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ArticleRaiders’ offense: Glimpses of Klint Kubiak’s fullback usage bodes well
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An old-school truther of the vitality of a dying breed, the Raiders head coach wasn't playing any games on his desire to have a fullback on his roster. As free agency began this past March, the Silver & Black pounced on a player Kubiak deemed fit for the position by signing Connor Heyward, a versatile tight end by trade the Pittsburg Steelers wanted to keep.
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Kubiak signed Heyward to restore fullback role; versatile blocker and pass-catcher in new scheme.

Signed by the Raiders in free agency to fill a 40-year tradition of lead-blocking fullback that was absent the last two seasons; Kubiak views him as a versatile four-core special teams player who plays tight end, fullback, and pass pro. In preseason games against Arizona and Houston, Heyward was plugged in the backfield with starting RB Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr., initially lining up as tight end before motion shifted him to traditional lead-blocking fullback role to block linebackers and defensive backs; also lined up at tight end for a catch against Houston.

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