The Oklahoma State fullback, a short yardage specialist, could still wind up playing on Sundays.
According to an NFL scout, Crosslin most likely will be what teams label a "priority free agent.”
Former OSU coach Pat Jones, who worked 10 years as an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders, said "priority free agents” often have several offers they can mull over.
"He could sneak into that last round, simply because he's a big fullback, but he'll probably be a free agent,” Jones said. "You have to have a fullback, just for jumbo packages. If he could play special teams, that would help.”
That's the primary reason Crosslin might earn an NFL paycheck. At OSU, Crosslin played on three of the four special teams units – kickoff coverage, punt returns and kickoff returns.
"That could be huge for him,” said OSU running backs coach Curtis Luper. "He's big, he's fast and he's tough. NFL teams like guys like that can help you in a lot of areas, guys who contribute on special teams.”
Fullbacks are being used less in college, where spread offenses are all the rage. But in the NFL, fullbacks are still an integral part of most offenses.
Most teams use a fullback at least 10 to 20 plays a game. Some use a fullback more than that.
Crosslin essentially was a battering ram for the Cowboys, the lead blocker. His stats are nothing special. On 145 career carries at OSU, Crosslin averaged only 3.0 yards. But he was effective, scoring 23 touchdowns, averaging a touchdown nearly every six carries.
At OSU's Pro Day last month, Crosslin lifted 225 pounds 29 times, recorded a 35-inch vertical leap and ran a 4.72 in the 40-yard dash.
"There aren't many guys who are 5-11, 245-pound guys that can run like he does, or is as strong as he is,” Luper said. "He has ball skills and can run with the football. There are a limited number of guys who can do what he does.”
NFL rosters are limited to 53 players. That's barely enough for a two-deep chart. Former OSU star Keith Burns
