Tennessee Titans

Fowler brings more than blocking to Titans

Published May. 18, 2015 1:27 a.m. ET

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As a junior at Alabama in 2013, fullback Jalston Fowler caught five touchdown passes for the Crimson Tide.

As a rookie for the Tennessee Titans this season, if Fowler catches just one, he'll be a big improvement over recent years.

Fowler's success catching short-yardage passes in the red zone was one of his selling points to the Titans, who selected him in the sixth round of the draft. The Titans haven't had a fullback catch a touchdown since 2008.

"I think that was one of the things we liked about (Fowler)," Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt said, according the Tennessean. "It's hard to find a guy that's a good (run) blocker and a good receiver at that position. He's shown he can do a good job (run) blocking, but the added benefit is he's a good receiver. So you felt like there's some versatility that gives him some flexibility to do different things."

While the ability to catch passes is an added bonus, Fowler's primary role will be to help protect No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota. Last season, the Titans surrendered the sixth most sacks in the NFL.

"That's what this league is coming to — guys have got to be able to protect," Whisenhunt said. "You see it on tape with Fowler (that he can pass protect). So as far as the overall evaluation of him, we thought that was an important part of it."

If he can catch a few passes while keeping the Titans' new quarterback upright, Fowler will find himself a home in Tennessee.

(h/t The Tennessean)

Photo credit:John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports