The Cleveland Browns didn’t make the giant splash during the second day of free agency that they did on the first day, but they did make one of the smartest moves of the day by adding a solid contributor at fullback in Andy Janovich. All Cleveland had to give up for their potential starter is a seventh-round pick in 2021. As most are aware, selections that late rarely make the cut as evidenced by last year’s seventh-round selection of CB Donnie Lewis.
Name: Andy Janovich
Height: 6-1
Weight: 238 pounds
Age: 26 years old
Previous Team: Denver Broncos
It is not surprising that Denver has decided to get rid of Janovich on the cheap as they enter into a new offensive scheme with their new offensive coordinator in Pat Shurmur. The former New York Giants head coach utilizes the fullback position very little, but Janovich is a solid player and was due for a big 2019 before being placed on the injured reserve after just seven games due to a dislocated elbow.
Many will remember Janovich’s gruesome injury as it occurred against the Minnesota Vikings on a pass to the flat; it made its rounds as far as internet notoriety goes. Before the injury, Janovich signed a nice little extension with Denver and had five receptions for 42 yards to go with one rushing touchdown on the young season.
Janovich can be just as good as San Francisco 49ers fullback, Kyle Juszczyk and Juszczyk’s usage in San Francisco may be a solid indicator of how Janovich will be utilized in Cleveland. I would have no issue betting that Janovich is going to set career marks in multiple statistical categories this season. When Janovich isn’t dominating as a short-yardage weapon or lead blocker, he is active on special teams.
The biggest issue in Janovich’s play is his lack of ideal weight, which is likely the reason why he dominates with more his technique. His lack of size does cause problems when he is tasked with lead blocking into better defenders. He also has missed a few blocks due to ducking his head.