When pouring over the New York Giants’ 2020 roster, it’s easy to overlook fullback Eli Penny. After all, the fullback is a dying breed in today’s NFL and Penny was on the field for just 127 snaps in 2019.
However, with Jason Garrett taking over as the team’s offensive coordinator, there are those around the league who expect to see Penny take on a substantially larger role this season.
NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell is one of those people.
“The use of 21 personnel, with a fullback, is something that teams are going to try to replicate because of the success of Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers last season,” Cosell said in June. “The Giants also have a fullback on the roster, and the Cowboys used a fullback under Jason Garrett, as well. The Giants have Eli Penny, and the fullback has sort of become back in vogue in the NFL.”
If the Giants and Garrett do implement Penny more in 2020, the veteran fullback isn’t just mentally ready for an increased role, he’s physically ready as well.
Penny revealed on Monday that he’ll enter training camp in the best shape of his entire career.
Feel like I’m in the best shape of my career, ready and locked in for whateva 😤 pic.twitter.com/fO8s8g8mbA
— Elijhaa Penny (@ElijhaaP) July 20, 2020
Penny played last season at a listed weight of 234, but he’s weighed as much as 249 in the past. It’s unclear if he, like quarterback Daniel Jones, added any muscle ahead of this season, but what is clear is that he’s readied himself for a larger and more important role paving the way for Saquon Barkley & Co.
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