Our third installment of the BSJ 2026 NFL Draft Preview Series highlights the fullback position. After a three-year hiatus, the New England Patriots saw the return of the fullback under head coach Mike Vrabel in 2025. It resulted in an efficient ground game, but it didn't come without some trial by fire.
Initially, undrafted Northern Illinois rookie Brock Lampe was set to begin in the fullback role, but an early injury in training camp put the kibosh on those plans. Enter Jack Westover. The converted tight end made a relatively smooth transition, filling in at the fullback role and playing in all 17 regular-season games.
The strategy worked well, but this offseason the Patriots planned to upgrade. During free agency, the team targeted Reggie Gilliam, formerly of the Buffalo Bills. Entering his sixth season, Gilliam only helps to strengthen the position, while his addition also leaves a gaping hole within one of their division rivals.
With more than adequate depth heading into the 2026 campaign, it doesn't appear that the Patriots will be highly active in acquiring another fullback. However, there are several intriguing options in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
New England Patriots FB Depth Chart: Reggie Gilliam, Jack Westover, Brock Lampe
Please find our BSJ 2026 Fullback Preview below, filled with an overview, rankings and in-depth player evaluations on the top five draft-eligible fullback prospects. [Next Up: Wide Receivers]
2026 BSJ NFL DRAFT FULLBACK CLASS OVERVIEW
At one point, the fullback position appeared to be on the brink of extinction. However, in recent seasons, fullback has made somewhat of a comeback, as about one-third of NFL teams utilized a traditional fullback in 2025. In fact, 10 of the 14 playoff teams from this past season employed a fullback, an indication that the league is trending back towards the ground game.
For those organizations in search of one, there are a handful of next-level impact players who could find their way onto a 53-man roster in this year’s draft. Most notably, Indiana jackknife Riley Nowakowski, who displayed a multi-dimensional skill-set during his time with the defending champion Hoosiers. Currently, the standard at fullback would be Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers, and Nowakowski brings a very similar style due to his ability to run, catch, and most importantly, block. He has lined up in the backfield, H-back, and has also been used in pre-snap motion. That type of versatility should be viewed as a commodity worthy of a Day 3 selection.
While not as mobile, Michigan thumper Max Bredeson is more of an old-school lead blocker with prototype size. Nicknamed ‘The Wolverine', he embodies a team-first mentality, doing much of the dirty work and occasionally being rewarded with a few touches, as he shows capable pass-catching ability. In addition, Bredeson brings vast special teams experience, which makes him a valuable commodity for NFL teams in search of boosting the ground attack.
A handful of other fullback prospects project as undrafted free agents, as more teams consider the proposition. Don’t be surprised to see the number of NFL teams carrying a fullback extend to half of the league in 2026.
2026 BSJ RUNNING FULLBACK BIG BOARD
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite; HPFA = high priority free agent; PFA = priority free agent]
#Riley Nowakowski, Indiana, Rd5
#Max Bredeson, Michigan, HPFA
Truman Werremeyer, North Dakota State, PFA
Seth Adams, San Diego State, PFA
Vaughn Pemberton, Boston College, PFA
Var’Keyes Gumms, UNLV, PFA
Koby Gross, Ball State, PFA
BSJ FULLBACK SCOUTING REPORTS
PLAYER PROFILE KEY (How to read the prospect header):
LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | SCHOOL | POSITION | YEAR | JERSEY # | HOMETOWN | PROJECTION
ABBREVIATIONS: HT = Height | WT: Weight | HD = Hand | ARM = Arm | WS: = Wingspan | 40-YD = Forty-Yard Dash | BP = Bench Press | VJ = Vertical Jump | BJ = Broad Jump | SHTL = Short Shuttle | 3C = Three-Cone
**Note**Heights of players are measured to the nearest eighth of an inch – for example, “6003” would stand for 6 ft. and 3/8 inches tall. (The first number refers to the feet, the second two numbers refer to the inches, and the last number refers to eighths of an inch). Arm, hand, and wingspan are written differently – 3012 would mean 30 1/2 inches, 0934 would mean 9 3/4 inches, and 7558 would mean 75 5/8 inches.
1. NOWAKOWSKI, RILEY | Indiana | FB | rSr | #34 | Milwaukee, WI | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6022 | WT: 250 | HD: 0838 | ARM: 3118 | 40-YD: 4.66 (1.70) | VJ: 33.5” | BJ: 9-11
Evaluation: Words such as intense, relentless, dependable and leader often come up when coaches describe the type of player that Nowakowski is. Simply put, he’s a gamer. The type of player that every teammate loves to have on his side of the ball, the Milwaukee native does all the dirty work that goes unnoticed. In fact, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has been on record of saying, ‘he’s never seen a player turn short catches into long gains more often than Nowakowski.’ Serving as a jackknife in the Hoosiers' offensive attack, Nowakowski has lined up as a traditional tight end, H-back, and fullback, carrying out his greatest strength, which is lead blocking. His reliability as a pass-catcher will allow for NFL offensive coordinators to remain creative when employing his usage. He can also be used as a short-yardage back, as evidenced by his goal-line score against Miami in the national championship. The timed speed isn’t going to excite anyone, and Nowakowski will see more complex schemes if asked to line up at tight end. Overall, his work ethic, physicality, versatility, and devastating blocking bode well for his novel aspirations, as Nowakowski could have a Kyle Juszczyk-type impact on an offense.
Background: Last name pronounced (no-uh-cow-ski). Appeared in 55 games at Indiana (2025) and Wisconsin (2020-24), where he began as a walk-on. He did not play fullback until 2022. In 2023, the new Badgers staff eliminated the fullback position and gave him the choice to play running back or tight end. With Braelon Allen (Jets) and Isaac Guerendo (49ers), he opted for tight end. He would then revert to fullback when he transferred to Bloomington. CFP national champion and Second-team All-Big Ten (2025). Earned a bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin in industrial engineering and was currently pursuing a certificate in business analytics from Indiana. A first-team all-state selection from Marquette University High School, where he was an all-state linebacker and running back; also lettered in basketball and track, he helped MUHS set the program record in the 4x400m relay.
Stats: Played 16 games, had 32 catches, 387 yards (12.1 average), two touchdowns; two carries, two yards, two touchdowns. In 55 career games, had 50 catches, 518 yards (10.4 average), three touchdowns.
2. BREDESON, MAX | Michigan | FB| rSr | #44 | Hartland, WI | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6020 | WT: 252 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3048
Evaluation: From walk-on to becoming the heart and soul of the Wolverines and two-time team captain, the journey of Bredeson is one of pure determination. His undeniable toughness and bruiser mentality will endear him to any locker room. On the field, Bredeson can be used in an array of ways, mainly as a well-rounded blocker. Bredeson served as a lead blocker in the run game but was also used on the perimeter to seal off the edge, and is effective in pass protection when guarding the quarterback. In addition, he has proven to be a very capable pass-catcher, while mixing in his shares at tailback and serving on multiple special teams units every single year. While fullbacks have begun to make a small comeback, a rather large portion of the league still does not employ one. That limits his landing spots but a late call on Day 3 could be in the cards, as Bredeson owns a niche that should enable him to endure a long, successful career as a pro.
Background: Appeared in 54 career games at tight end and fullback with 18 starts; special teams contributor throughout his career. Endured a right foot injury in 2025, causing him to miss two games. Named Third-team All-Big Ten, LowMan Trophy Winner as the top fullback in college football and was recipient of the Blue Collar Award (2025). A two-time recipient of the Robert P. Ufer Bequest and Toughest Player of the Year Award (2024-25). CFP national champion and team’s Most Improved Player on Offense (2023). Enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, majored in Psychology. Attended Arrowhead High School; played quarterback on football team and outfield on the baseball team. The son of Mike and Debra Bredeson. Has two older brothers, Jack Bredeson, 29, currently is a manager of baseball analytics for the New York Mets. Ben Bredeson, 27, is a starting offensive guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Stats: Played 11 games in 2025, had two catches, 11 yards. In 54 career games, had 12 catches, 132 yards.
3. WERREMEYER, TRUMAN | North Dakota State | FB | #46 | Fargo, ND | PFA
Pro Day: HT: 6014 | WT: 248 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 2900 | WS: 7168 | HT: 6014 | WT: 248 | 40-YD: 4.88 (1.71) | BP: 17 | VJ: 26.5” | BJ: 9-1 | SHTL: 4.50
Evaluation: Blending a wrestler’s championship mentality with a pulverizing frame on the field, it’s evident that Werremeyer possesses great versatility. He was frequently deployed in 12-and-13 personnel sets at North Dakota State, helping pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher (Barika Kpeenu) this past season. Alternating between fullback and H-back, Werremeyer owns above-average athleticism, along with adequate flexibility, body control, plus an explosive first step. He finishes blocks with heavy hands at the point of attack and demonstrates solid leg drive as a runner, though his ability to sustain and finish at the NFL level remains a question. In 2025, he caught one of his three receptions for his lone receiving touchdown of the year against Indiana State, quickly releasing into his assignment with soft, fluid hands to secure the ball. Overall, Werremeyer offers special teams upside and projects as a practice squad candidate with developmental potential.
Background: Hula Bowl participant. Made an impact both in the classroom and on the field at NDSU (2021–25). A two-time All-MVFC selection at fullback (First-Team in 2025), he played in 55 career games with 16 starts after redshirting in 2021. Earned a bachelor’s degree in statistics and is currently pursuing a master’s. At Fargo Davies High School, he was a standout two-way football player (fullback/linebacker) and all-state performer, as well as a two-time state wrestling champion at 220 pounds and a baseball player. He is the son of Wayne and Amy Werremeyer (his father played football at the University of Jamestown) and has two younger brothers, Malachi and Gus.
Stats: Played 13 games in 2025, had three catches, 18 yards (6.0 average), one touchdown. In 55 career games, made 13 catches, 84 yards (6.5 average), one touchdown.
4. ADAMS, SETH | San Diego State | FB | rSr | #19 | Dawsonville, GA | PFA
Pro Day: HT: 6015 | WT: 262 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3200 | WS: 7600 | 40-YD: 5.22 (1.82) | BP: 25 | SHTL: 4.71 | 3C: 7.51
Evaluation: Nicknamed “The Boogeyman” for his relentless physicality and gritty demeanor, Adams has bounced through the transfer portal multiple times to fill various team needs. After playing in 20 career games at the FCS level, he transferred to a ‘Group of Five’ program, following coaching and personnel changes before landing at San Diego State. He switched from offensive tackle to tight end during his brief time at Kennesaw State. With the Aztecs, Adams primarily lined up as an F-tight end and fullback, where he excelled on quick pulls for kick-out and seal blocks, delivered punishing contact, while showcasing fast hands in stout run fits and proved resilient in pass protection, though he struggled to sustain his latch once engaged. His receiving production remained minimal but he leveraged his athleticism and instincts to find shallow openings, highlighted by a 16-yard reception against Washington State. Adams brings intriguing upside and projects best as a potential fullback or third tight end at the next level.
Background: A journeyman tight end/fullback had brief stints at San Diego State (2025), Southeastern Louisiana (2024), Kennesaw State (2022–23), and the University of the Cumberlands (2020–21). He served as the Aztecs’ primary fullback in 2025, earning Mountain West Honorable Mention honors, after converting to tight end as a redshirt junior at Kennesaw State (Owls), beginning his career on the offensive line at the NAIA level. A biology major, he earned all-region honors at Dawson County High School (Dawsonville, GA). Adams is the son of Jane and Brian Adams and brother of Cade.
Stats: Played 13 games in 2025, had three catches, 33 yards (11.0 average). No other stats recorded.
5. PEMBERTON, VAUGHN | Boston College | FB/RB | Sr | #23 | Chicago, IL | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 5111 | WT: 231 | HD: 0958 | ARM: 3128 | WS: 7600 | 40-YD: 4.68 (1.55) | BP: 24 | VJ: 30” | BJ: 9-8 | SHTL: 4.48 | 3C: 7.12
Evaluation: A converted linebacker who shows physicality as a downhill runner, Pemberton keeps his legs churning. As a ball-carrier, he shows great patience, letting blocks develop and uses keen vision to spot open holes, allowing him to burst with authority. As a pass-catcher, Pemberton is a smooth route runner who gains yards after the catch and adjusts to off-target throws. Pemberton is not known for his foot quickness, but he can maximize his physicality at fullback and in special teams roles at the next level.
Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. Transferred from Ball State, where he appeared in 29 games, with 119 rushing attempts, 548 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 31 receptions, 239 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. A two-star recruit from Loyola Academy, he was a second-team all-conference selection and offensive team MVP. He is the son of Tonya and Steve Pemberton. His father, Steve, graduated from Boston College in 1989, is a best-selling author, and serves on the Boston College Board of Trustees. His brother, Quinn, graduated from Boston College in 2023 and played basketball for the team.
Stats: Played 10 games in 2025, no touches. In 38 career games, had 119 carries, 548 yards (4.6 average), three touchdowns; 22 catches, 136 yards (6.2 average), two touchdowns.