Buccaneers grab FB Dan Vitale in 6th round

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected fullback Dan Vitale out of Northwestern in the sixth round (No. 197 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Vitale is the second fullback drafted before Glenn Gronkowski, brother of New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski, who was expected to be the first fullback drafted.

Vitale is different from many fullbacks because he is an excellent receiver who was a big part of his team's passing game in college.

Dan Vitale Bio

Position: FB
School: Northwestern
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 239 lbs.

Strengths

• Played "superback" role at Northwestern, which made him a prominent part of the passing game. Vitale had 102 catches in three seasons (NFL.com).
• Was consistently split out wide, showing the speed and route-running ability to make plays on every level.
• Solid blocking ability, which combined with his receiving skills, could make him a versatile weapon in the NFL.
• Considered highly-coachable and a strong leader (NFL.com).
• Hard to tackle as a runner; moves with power and decisiveness.

Weaknesses

• May have peaked athletically, doesn't have the frame to support additional mass to improve his power (NFL.com).
• Will struggle to consistently get open against NFL-level defenders due to lack of agility.

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