Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece is unlike any fullback in the NFL. Reece brings a unique combination of speed and size to the fullback position. Reece has good size at 6'3 240 lbs, but he has clocked 40 yard dash times in the 4.4 range. That speed combined with great hands has made Reece a serious threat in the passing game while his size has allowed him to learn the blocking role of the fullback position.
The former University of Washington wide receiver was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins in 2008 but was unable to stick with the team. The Raiders could not pass up on the freakish athleticism that Reece presented, but decided that he was not suited to play wide receiver at the next level. The Raiders toyed with Reece at a few different positions before finally moving him to the fullback position.
Reece eventually became the starting fullback for the Raiders in 2010. That season he showed that he could be an impact player for the Raiders. He is a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. He is too fast for most linebackers to cover and too big for most defensive backs to cover very well. However, despite his ability to make big plays, he has barely been used in the Raiders passing game. In two years, he has 28 receptions in his two years as a starter, but nine of those catches were 20+ yard receptions and five were for touchdowns. With Carson Palmer's arm strength, Reece has the ability to put up big numbers in 2012, the only question that remains is whether or not the new Raiders offensive coordinator will give him enough touches to live up to his potential.