Since coming into the league as a sixth-round draft pick from Slippery Rock, Brandon Fusco has had to earn his way as a battler at either right guard or left guard.
He agreed to a three-year, $12.75 million deal with the Falcons and will get the opportunity to compete for a starting spot. The Falcons are not ready to give up on right guard Wes Schweitzer and believe some quality competition could push him to another level.
Also, left guard Andy Levitre is set to enter the last year of his contract.
Bob McGinn, the former Green Bay Packers beat writer for The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, who now publishes BobMcGinnFootball.com, has published an all NFC North guide for the last three decades.
He shared his file on Fusco from his time with the Vikings. Below are his measurable and very high Wonderlic score coming out of college and reviews from sever NFC North scouts:
THE BRANDON FUSCO FILE
Official height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 306
40-yard dash: 5.18 seconds
Wonderlic score: 30
Vertical: 28 ½
Broad jump: 9-0 (Was the best of the centers coming out. Was graded with the centers.)
225-pound bench press: 26 repetitions
Arms: 33-3/4
Hands: 10 inches
What NFC North scouts had to say about Fusco over the years
Scouts from other NFC North teams, not the Vikings after week 15 of each season for Bob McGinn’s annual All-NFC North team.
Scout on Dec. 28, 2016: "I would move on from that. You'd like to get better."
Scout in 2015: "He's gotten better. If you had a perfect five, he'd be a utility guy. He's played fairly well. He hasn't been awful. He's a real good inside swing guy.
Another scout in 2015: "He was terrible. He can't pass pro."
Scout in 2013: "He had a very good year. He was much more physical and consistent in pass protection. The kid played at a very good level. He was a good starter this year."
Another scout in 2013: "Ideally, he'd be a backup. He does OK for them. He's not what you want at the end of the day."
Scout in 2012: "He's has be swapped in and out of games, but he is functional."
Another scout in 2012: "He'll be a good center-guard guy. Your sixth offensive lineman."
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