patchick

It struck me today when the announcers talked about Kellen Winslow as a WR-type tight end, not a blocker, then later said Watson is much the same. Is that still true? So far this year Watson has shown tremendous improvement in his blocking. He's also shown sharp routes, terrific hands and YAC strength, while still showcasing the speed to run an end-around and totally smoke a safety straight downfield today. He's looking like a strong all-around tight end.

Winslow, Watson and Ben Troupe made up a trio of tremendous specimens in the 2004 draft. Wouldn't you take Watson out of those three today? Let's go a step farther...how many other TEs drafted from 2004 until today would you take over Watson? Almost all the top TEs who come to mind -- Gates, Gonzalez, Witten, Clark, Heap, Crumpler -- are older. So far, the vaunted TE class of 2006 hasn't set the world on fire. IMO, Watson is looking better and better as a #32 pick.

RabidPatsFan

Ben was outstanding today! His receiving skills have improved dramatically from last year. He's always had the athleticism, but now he's becoming a serious downfield threat. Another great weapon in Brady's seemingly endless arsenal.

Boston Jay

Also helps when you aren't the number 1 receiver and have space to work with.

BradyManny

Any time I've been paying attention to him, Watson has blocked very well this season.

If teams continue to double Moss, I suspect we'll continue to see Watson make them pay.

primetime

Him and Winslow are even-steven, I think, with Winslow having superior hands and Watson being the better blocker.

patriot lifer

i feel a lot more confident when the ball is thrown to him. I don't worry about him dropping the pass or fumbling the ball like I did last year.

5 Rings for Brady!!

Yuck!

I would puke if Winslow the arrogant one was on our team.

I would take Watson in every situation over Winslow.

JoeSixPat

I hate to say "I told you so" (actualy, no... no I don't!)

But Watson's 18 ypc is a perfect example of why I was so livid given the WR situation last year... it didn't matter that poster after poster could prove statistically that last year's WRs were as good as any other corps we'd had... when your deep threat in Caldwell is averaging 12 ypc, that collapses the D and prevents Watson from gaining yards after the catch... not to mention the double teams he dealt with as one of only two receivers for all intents and purposes.

I'm expecting more games like this for Watson now that we've got a more than decent WR crew.

Silverquick

Kellen Winslow is very, very good, but he is definately more of a very big receiver than a true TE.

I think Watson is the most talanted of them all, but he has still not developed fully. Dallas Clark is the other TE which I absolutely love. More so than Tony G or Gates. In terms of who'd Id lake to have on my team it goes:

- Clark
- Watson
- Witten
- Crumpler
- Gates
- Winslow

__________________
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Is our destined end or way,
But to act so that each tomorrow,
Shall find us stronger than today.

5 Rings for Brady!!

If he continues playing like he has, then he will be a star player soon enough.

He looks a lot better this year, and that might be a combination of improvement, experience, and less pressure by way of a better overall offense, but so far it seems like he has taken a significant step forward.

He has a lot of value on our team. We can get plenty of TEs to block, but getting a real weapon is rare.