During the offseason the Cleveland Browns made one of the most under-the-radar moves.
They acquired veteran fullback Andy Janovich from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2021 seventh-round draft pick.
Media report: Broncos to trade FB Andy Janovich to Browns for 2021 seventh-round pick.
📰 » https://t.co/Rz5mGgu4HA pic.twitter.com/eEvufXOJbz
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 17, 2020
The 27-year-old spent the first four years of his career in Denver.
He was a sixth-round pick out of Nebraska and has played in over 50 games during his NFL career.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is excited about the transaction and believes Janovich is a good fit for Cleveland.
“He’s a schematic fit to what we want to be. He has all the intangibles you think of when you think of fullbacks,” said Stefanski.
How Janovich Fits In Cleveland
Nowadays fullbacks aren’t used quite as much as they used to be, but Janovich could be an important piece to the Browns offense.
Stefanski heavily used two running back formations during his time as the offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings last season.
Only the San Francisco 49ers used it more than Minnesota last year, who implemented that on 21% of their plays.
Janovich is expected to be on the field quite often this season, but will mainly be used for blocking.
He only has 13 rushing attempts and 23 receptions during his five years in the NFL.
However, there are plenty of things that a fullback can bring to an offense without actually touching the ball.
Mostly blocking angles, but Janovich is one of the better blocking fullbacks in the league.
We saw exactly what he bring to the table during the Thursday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
What Andy Janovich means to the Browns
*Advantageous blocking angles
*Make life easier on the ball-carrier
*Get the defense into base, and then
*Take to the skies pic.twitter.com/XuuaR6rFp3— Mark Schofield (@MarkSchofield) September 19, 2020
Janovich can make life easier for the Cleveland Browns offense.
He can help block and open up lanes for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to run.
Also, Janovich can be used to block pass rushers and give quarterback Baker Mayfield more time to pass in the pocket.
The inability to block was a big part of the reason why the Browns struggled to have success last season.
It’s tough to move the ball down the field when your quarterback doesn’t get any time to throw the ball.
Janovich is already making an impact in Cleveland and has only played in two games.
This could end up being a steal for the Browns since they only gave up a seventh-round pick for Janovich.
Browns fans should make sure to watch the game next week and watch all that Janovich brings to the table.
He doesn’t make the flashy plays, but Janovich is a big reason why Mayfield and the Browns offense was able to have success versus the Bengals.
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