After years of moving around, Luke Lawton hopes he's finally found a home.
The Eagles acquired the well-traveled fullback from the Indianapolis Colts on Friday for a conditional 2009 draft choice, bringing him in to compete with Jason Davis, Dan Klecko and Jed Collins for the starting job. To make room for him on the roster, the Eagles waived/injured Bill Sampy.
"It's been rough, being a journeyman the last few years," Lawton said. "But nothing remarkable is ever easy. The NFL is tough to be in, but if you stick with it and have some perseverance, eventually things will work out for you."
The 240-pound fullback appeared in 11 games for the defending Super Bowl champions in 2007, most of which as the third halfback. He carried the ball five times for 13 yards and gained 29 yards on four catches, including a touchdown. However, Lawton played his biggest role on the Colts' special teams unit.
FB Luke Lawton
The Eagles utilize their fullbacks in many different ways, and Lawton's special teams experience, which includes being a long-snapper in college, figures to help him in his competition.
Lawton is sort of a jack of all trades. He fits the prototypical West Coast fullback to a "T." He's quick - he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash - and he excels in receiving roles on flat routes or curls. He also has experience returning kicks, something he did five times for the Colts last season.
It's precisely the breed of versatility the Eagles value from the position.
"I actually love playing special teams. That's how I really got my foot in the door at Indianapolis because they haven't carried a fullback in years," Lawton said. "In preseason, I guess I played well enough to warrant a roster spot, just covering kicks and blocking on the returns."
Originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as a rookie free agent from McNeese State in 2004, Lawton spent time on the Bills and New York Giants' practice squads in his rookie year. He made his first appearance in game action with the New York Jets in 2005, registering two special teams tackles.
Lawton was a teammate of fullback Dan Klecko in Indianapolis, where Klecko played primarily as a defensive tackle. He also shared the field with linebacker Rocky Boiman.
Lawton, who will join the team next week, said he exchanged text messages with Boiman on Friday after hearing the news.
"This isn't my first rodeo relocating and having to start all over with a new group of guys," Lawton said. "It's going be really good to have Rocky there and Bryan Smith and even Dan Klecko, we were teammates last year, too. Those guys are definitely going to help in the process."
The New Iberia, La. native had a decorated career at McNeese State, where he was a teammate of rookie defensive end Bryan Smith. His 22 rushing touchdowns rank seventh in school history. Additionally, he was a three-year starter and was a first-team All-America at fullback.
"I'm just going to go out there and worry about Luke Lawton and mowing my own grass. Don't worry about anyone else's yard, make sure mine's cut," Lawton said. "There is still a place in the NFL for a fullback whether people like it or not."
| B-W3st-2008 06/07/08 5:09 pm |
Another thing to make the fullback battle even more interesting. Who knows who's gonna come into that position. I like the fact that we're picking up plenty of players at the position; with 4 or 5 competeters, there has to be a gem in there somewhere. |
| rdbanky@... 06/07/08 11:42 am |
I don't think that having to drive 60 or more yards until you get to the red zone is a legitimate reason for our redzone offense to be consistently pitiful. Not only did we not have to drive 60 yards every time, but even if we did, they are NFL players, and they are conditioned to be able to last at LEAST one 80 yard drive at a time. |
| psmythe@... 06/07/08 9:22 am |
I don't see the problem with this pick-up. Competition makes people better. This guy runs the 40 in 4.5 as a Fullback!!!! Wilson is going to be your 2nd or 3rd TE Klecko may not make the team Davis may not make the team. If this guy can actually play, we can have a great rushing attack with him opening holes for B-West. I like the move and like what Andy and Tom been doing this entire off-season. |
| drummingforchrist 06/07/08 2:30 am |
Have you ever stopped to think about the reason our red zone offense was so horrible last year? Could it be that the offense had to drive 60 or more yards just to get to the red zone last year and they were worn out by then? |
| rdbanky@... 06/06/08 10:38 pm |
Even if it is a special teams move, I don't think it will matter much having better field position, considering our biggest problem was our terrible red zone offense last year. We will see if L.J. Smith fixes that, but I doubt it, unless he plays like he did four years ago. Which could have been a fluke. I'm still reserving judgment on this team, I'm not ready to say it's the "best in 19 years" yet. |
| flyeaglezfly 06/06/08 9:13 pm |
That takes our Offseason grade to about a solid A in my estimation....Right? im mean even though all the players we've gotten (aside from Samuel) have been scrap pieces on their prior teams. This season wiil answer the question of, is it the system player or the superstar that wins in the offseason. nonetheless we are sitting on the best team in the 19 years i've been bleeding green. so lets enjoy,and appreciate. last year we were a muffed punt against green bay, bad rezone play against redskins, a late int to the richest guy in our locker room and the undefeated i-spy pats,ohh don't forget about the one game where lofa put on an eagles jersey then received gifts from "the back-up" away from being the giants.....think about it...... |
| darakx 06/06/08 7:43 pm |
All good points JB..YEs I'm in Jax. Practices are open this weekend but I'm going out of town.. I do hope Matt Jones gets the ax. I think he would fit in good in Philly.I'm liking everything the FO is doing this year. I think we'll be great even if we don't get a #1 WR everyone talks about all the time. McNabb spreads the ball to alot of different recievers. Have a Great Weekend everyone!! |
| JeromeBrown99 06/06/08 7:30 pm |
darakx... Your our guy in Jax right? Heard Matt Jones rolled in 20 lbs. less than last year? At least he's tryin... still hope he gets the ax. === Ummmm. Thats a very good point. McGlynn was a perfect DS for Pittsburgh in college. And Lawton can do it too. And in a perfect World 1 of them will hold down DS duties. That is if Lawton makes TEAM. But McGlynn almost certainly will make it so he's our hope for an extra roster spot. However... Dorenbos has never had a real bad snap and like they say... if it ain't broke don't fix it. Thats 1 Helluva important postion. So if it takes a roster spot it takes a roster spot. But yeah... if McGlynn can beat out Dorenbos? We are sittin in the fabled "Catbird Seat." Just gotta let it play out. === Tell you this though... I wouldn't be shocked if McGlynn won out. But I would be shocked if Lawton was DS. === Also keep in mind... DS is the only guy on the line the PR TEAM can't block. He goes free. So he should make 1/3rd of the tackles. And Dorenbos made few. But would McGlynn make any more? I doubt it. Lawton would. === We could keep a FB like say Davis and a DS/ST guy like Lawton or Dorenbos. But the chances of us keeping Lawton and a Davis/Klecko are SLIM! It'll be 1 out of those 3. But to answer your question... yeah we want McGlynn or Lawton (if he's our FB) to beat out Dorenbos. But Dorenbos is 1 of the best so that will be tough. And they just gave Dorenbos a 2-3 year extention late last year. |
| darakx 06/06/08 7:14 pm |
Superbowl baby!!!Thats all I have to say..We are looking great on both sides of the ball and special teams. With a healthy DMac we are going to be HUUGGGEEE!!!! |
| JeromeBrown99 06/06/08 7:09 pm |
jnshrimpler... is some sort of Troll. He's ben tryin to Doom the Perfect FO moves for months. |
| roliver1977@... 06/06/08 6:52 pm |
I am not sure why everyone is is thinking in such apocalyptic terms. I am pretty excited about the team they are putting together. It is young and fast and talented. I am not sure where the nightmare scenario comes in. |
| jnschreffler@... 06/06/08 6:46 pm |
I feel your pain fellas.It's best to just close your eyes and pretend its all a frightful dream.Thats how I get by... |
| darakx 06/06/08 6:31 pm |
I am just wondering one thing with all these FB. When you have a guy that can play multiple positions like Long Snapper and full back or Offensive lineman and LS. Why would you hold a roster spot for a LOng Snapper Only?? If you kept two FB that excelled on special teams too wouldn't that make sense?? I know Dorenbos did a good job last year, but all he does is snap for kicks and punts..In the past we had guys that played other positions..Well if anyone can enlighten me please do.Except for that lil peeon for the nj giants website..Thanks |
| david.laughter@ 06/06/08 5:00 pm |
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this but does anyone think that we are bring in talented players as trade bait for a #1 receiver. I know we are talented at that position already, but like Mornhinweg said yesterday, he is open for the best guy. I don't know I might be talking out of my head but it does seem like an option. |
| david.laughter@ 06/06/08 4:57 pm |
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but do you think the reason for so many talented players could be used for trade bait to get that #1 receiver? I know we have a great line up at that position but like Mornhinweg said yesterday, he would take the best available player. I don't know I might be talking out of my head but it does seem like an option. |
| areno77@... 06/06/08 4:56 pm |
He also long snaps... |
| roliver1977@... 06/06/08 4:35 pm |
Rotoworld is reporting that the Eagles are giving Indy a 7th round pick if Lawton makes the team, and nothing if he does not. I like the move, we either get a starting full-back for a 7th rounder, or lose nothing in deal.
Rotoworld is also saying that it is unlikely that Lawton makes the team, so it looks like we are getting compeition for the starting job from a guy who started for an excellent offence, and not giving up anything. |
| myhorizonend@... 06/06/08 3:25 pm |
...he was actually a running back with the cults. Now a full-back? that's what's being said, but that doesn't mean that's what he'll be. |
| Whitey1809@... 06/06/08 3:20 pm |
He'll be our starting fullback for a 6th or 7th rounder. |
| LOWENDER75 06/06/08 3:04 pm |
I think this is more than a special teams move as Lawton is a prototype WC FB; an FB that goes 240 lbs. and 4.5 in the 40? How can you not consider that for your offense, special teams notwithstanding? Plus, playing in Indy's offense has to give him an automatic edge here. I like the move, even if I never heard of him before today. |
| modee 06/06/08 2:47 pm |
This is absolutely a special teams move. Last year our special teams had problems covering kicks and punts and when we were receiving; we couldn't get a run back. And outsyderz34; what difference does it make if you're #6 in total offense and you miss the playoffs. |
| JeromeBrown99 06/06/08 2:10 pm |
I understand this move... he's our FB. He's not a DT tryin to be a FB. He's no IB that they are tryin to convert. He's no softy pass catcher that is tryin to block. He's REAL FB. And our starter. |
| myhorizonend@... 06/06/08 1:33 pm |
It's possible they're stocking up on players for a possible trade? or use Lawton on special teams, as was mentioned. They're is so much that the eagles could have planned. I don't yet understand this move, but hopefully it comes out to be an aggressive move worth something. |
| outsyderz34 06/06/08 12:35 pm |
The Eagles were 6th in total offense last year. I don't get all the "#1 receiver" talk. Improving special teams will help immensely for the receivers that are currently here. Improving field position from the 20 to the 35 or 40 will mean 3+ more routes the receivers have to run. Which means they'll be less exhausted in the red zone. There are a lot of teams out there with good receivers and they finish average or below in total offense. |
| lbkid718@... 06/06/08 12:35 pm |
we dont need him |
| smittyaec 06/06/08 12:11 pm |
The Eagles have not had a good fullback in recent memory. Not that Lawton is going to be the next Tom Rathman. They are only going to keep one and Klecko, Wilson, Davis and the newley aquired Lawton are all in the competition for a spot. May the best one win thats the way I see it...... The receiver issue will all work out Stallworth and Curtis were both late additions over the last 2 seasons. It's not September yet..... |
| ca97 06/06/08 12:05 pm |
maybe the eagles are starting to be committed to the running game. with a powerful running game, a #1 receiver is not needed. |
| harleydsprato 06/06/08 11:47 am |
Another wasted pickup, not to mention wasting a pick. Have we forgotton the fact that we still need a "Big Time" receiver? I'm sure there is someone out there willing to entertain a package of late picks and Lito Sheppard for a quality receiver. You can get scrubs like the Eagles have gotton lately anytime! |
| dtempio2366@... 06/06/08 11:46 am |
The Brids seem to aquire a lot of guys this year who have the potential to shore-up their special-teams unit. We were awful last year in blocking and coverage on kicks last year ... all of these guys, Klecko, Wilson, Clemens, Boiman, Smith, etc. all of them are tough guys who can run. Add that to Jackson's return ability and we just made things a whole lot easier of both our offense and our defense. |
| indieguitar92@... 06/06/08 11:45 am |
jason davis might not be ready yet |
| indieguitar92@... 06/06/08 11:44 am |
Klecko is the kind of guy that can play all over, like speacial teams, DT TE and FB, jason davis can run the ball OK and this new guy lawton can block pretty well, so i think they will use Klecko as a role player |
| Gray527 06/06/08 11:35 am |
It has to be a 7th that becomes a 6th if Lawton becomes the starter. Not a big deal, but I don't see much point in this. With the lack of NFL Europa exemptions I can't see them bringing 4 Fullbacks to camp. If my assumption of the trade terms is correct then is Lawton a sixth round picks worth better than Jason Davis. Couldn't we have taken Peyton Hillis with one of our sixth round picks this year? Oh well. |
| cickoo@... 06/06/08 11:35 am |
Hm... Strange decision if you ask me but oh well... Can't really see him playing offensive football... He will probably play on special teams... |
| tucker1756 06/06/08 11:34 am |
i don't understand this. |
| CharlieDegenhart 06/06/08 11:22 am |
has to be a special teams move, doesn't it? |
| HarveyMonster 06/06/08 11:17 am |
Are the current FB on the roster just not impressing the coaches? |
| birdcrazy 06/06/08 10:56 am |
interesting....getting crowded at fullback..competition should be heated... |
| angel2591@... 06/06/08 10:54 am |
WHY?????? For a team that never uses it's fullback to do anything but block, why are we stockpiling FBs? Whay draft choice did we give up? |
