49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Fullback Malcolm Johnson
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series looks at San Francisco 49ers backup fullback Malcolm Johnson and projects his role with the team this upcoming season. It’s not much.
Barring anything crazy, San Francisco 49ers fullback Malcolm Johnson won’t make the team’s 53-man roster out of training camp and the preseason.
After all, Johnson is slated right behind starting fullback Kyle Juszczyk in 2018, and there’s no way Juszczyk winds up losing a starting spot outside of injury.
The Niners brought aboard Johnson in January this year after the Seattle Seahawks let him go last summer. Prior to his Seahawks stint, Johnson spent time with the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him in Round 6 of the 2015 NFL Draft.
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Generated 6/4/2018.
Johnson was used regularly by Cleveland’s offense, but primarily as a lead blocker and not a receiving threat.
And while 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense features a fullback — considered by many NFL circles as a dying breed — Johnson’s playmaking abilities appear to be limited at best.
So does Johnson have a shot to make the roster?
Let’s take a look.
Why Malcolm Johnson Improves in 2018
Interestingly enough, Johnson’s NFL.com draft profile projected the Browns using him more as an H-back instead of a traditional tight end.
Based off the numbers, it didn’t go according to plan. It’s hard to say this was more on Johnson’s shoulders rather than the overall ineptitude Cleveland’s offense has endured in recent years, yet it’s food for thought.
Additionally, Bleacher Report’s Ryan McCrystal broke down a bit more of where Johnson’s best attributes reside:
"He’s only 6’1″, 231 pounds, so he doesn’t offer the Browns the ability to replace Cameron as a weapon down the field. Instead, the team will likely use him as a blocker in short-yardage situations and potentially as an occasional possession receiver on underneath routes."
Johnson never exactly lived up to this role in Cleveland. But, perhaps, Shanahan’s offense could find a role in which he’d showcase this one-time promise a bit more often.
Why He Regresses
Juszczyk already does pretty much everything Shanahan and Co. would want out of a pass-catching fullback. And with the various offensive improvements the 49ers made this offseason, Juszczyk’s playmaking roles should increase significantly in 2018.
San Francisco 49ers
This likely means Johnson will be limited to reserve roles during training camp. He’ll likely see some time during the preseason, as the Niners look to keep Juszczyk healthy and fresh.
But don’t go expecting Shanahan to line Johnson up as your traditional H-back. The limited number of opportunities Johnson will get won’t work in his favor.
Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2018
Pretty much nonexistent.
Johnson is merely a camp body at this point, occupying the fullback spot during the preseason only. Even if he has some moments, Johnson won’t be pushing Juszczyk for consideration on the depth chart.
Where Johnson’s best chance lies, however, might be at the No. 3 tight end spot. Behind likely Nos. 1 and 2 — George Kittle and Garrett Celek, respectively — Johnson could feasibly battle it out with other TEs Cole Hikutini, Cole Wick and Ross Dwelley.
It’s a long shot to say Johnson wins this out. But the remaining cast of tight ends aren’t exactly known for their blocking skills. If Johnson is the best blocker out of this trio, it’s easier to suggest he has a chance.
Next: 3 biggest concerns for the 49ers at OTAs so far
The key word here being chance.