Former Warrior inked as undrafted free agent
Published in the May 4, 2016 edition
FORMER WARRIOR and Harvard University lineman Anthony Fabiano has signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent.
WAKEFIELD — Former Wakefield Memorial High football player and Harvard University offensive lineman Anthony Fabiano was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens.
Soon after the draft concluded, the scouts and coaches got right back to work on finalizing 90-man rosters. The second phase of draft weekend is signing all the of the undrafted free agents and the Ravens have a strong history of finding gems during this process. They are hoping that Fabiano will be one of those gems.
Fabiano, who stands at 6-5 and weighs 290 pounds, tweeted that he’s headed to Baltimore and “pumped to work with one of the best in the business in Coach Castillo.” Offensive Line Coach Juan Castillo has a strong history of developing undrafted prospects, which always makes the undrafted linemen intriguing players to watch.
Fabiano was a first-team All-Ivy League selection in 2015. He had earned honorable mention all-conference honors in 2014.
Fabiano’s NFL Draft profile at nfl.com lists his strengths as an athletic player who opened some eyes at his pro day with his speed and quickness. He has quick lateral movement off the snap and can gain ground quickly to challenge on cross-face blocks. He plays with desired bend and decent hand work. He could benefit from experience playing at multiple spots along the offensive line.
His list of weaknesses on nfl.com are he has had issues with injuries that could concern teams. He missed three games in 2015 due to a turf toe injury and had a broken hand the previous season. He lacks core power and the anchor to deal with NFL bullies across from him. He lacks leg drive as run blocker and will be limited to consideration with primarily zone teams.
Nfl.com listed his draft projection as going in Round 7 or as a priority free agent.
Fabiano gained experience at left tackle, left guard and right guard, showcasing versatility to the NFL scouts who started taking note after his junior season. Fabiano was on track for a Senior Bowl invite, the first step to what likely would be an NFL career.
But on Oct. 30, 2015, in the second quarter of Harvard’s game against Dartmouth, Fabiano suffered a major injury. He hyperextended his toe, partially tore a toe tendon and fractured a bone in his foot.
After his surgery in December, Fabiano used crutches for three weeks and a wore a boot for three more. During that time, he couldn’t put any weight on his foot. Those lost six weeks put him substantially behind. His timeline not only took him out of the NFL Combine, but it made a Pro Day workout seem nearly impossible.
Prospects generally need 10 or so weeks to hit their peak in Combine testing workouts. Fabiano had just six to prepare for his potentially one-and-only shot at Harvard’s Pro Day. He underwent vigorous treatment for his chance.
With over 20 NFL teams in attendance, Fabiano had to nail his Pro Day. Despite the pressure, Fabiano could not have performed better.
He posted a 4.94 40 and a 1.68 10-yard split, both marks among the best for any offensive lineman in the draft. His short shuttle of 4.33 was the second-best among offensive line prospects at the Combine, and he was one of just five lineman to jump 32 inches or higher in the vertical.
According to the SPARQ formula, Fabiano is the 2016 NFL Draft’s most athletic offensive lineman by a decent margin.
A four-year starter on the Crimson’s offensive line, Fabiano distinguished himself at one of the nation’s most academically rigorous universities in the classroom, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics in the fall, and on the field.
Fabiano did not start playing organized football until his freshman year at Wakefield Memorial High School.
Here are some of Fabiano’s stats while at Harvard:
• 2015: Named to Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List … Tabbed to the All-Ivy League first team … Selected to the ECAC FCS All-Star second team … Honored on the All-New England team … Played in seven games.
• 2014: Earned All-Ivy League honorable mention at right guard … Named to CollegeSportsMadness All-Ivy second team … Honored on CollegeSportsMadness Preseason All-Ivy League third team … Started all 10 games.
• 2013: Selected to College Sports Madness Preseason All-Ivy League first team … Named to Phil Steele Preseason All-Ivy League first team … Saw action in five contests.
• 2012: Second team All-Ivy League at left tackle as a sophomore … Started all 10 games at left tackle.
At WMHS, Fabiano was a two-year starter and letter winner at tight end and defensive end … Senior captain … All-Scholastic by the Boston Herald as a senior … First team all-league … Led team with nine sacks and 57 tackles along with 23 receptions for 267 yards … Magliozzi Award for moral, scholastic and athletic excellence at Wakefield Memorial High School.
