Denver Broncos: Andy Janovich brings the fullback back

The Denver Broncos brought the fullback back to the offense this year, and rookie Andy Janovich looks like a phenomenal steal in this year’s draft…

The Denver Broncos decided to bring the more traditional fullback into the offense again this year with Peyton Manning retired, and the early returns have been incredibly favorable.

The Broncos picked Nebraska fullback Andy Janovich in the sixth round, a move that was met with criticism by some because of the fact that Janovich was either not the highest rated fullback in the draft by guys like Todd McShay and Mike Mayock, or the fact that you can get good fullbacks after the draft.

After one game, I doubt anyone is thinking about complaining anymore.

The shocking thing is that the Broncos didn’t give Janovich more carries late in the game when they had goal-to-go situations.

While the big run to open the scoring for the Broncos this season will get much of the attention, it was Janovich’s jaw-crushing blocks that make him such an asset to this offense.

He was so effective, he earned the second highest grade for the game by Pro Football Focus:

The way Janovich helped neutralize Thomas Davis throughout this game was incredible, and the fearlessness he showed throughout the game both offensively and on special teams is something the Broncos have to be excited about. We all know about John Elway’s success with late-round draft picks, and it looks like Janovich could wind up being a major steal.

The fullback isn’t a prominent position anymore in the NFL, but there’s a place for it in Gary Kubiak’s offense, and Janovich is proving that he is a more versatile threat than just a plodder or thick run blocker. He can do a little bit of everything, and that versatility can help this Denver offense take huge strides forward.