Welp. Nick Sharga sure looked the part when he showed up in Raiders rookie minicamp as a priority undrafted free agent. But Jon Gruden liked two other fullbacks better, and released Sharga just days after signing him to an undrafted free agent contract.
Here’s the player to whom they said thanks, but no thanks.
Nick Sharga, FB, Temple
Measurables
6’2”, 240 lbs
40-yard dash: 4.80
Stats
2017: 53 Rushing Yards, 1 Touchdown, 13 Tackles
2016: 97 Rushing Yards, 2 Tackles
Awards
2017 Campbell Trophy Semifinalist
2017 AAC All-Academic Team
Strengths
As a former linebacker, Nick Sharga is not afraid to deliver a hit. He was a physical lead blocker for Temple and has an ideal combination of size and athleticism. He uses that acceleration to effectively get to the second level and deliver a blow on linebackers and smaller defensive backs. Sharga also provides value on special teams as he was one of the team leaders with 8 special team tackles.
Weaknesses
Unlike former Raiders fullbacks Marcel Reece and Jamize Olawale, the former Temple Owl is not a versatile weapon in the backfield. Sharga is a one-dimensional player that excels at squaring up with defenders and opening lanes for the tailback.
How he would have fit with Raiders
With the Raiders expected use of a power run scheme featuring Marshawn Lynch, Sharga’s skillset is perfect for that.
Gruden made it clear he was looking to add competition to the backfield, and bringing the former Temple Owl helps to accomplish that. “We’re going to try to add another fullback. Sharga is a guy right now that gets the early call,” the Raiders head coach explained in a press conference. He added, “Matt Rhule is a friend of mine who was the coach at Temple who called me and recommended him. I usually listen to Matt Rhule.”
Sharga would have to competed with Keith Smith, but instead it will be undrafted free agent Chris Warren III, and Henry Poggi who were signed after a minicamp tryouts.
***This article was updated from its original scouting report***
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