JoeSixPat

Not that I bemoan the fact that we didn't pay Daniel Graham $5 million plus a season or whatever the Broncos gave him - but I think everyone would admit that his excellent blocking was missed last season (perhaps it wouldn't have if Kyle Brady were healthy all year but regardless...)

As such I think the Patriots will definately be on the lookout for a blocking TE. All-purpose blocking/pass catching TEs are likely going to go too high in the draft so I'm thinking in terms of a blocking TE specialist - and if they can average 1.5 catches a game like Graham did all the better to keep defenses at least a little bit on guard.

So anyone know who is out there and when the better blocking TEs project to go in the draft?

I've not analyzed that position but I'm sure someone else has.

For the Patriots, I think using a 3rd or 4th round pick on one of the better blocking TEs could be just as important to the team as whoever their first round pick is. It sounds strange but I think its true given the need to thwart the pressure some teams are able to put on Brady.

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WhiZa

I looked into this about a month ago:

Martellus Bennett (3rd round) - Converted basketball player who was forced to learn how to block (and did a good job at it) in the A&M run style offense. His basketball skills were underutilized in the passing game so with a little work he could be a real steal.

Craig Stevens (mid round) - Probably the best blocking TE in the draft, but won't offer much in the passing game. Kind of reminds me of a bigger Brian Leonard of last year.

Kellen Davis (late round/fa) - Played on both sides of the ball, so he could be better than he actually played if he's able to focus on one position. I would still consider him a project and probably not worth taking until late. His versatility of multiple positions will probably get him onto some team.

Brad Cottam (mid round) - The biggest TE in the draft, but is lacking a sound blocking technique. Being 6-8 he has trouble getting leverage. It seems he put most of his work in the passing game. If he could use his size better he would be one of top TEs available. I would consider him a project.

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BritPat

Stevens ran a 4.65 40.

And I think Cottam's blocking is better than you give him credit for. He could be an absolute steal. Immense Red Zone target. He, Randy and Big Ben would be a nightmare match up.

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Creator of the Pats must draft Jason Verrett in 2014 no matter the cost fanclub.

JoeSixPat

That's not a lot of options - but good as I know who to keep my eyes on now. As I said, if we get a quality blocking TE in the third round that could be just as important as who we take in the first.

I also can't help but wonder if there are any OL conversion projects that might work as a blocking TE. Obviously while they'd have the blocking skills serving as an extra lineman at the TE position does require them to move more as opposed to the guys on the line - so the conversion is probably easier said than done. It's not the more static blocking that most linemen are used to

A few teams have experimented with linemen as blocking TEs - in fact I think the Giants might have been one of them - but I can't speak to how well that went.

I think usually such players probably have few if any balls being thrown to them even if they block well - which strikes me as count against them as even with Graham's 1.5 catch per game average it was still helpful to have him as a dump off option.

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DW Toys

Adam Bishop of Nevada is rated as one of the top TE blockers. Maybe 6th rounder will do it? He is a constant film jockey and student of the game which will thrill BB. Technically sound but smaller program guy. Maybe a little better than Stevens as a receiver.
No love for Carlson of ND? Perhaps the best of both worlds (catch and block) and a redo on his time on his Proday was in the 4.65 range.
DW Toys

BradyManny

Does anyone know much about Spach and how he ranks as a blocking TE?

jczxohn1

Looked at TE's last wk, and only one reporter even knew he was still on the team. The rest listed just Watson and Thomas as signed. Spach is a 3 yr vet, didn't play his 2nd, and from all I heard last yr, he didn't suck.

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``The officials now are evaluating the players and their performance, I mean, that's great,'' Belichick deadpanned. ``I can't say how much that means to me, really.''

captain stone

Some late-round/UDFA blocking TE candidates:
Joe Haynos
Darrell Strong
UMaine's Matt Mulligan

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captain stone

Right now, Bishop is way too slow to use even a 7th-rounder on him. I would def. consider signing him as an UDFA, however.

Now if Stevens is still available in the 6th round, then I may pull the trigger and take him.

I will be extremely upset if a top-100 pick is used on a TE, and that's what it will take to secure Carlson.

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mmasterkillah

I really like Craig Stevens. He has a ways to go technically, but he loves contact. I think he could be a really good player.

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September 2010: SMART FOOTBALL