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Andy Janovich a versatile threat coming off of injury

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos fullback Andy Janovich (32) catches a ball during pregame warmups before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos fullback Andy Janovich (32) catches a ball during pregame warmups before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos fullback Andy Janovich is a versatile threat coming off of injury in 2017. What kind of impact will he have this season?

Just a few weeks ago in the middle of Denver Broncos OTAs, our own Cody Roark took a look at Andy Janovich and why he will have a role in 2017 in Mike McCoy’s offense.

I wanted to dive a little bit deeper into his skill set and what he offers to the Broncos in terms of positional versatility.

When looking at Janovich’s ability to contribute in 2017, it’s also important to remember how critical he is to the special teams unit. In fact, when he was drafted, special teams was the main reason many felt like he could make a significant impact on the NFL.

Here’s what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had to say about the versatile Janovich at the time of the 2015 NFL Draft:

"Undersized H-back with the ability to give teams a carry here and there and do enough as a blocker to warrant consideration on the roster. Janovich was an extremely productive special teamer this season and if he can prove himself to be an adequate pass­ catcher, he could find his way onto a roster and get some snaps. Fullbacks and H-backs have limited draft value, but Janovich has a good shot at making a roster once he gets into camp.Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"

At this time a year ago, the Broncos were planning on utilizing a fullback as a primary blocker in their offense, and for whatever reason(s), the plans changed throughout the season. It seemed like even before his injury, Janovich wasn’t used enough in the offense as a short yardage runner, receiver, and blocker.

Janovich has soft hands, strength, straight line speed, toughness, and excellent football instincts.

We might not see a huge increase in Janovich’s 235 offensive snaps, but he may be more of a featured player when he is on the field. It was apparent from the first game of the season that Janovich has untapped potential as a playmaker with the ball in his hands.

As big and strong as he is, Janovich is pretty quick for a guy that is somewhere between 230 and 240 pounds.

I can see the Broncos lining Janovich up as a halfback when the quarterback is under center, as an additional blocker in shotgun, split off as a receiver, as an extra tight end, and of course the more traditional fullback role.

The Broncos need to ensure success in the running game this season, and Janovich’s dirty work in the trenches will go a long way to making that happen. The offense as a whole will benefit greatly from Janovich’s ability to make plays with or without the football in his hands.

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He may run down the field and make a huge play on punt coverage, forcing or recovering a fumble and on the next play, make a critical block on a touchdown run. The options with Janovich are endless even though he doesn’t have to play more than 25 percent of the offensive plays.

Janovich might not be the most regarded player by the media, but his contributions to this Denver Broncos team will be essential. Not just for Mike McCoy and the offense, but for Brock Olivo and the special teams unit.

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