Redskins.com breaks down the Redskins' roster position-by-position and identifies potential need areas. Up next: fullbacks.
Mike Sellers has quietly emerged as one of the best fullbacks in Redskins franchise history.
He has the credentials for it, too. He earned a Pro Bowl berth following the 2008 season.
Last year, Sellers followed up his Pro Bowl campaign with another solid season even though the Redskins' offense struggled as a whole.
Sellers caught 17 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns.
His first score came on a memorable trick play in which punter Hunter Smith threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Sellers.
Beyond the stats, Sellers forte is blocking and at 6-3 and 273 pounds he remains a force in front of Redskins ball carriers.
Sellers' backup last season was rookie Eddie Williams, a 2009 seventh-round draft pick.
Williams was coming off a knee ligament injury in his senior season at Idaho, so he was given time to develop his skills.
The 6-1, 249-pounder earned a spot on the practice squad and then was promoted to the active roster on Nov. 2.
Before Williams could get into a game, he suffered a fractured fibula during practice on Nov. 20.
He ended the season on injured reserve.
Positional Analysis
Fullbacks were a big part of Mike Shanahan's offenses in Denver--Howard Griffith was a dominant blocker for Terrell Davis during the Broncos' Super Bowl seasons.
So it would appear that Sellers has a role in Shanahan's offense in Washington.
Sellers brings an aggressive attitude to the Redskins, and although he has experienced some ups and downs, he has turned run blocking into an art form.
Sellers also plays a key role on special teams as well.
He turns 35 in July, so the Redskins may look to groom a replacement.
Could it be Williams? He had said he hoped to model himself after Sellers.
Two NFL Fullbacks Eligible for Free Agency
As of Feb. 24, 2010; names listed are in no particular order
-- Tony Richardson, New York Jets: Richardson, 6-1 and 238 pounds, is a 15-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl player. He spent the bulk of his career in Kansas City, moving on to Minnesota in 2006-07 and the Jets in 2008-09.
-- Kyle Eckel, New Orleans Saints: In three years in the NFL, the 5-11, 237-pound Eckel has played for four teams, including the Super Bowl champion Saints last year.
Two Fullbacks Available In NFL Draft
As of Feb. 24, 2010; names listed are in no particular order
-- Rashawn Jackson, Virginia: Jackson, 6-1 and 245 pounds, is regarded by many as the top fullback in this year's draft class. He had 96 carries for 461 yards and two touchdowns and also caught 25 passes for 222 yards.
-- Cory Jackson, Maryland: Jackson has been the Terrapins' starter since his freshman season. The 6-1, 245-pounder had 17 carries for 46 yards and two TDs and caught 29 passes for 254 yards in his college career.
