2023 Jets Country Player Profile: FB Nick Bawden (48)

Nick Bawden belongs to an endangered species.

The fullback plays a position that has been all but eliminated from modern-day offensive formations, but Nathaniel Hackett's arrival is certainly a good sign for Bawden's prospects of earning a roster spot.

Hackett's iteration of the West Coast Offense still values the fullback position, particularly in pass protection and run blocking. 

Bawden spent the 2022 season on Injured Reserve after playing nine games for Gang Green in 2021. The Detroit Lions' 2018 seventh-round draft pick logged the majority of his snaps on special teams. He has appeared in 19 regular season games during his NFL career.

"One of those versatile athletes, unbelievable on special teams, adds an entirely new, a different dimension to the offense, which has kind of gone away," said Saleh after Practice No. 11.

The 6-foot-2 Bawden, who transitioned from quarterback to fullback while at San Diego State, has been active on offense this summer. During Sunday's open practice (Aug. 6), he caught passes from Aaron Rodgers on back-to-back plays during 11-on-11 team work.

"He just creates a different dimension from a schematic standpoint, but he’s got versatility," said Saleh. "He works his tail off, he stands for the right stuff, and his special teams value is really, really good."

Saleh on Bawden