XFL Draft Predictions - Fullback
We show the Fullbacks some love and predict which FBs could be drafted in the XFL in 2023!
While the XFL may lump Fullback in with other Running backs, we’ll take the liberty of giving some of these prospects a look. Fullback is one of the more unique positions on the gridiron. As the NFL and other professional football leagues have evolved the passing game, the need for a Fullback has dwindled a bit. But, that doesn’t mean the position has been ousted completely. Below we’ll look at a handful of FBs who could be drafted into the XFL in 2023.
Alex Armah – University of West Georgia
First up on our list is a former NFL draft pick in Alex Armah. Armah attended the University of West Georgia where he played on both sides of the ball. Playing Fullback on offense and a mix between Linebacker and Defensive End on defense. Armah was one of just six Division II players drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft while being just the second Fullback taken that year. The Carolina Panthers drafted Armah in the 6th round and would eventually waive him before the start of the 2017 season. Armah would land on the team's practice squad and bounce around between the PS and active roster in his first year with the team. Over the next three years, Armah would be the teams Fullback full time. He accumulated 21 carries for 35 yards and 3 touchdowns as a runner along with 29 receiving yards. Armah also played special teams for Carolina during that time, adding 3 tackles to his career statistics. Following the 2020 season, Armah signed with the New Orleans Saints. He would see playing time in 9 games in 2021. 2022 would see Armah sign with the newly named Washington Commanders. After landing on IR, Armah would be released with an injury settlement. While it is unclear what Armah’s health status is, he can certainly play at a high level as a Fullback. While it may be true that Fullback is a dwindling position, Armah may get a chance to prove himself in the XFL in 2023 should the opportunity be there.
Mason Stokke – University of Nebraska
The next prospect we choose to highlight is former University of Nebraska FB Mason Stokke. Stokke, a converted Linebacker, lit it up during his time as a Cornhusker. During his three years, only two of which as the full time Fullback, Stokke piled up 214 scrimmage yards and 6 total touchdowns. Following his time at Nebraska, Stokke would go undrafted in the 2021 draft. The Carolina Panthers brought Stokke in and signed him as a UDFA following the draft, but his time in Carolina would not last long. Stokke would be released before the start of the 2021 season. He has not signed with any other professional teams since then, but Stokke certainly deserves a chance to play. He has 4.8 speed at the FB spot and would be used in a special teams role as well. The XFL could be the chance for Stokke to play at in the pros.
Sewo Olonilua – Texas Christian University
Sewo Olonilua is perhaps the most intriguing name on this list. He attended TCU from 2016-2019 and was used primarily as a true running back during that time. In his four years at Texas Christian, Olonilua racked up 2,007 scrimmage yards and a combined 19 touchdowns. Of those 19 touchdowns, 9 of them came in his Senior season. Following the 2019 draft, Olonilua would sign with the Dallas Cowboys. He spent the 2020 season on Dallas’s practice squad and would be elevated to the teams active roster twice over the course of the year. The following year, Olonilua would be placed on season-ending injured reserve due to the neck injury. He was released back in May of 2022 and has not latched on with another team since then. Olonilua possesses some unique skills and could be used a both a running back and an H-back depending on the system. He could spark some intrigue for any of the eight XFL teams and would be a great, versatile addition.
Johnny Stanton – University of Nebraska / Saddleback College / UNLV
Johnny Stanton is a versatile player who had a short stint in the XFL in 2020. Stanton played his college ball at three different schools, and interesting enough, was recruited to play Quarterback at Nebraska. He would be redshirted during his Freshman year as a Cornhusker. He would then transfer to Saddleback College in California. As a JUCO product in his Sophomore year, Stanton played QB and put up 4,200 total yards and 39 total touchdowns. Following his 2nd year in college, Stanton would once again transfer. Despite offers from other schools such as Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, Stanton took his talents to UNLV. After a season-ending injury in his Junior year, Stanton played multiple positions in his Senior year, including Quarterback, Fullback, and Linebacker. He would sign with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 but would be placed on IR before the start of the season. He would spend a few months in 2019 with Minnesota before being released. Stanton pivoted to the XFL for his next football opportunity, specifically with the LA Wildcats. His stint in the XFL would not last long as he’d be released before the start of the 2020 season. Just six days after his release, the Cleveland Browns signed Stanton to a futures deal. Stanton spent the better parts of 2021 and 2022 with the team before being release in August of 2022. All in all, Stanton might be the most physically gifted player on this list. It’ll be interesting to see if Stanton can latch on with an XFL team in 2023.
Nick Ralston – University of Louisiana-Monroe / Arizona State University
Last up on our list of Fullbacks is former ULM and ASU prospect Nick Ralston. A powerful back, Ralston brings nice size and athleticism to the game. Ralston had 7 career touchdowns during his time in college. Following his 2020 college season, the COVID-19 pandemic would crush any chances of Ralston getting a look for would-be NFL teams. Ralston would train for an entire year before getting an opportunity to showcase his talents. In 2021, he attended ULM’s Pro Day in an attempt to finally garner the attention of NFL squads, and he did just that. The Dallas Cowboys would sign Ralston to a contract. Ralston would spend the entire 2021 season with the team and even signed a futures deal in 2022. Ralston was released in July of 2022. It’s clear that Nick Ralston has the talent to be an NFL Fullback. Perhaps the XFL can give him some game tape to be able to force his way back into the NFL.
Fullback is such an awesome position. The prospects playing that role need unique skillsets and it will be interesting to see which teams utilize a Fullback on offense. So, who’d we miss? Let us know below! #Frenzy