.

where's all the Hoyte love?

I like Hoyte...he still has alot to learn, but considering it was his first year at the position there is room to grow.

Sometimes guys like Leonard are a detriment...you have a new toy like him and feel obligated to get him the ball.

Give me a masher at FB and I am fine.

 

[Stash]

I like Hoyte...he still has alot to learn, but considering it was his first year at the position there is room to grow.

Sometimes guys like Leonard are a detriment...you have a new toy like him and feel obligated to get him the ball.

Give me a masher at FB and I am fine.

Agreed.

I want a blocker first, receiver second, and runner third from my fullback position.

 

[dmoore]

If we draft Leonard, we'd have to pay him RB money to play FB. I'll pass. I think he's a decent player, but we have no need for him. It'd be a waste of an early round pick.

 

[marchetta]

I realize that THR has a lot of accuracy in their mocks and top 100 but dear lord these scouting reports are garbage. It sounds like he watches college football on TV and makes these assessments. Actually Im willing to be that is exactly what he does.

Its this guy that is pretty much responsible for the Branch is lazy tripe.

Where did you get that notion from? Actually, he's VERY high on Alan Branch.

Alan Branch DT Michigan​

STRENGTHS
Alan is the biggest, most talented, purely athletic DT that I have seen in a long time. He controls the line of scrimmage from hash mark to hash mark. He is a big, powerful kid who has nimble feet and knows how to use leverage to get the advantage on his opponent. He swallows up double teams and disrupts a pulling offensive guard with ease. Alan seems to be a team player and does not mind being that worker bee DT that is so important for a successful defense. Alan Branch is the type of player you build your defense around. He shows me good mental strength and leadership qualities in his play on the field to go along with his athletic talent and size.

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Alan will have to learn to handle the pressures of being an NFL player. He will have to learn the usual technical aspects of his position because up until now, he has been able to overpower his opponents with his natural size and strength. All this kid needs is repetitions and experience; he should be a dominating force at the next level.

TALENT BOARD ROUND: 1
Alan will be a force at the next level that every offensive coordinator will have to account for on every single play. He will most likely require double-teaming on most plays, which will free up other players to commit impact plays. Alan is ready for the next level football-wise, but you always worry about a junior coming out early. Maturity and work ethic will be the only two issues that will stop Alan from being an excellent DT. He can play in any defensive system and although he does not have the quickest burst off the line, this will get better with experience. He can be a good pass rusher in time with a little more technique work and experience; however, his biggest strength will be his ability to control the line of scrimmage from hash mark to hash mark. Alan is a franchise player with the potential to be one of the better DT’s to play at the next level. His worth will not be measured on a stat sheet. It will be measured by how many playoff games, Super Bowl games and Pro Bowl games he plays in. Alan is like that tree in the forest. You know, that tree that everyone is always trying to figure out if when it falls, does it make a sound? He is my answer to that age-old question -– who cares? All I know is that I don’t want to be caught dead under it. That’s how I feel most offensive linemen are going to feel going up against Alan after a game is over. They are going to feel like a tree fell on top of them and they will not care how many tackles or sacks Alan may have or may not have in the game. All they are going to know is that he kept leaning and falling on them all game long and their bodies are going to feel it for the rest of the week.

- Drew Boylhart (thehuddlereport.com)

 

[fortdick]

Can this guy be another Alstott? More importantly, can he be another Moose?

I know he is a little light to play FB in the NFL, but that can be rectified with some training and nutrition. He wants to be a tail back in the NFL, but I don't think that is his nitch.

Is it worth a first day pick for a FB? I would say yes.