Vonta

Leach

While unproven, Leach is considered a better blocker than the aging Henderson. Leach does lack what the veteran brings to the pass game.

Simply put, Leach is the best lead blocker in the NFL. In 2010, he paved the way for Arian Foster’s 1,616 rushing yards. Last year, he came to Baltimore and Ray Rice broke off 1,364 yards while raising his yards-per-carry average from 4.0 to 4.7. It’s another reason Rice is a strong and safe play in the top half of fantasy’s first round.

Leach has a coaching staff connection in Miami; offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was on the Packers and Texans’ staffs when Leach played there. The Fins’ current fullback is Jorvorskie Lane, but Leach would be an enormous upgrade as a lead blocker. His addition would be good news for Lamar Miller.

Unfortunately for Leach, the Texans have Greg Jones, whom they guaranteed $240,000 on a one-year contract. It’s an unlikely landing spot. Leach might be smart to set his sights on the Browns, where OC Norv Turner has a history of effective fullback play (e.g. Lorenzo Neal) and teaches a power run game.

Leach graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 lead blocker last year, but saw his role marginalized after OC Cam Cameron was replaced by Jim Caldwell. The Ravens believe they can get by with fourth-round rookie Kyle Juszczyk, thus saving Leach’s $4.33 million cap number. We’d only downgrade Ray Rice slightly. A first-team All-Pro in three straight seasons, 31-year-old Leach will land on his feet. The Giants could come calling after Henry Hynoski’s knee injury.

The Ravens were intent on reducing Leach’s $3 million salary and $4.33 million cap figure, but he wouldn’t budge. Leach was phased out of the offense under OC Jim Caldwell down the stretch last season, and Baltimore drafted replacement Kyle Juszczyk out of Harvard. Most likely, Leach will be released.

The Ravens will be lucky to get a conditional late-round choice in return for Leach, so we fully expect him to get his walking papers tomorrow afternoon. Even at 31 years of age, Leach was far and away Pro Football Focus’ top-rated lead blocker in 2012. Once released, he shouldn’t be out of work very long.

Leach is further along in Dolphins discussions, as he’s lined up a visit for Wednesday. The Giants have interest because starting lead blocker Henry Hynoski is recovering from knee surgery. Hynoski is expected back early in the season, if not by Week 1. Miami has a greater need and more cap space.

Agent Ralph Vitolo named five of the suitors in the Dolphins, Texans, Giants, Chiefs and Browns. It’s not a surprise considering Leach has been a first-team All-Pro in three straight seasons and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ top-rated lead blocker last year. He reportedly had a visit with Miami on Wednesday.

The Ravens are “expected to craft a proposal to try to adjust his contract.” FB Kyle Juszcyzk was selected in the fourth round of the draft, but the team wants to keep both players. “When the situation comes, I think we’ll take care of it,” Leach said. Leach wouldn’t struggle to find work, if released.