Packers and fullbacks have been a glorious relationship in the past. There is something about the fullback position with Packers fan. William Henderson was a legend in 90’s. People loved John Kuhn in the late 2000’s. My college buddies and I were huge Quinn Johnson fans, although, I’m pretty sure we were only a group of 10 in the State of Wisconsin. Now with Matt LaFleur’s offense, the fullback could be returning to the fold. Wes Hodkiewicz did a great write-up about Danny Vitale and his opportunity with the Green Bay Packers. Vitale could be an integral part of the offense, but the road to get on the roster will not be an easy one.

He does have what it takes to get there as a fullback. Vitale plays special teams and played under the new Special Teams coach in Cleveland. That’s how you make the roster as a fullback in today’s NFL. But there are things getting in his way without question. Packers have a bevy of tight end options. Right now, the team has four tight ends who could possibly make the team – Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan and rookie Jace Sternberger. It’s hard to think any of those guys will not be on the roster. Tonyan and Lewis might be on the original bubble, yet both bring a ton to the table.

The other challenge that might get in Vitale’s way is the loaded wide receiver position taking away more opportunities to be a special teams player. Packers added three rookie wide receivers last season, and it would seem foolish to part ways with any of them at this point. Then you add Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard and Trevor Davis who all bring different skills to the table especially on special teams.

As pointed out by Hodkiewicz in his article, the chance to grow in this offense as a fullback is definitely there. LaFleur using more Kyle Shanahan techniques than any other coach means that the fullback is fully engrained in this offense. It would feel almost like something is missing if the Packers do not have one.

Vitale’s path will be a hard one but judging by the dude’s workouts, he is up for the challenge. If he makes the team, Vitale could be the next beloved Packers fullback.

Charlie.