Vonta Leach has become one of the most important players on the Baltimore Ravens roster. Playing a position that is overlooked by many, Leach has been able to make a huge impact on offense in ways other than just blocking from his fullback spot.
Number 44 is by far the best blocking fullback in the league, routinely blowing linebackers out of running lanes to pave the way for Ray Rice. Leach has been doing this season after season during his career, but hasn’t contributed a lot by any other means until he joined the Ravens last year. Cam Cameron’s implementation of the bruising fullback into the Ravens’ new no-huddle offense adds another player that defenses must plan for.
The days of big, power backs are long gone as now smaller, “scat” backs are preferred due to their pass catching abilities. Despite being categorized as the former, Leach is athletic enough to do it all, including catching the ball. In fact, he’s caught four passes in two games, averaging just less than six yards per reception.
Not too shabby for a 30 year-old fullback weighing 260 pounds.
In addition, Leach can be utilized as a ball carrier in short yardage which as he showed against the Philadelphia Eagles when he put the Ravens on the board, taking a five yard run into the end zone. Add all of this up and you have a true three dimensional player that is on his way to a third consecutive pro-bowl.
