patriot lifer
In the Starting Line-Up
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- Jul 16, 2007
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While I love the prospect, how big of a year can we realistically expect out of the player? For starters, the Pats usually don't use TE's in the passing game that much. In 2006 when the team had few WR's, we all thought that Ben Watson would be the recipient of many a passes (49 actual). When we picked up David Thomas, the favorite target of Vince Young's at Texas, we all thought his soft hands would materialize into oodles of receptions (and yes injuries hampered his tenure). There seems to always be a reason why so-and-so player is different, but the pattern remains the same. This time it happens to be because he's from a pro-style offense and was a 2nd-round talent.
So what can we really expect out of a rookie TE? Considering his lack of bulk, other teams will know he's out there to pass-catch, not block (which is like showing your cards in poker). He better be prolific at pass-catching to consistently make it out onto the field.
Also consider that last year we had two decent pass-catching TE's in Watson and Baker and they played in a little over 60% of the offensive snaps each. The veterans combined for a total of 43 regular season receptions.
So that being said, what type of production are you guys expecting? Not to be a debby-downer...
So what can we really expect out of a rookie TE? Considering his lack of bulk, other teams will know he's out there to pass-catch, not block (which is like showing your cards in poker). He better be prolific at pass-catching to consistently make it out onto the field.
Also consider that last year we had two decent pass-catching TE's in Watson and Baker and they played in a little over 60% of the offensive snaps each. The veterans combined for a total of 43 regular season receptions.
So that being said, what type of production are you guys expecting? Not to be a debby-downer...