Which Three Tight Ends? - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

***DaBruinz*** · 08-15-2009, 05:26 PM

I don't see the need for 4 TEs..

Smith wasn't impressive in the game against Philly.. In fact, he was pretty bad with his blocking..

Thomas and Baker were very good with their blocking.. Hochstein could also be a FB. That is the position he played most last year..

***mgteich*** · 08-15-2009, 05:48 PM

I agree that we COULD cut the captain of our special teams units is order to keep a #4 TE. I just think it is a lousy idea.

We will have four wide receivers: Moss, Welker, Galloway and Edleman.
We will have two special teamers who are emergency wide receivers: Aiken and Lewis.

I am fine with Watson or Smith as the #2. As of now, Smith would be the odd man out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PYPER

I's say Smith is the odd man out if we only keep 3 but I still wouldn't rule out keeping 4. Whatever he decides, I'm sure BB will have each player fill a particular role, ie...FB, H-Back, TE, etc...

The question will likely come down to the 4th TE vs the 6th WR. I really like Aiken but I think Edelman has stolen his spot as the #5. It's important to have somebody who can spell Welker on occasion. The fact that he seems to be making great strides as a punt returner makes him a virtual lock.

It's going to be extremely difficult getting this roster down to 53 while holding onto specific guys on the PS. I think our initial PS is going to get picked clean. It's too bad O'Connel doesn't appear ready for the #2 spot. It sure would be nice if we could only keep 2 QB's.

***mgteich*** · 08-15-2009, 05:50 PM

This seems exactly right, except I could see Watson being traded for a 4th or 5th rounder, saving Smith.

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

FWIW, I had been thinking 4 TEs until I sat down last night and tried to map out my 53. There turned out to be much greater incremental value in other spots. (I "cut" Alex Smith.)

Fencer · 08-15-2009, 11:44 PM

Here's a bit of a surprise: Alex Smith has a decidedly higher salary than Watson.

That's one reason to forecast Watson as the survivor between the two of them.

***Gwedd*** · 08-15-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fencer

Here's a bit of a surprise: Alex Smith has a decidedly higher salary than Watson.

That's one reason to forecast Watson as the survivor between the two of them.

Why yes, yes it could...

***maverick4*** · 08-16-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fencer

That's one reason to forecast Watson as the survivor between the two of them.

I'd see it the other way..that Belichick went and gave Alex Smith more money, and also gave Baker a very long contract, signals that Watson is not coming back.

RayClay · 08-16-2009, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signbabybrady

I dont think if we keep one less TE it would equate to an extra LB....I think we will keep an extra player at either TE or RB due to no FB.

We would need to actually have an extra linebacker.

Not complaining!! I like what we have at LB but don't think the TE situation impacts it. I don't see what 4 TEs offers barring injury. No problem if we've got the space, though.

I like Baker, but they all could help out, just not if one is just extra baggage. Not like you can't pick up a 4th tight end someplace if needed.

BB had something in mind. I thought that Thomas had a chronic foot problem, but it seems that's not so. Could just be BB's overcompensating due to luck, injury problems at that position.

Watson = talented, Thomas = hard working, Smith = decent NFL tight end, but Baker = reall good looking TE and starter IMO.

RayClay · 08-16-2009, 02:07 AM

If Maroney and Taylor work out as a team, as their styles suggest, I could see Morris playing some FB, giving the possibility of a run, receiving option too.

***patchick*** · 08-16-2009, 07:57 AM

Here's an exercise to try...to get down to 53, you have to cut 5 of the following:

Rich Ohrnberger
Ryan Wendell
Russ Hochstein
Myron Pryor
Mike Wright
Jarvis Green
Tully Banta-Cain
Shawn Crable
Paris Lenon
Brandon McGowan
Sam Aiken
Ray Ventrone
Matt Slater
4th Tight End

***APatrioticVirginian*** · 08-16-2009, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

FWIW, I had been thinking 4 TEs until I sat down last night and tried to map out my 53. There turned out to be much greater incremental value in other spots. (I "cut" Alex Smith.)

Wow that was a really bad decision, BB wont make that mistake, actually I dont think Rich Kotite makes that call. Can you explain what you were dr...thinking.?