PROSPECT WATCH: Owen Marecic - FB – Stanford

The Bengals have not had an affective fullback to help with the running game since Jeremi Johnson decided to eat himself out of the NFL after the 09 season. I know most NFL teams don’t see value in a lead blocker or the fullback position all together. I may be wrong but the Bengals are not on the list of teams who over look the value of an affective fullback. Marecic brings more to the table than most fullbacks with his ability to run the ball, catch passes, pass/run block and play a major role on special teams. Owen made huge contributions opening holes for the Cardinals running game over the last three seasons and is recognized as one of the best blocking fullbacks in the nation.

Marecic is an all out competitor that has gained ultimate respect from his teammates and coaches due to his unmatched work ethic and attitude. "In 30 years of being in college and pro football, I haven't seen a guy like him," says Harbaugh. "He does everything right, all the time, the first time. He has everything—strength, humility, intelligence. He's everything I envisioned being as a football player." Not to over value Harbaugh’s opinion but sign me up! I know the Bengals could use more players who share this same type of attitude.

Owen Marecic was selected to the All-America team by the American Football Coaches Association of America. He is the inaugural winner of the Paul Hornung Award honoring college football's most versatile player. This is a major reason why I am a huge Marecic fan heading into the draft. Owen finished as Stanford's fifth-leading tackler with 51 stops and also had five rushing touchdowns from the fullback position. This young man entered his senior season as the top fullback and top middle linebacker on the depth chart for a very good Stanford team. I believe in taking players from programs that play a physical and disciplined style of football. Stanford fits that mode being led by a coach who was the hottest available coach on the market in Harbaugh is a plus.

I believe if the Bengals select Marecic in the fifth round of the NFL Draft they will be getting one hell of a football player. Some of the greatest west coast driven teams had a fullback to lend a hand in the running game and passing game. Jay Gruden’s older brother Jon had Alstott in Tampa Bay and the great Bill Walsh teams in SF had Rathman. I think the Marecic is going to be that same type of player if given the opportunity. Other Bengals fans think the players like Pressley or Fui Vakapuna will get the job done. I am not one of those Bengals fans. There are fans who will say this pick would be better spent on a player that needs to be developed or coached up at either a skill position on offense or a pass rusher on defense. I see Marecic as a pro ready prospect that you can plug into the system on day one and watch him become a pro bowl talent.

Take a look at a highlight reel featuring Owen Marecic. He scores twice within 8 seconds and one was on offense the other was on defense. Beast!