Tight End - A Very High Draft Need

[mgteich]

I do expect us to re-sign or sign a couple of wide receivers, a DE and or OLB, and a center long before the draft.
====================================
As we go into the draft, I think that we will want to address our need at TE. There are at least half a dozen rated in the first four rounds.

We currently greatly depend on Gronk and Hernandez, and use an OL as a blocking TE. This becomes greatly restrictive (no depth) when there is an injury on the OL, at TE or at WR. After all, Hernandez may be most valuable at WR.

An additional top TE would help us a lot. We tried to find a blocking TE last year, but in the end,a blocking, short yardage TE just isn't worth a roster spot. Dante requires such skills in his offensive lineman.

BOTTOM LINE
I would not be surprised to see us draft a TE in the first two rounds.

Also, I think that this choice would be a good one, if the value is there. If you think that Belichick wouldn't draft a backup early, think again. Solder was expected to be a backup OT/TE, and that was his primary function. I would note that Solder was drafted much higher than any any of our 2012 picks. Also, if the TE is a starting quality player, Hernandez would still get lots of playing time as our #2 or #3 WR (Brady's 3rd our 4th receiving option).

I could certainly see Josh's 3 WR sets often including Hernandez as a WR. Hernandez is also our h-back. It would be good if we didn't need to be so dependent on him at as TE.

A FINAL MOTE
It may be much easier to find a top TE than a top WR. WR's are almost always a crapshoot, even in the first round. Hernandez as our #2 or #3 WR seems to be a very reasonable roster choice, iff we had another top TE.

 

[Ivan]

I no longer laugh at threads like this after doing so to those looking for safety help last offseason. I thought it was a strength last April and it turned out to be their weakest unit. And although ti seems somewhat ludicrous to call TE a need with 2 high caliber players at a position that only runs 3 deep the truth is that they do need another TE given the preponderance of 2 TE sets and multiple uses they have at the position. They may even have to consider going with 4 TE's if they are going to rely on it this much and have to endure the injuries of any NFL season. Given Belichik's man-love for the position and the way he approaches the draft I wouldn't be surprised at all if he takes a TE with on of their 1st four picks in the first 2 rounds.

 

[patsderoer]

I'll go for Gronk 2.0 - Coby Fleener

Same size
Another big target for Brady to throw to in the endzone.
Great catching and leaping ability Luck to Coby Fleener, Amazing One Handed Catch.wmv - YouTube

He's also a good vertical threat Coby Fleener #82: Highlights - YouTube

I agree that a great TE is very much a need for Pats and their heavily TE based offense. We saw what happened this year when Gronk went down and no one could replace him.
I would take Fleener with the first pick.

 

[DarrylS]

As much as it is a perceived need, there are greater needs in round 1 & 2, after that we only have a few picks, until BB trades one of the first 4 picks and has picks later on.

This board goes crazy along with all the local media, imagine if we do not pick some highly projected OLB, pass rushing DE or DB... the fanatics will go crazy and the media will follow along.

 

[SaCaCh]

I'll go for Gronk 2.0 - Coby Fleener

Same size
Another big target for Brady to throw to in the endzone.
Great catching and leaping ability Luck to Coby Fleener, Amazing One Handed Catch.wmv - YouTube

He's also a good vertical threat Coby Fleener #82: Highlights - YouTube

I agree that a great TE is very much a need for Pats and their heavily TE based offense. We saw what happened this year when Gronk went down and no one could replace him.
I would take Fleener with the first pick.

Yup! it's what I want in the first round also.

 

[mgteich]

And we'll be in the Super Bowl again.

I know that this year is a bit different than last. We will know what we have done in free agency before the draft starts. If Belichick signs or re-signs four top front seven players (as he did in 2011), I don't think that it will be reasonable to go crazy if doesn't draft one early. Besides, we are only talking about one of the first four picks. While almost all of us would have drafted a front seven defender in 2011, it is hard to argue with Belichick's solution of bringing in Carter, Anderson, Haynsworth, Ellis and Warren.

Belichick recognizes that upgrades needn't come from the draft, especially upgrades that are expected to help a lot in 2012. Free agency and the trade market are also available methods of acquiring players.

As much as it is a perceived need, there are greater needs in round 1 & 2, after that we only have a few picks, until BB trades one of the first 4 picks and has picks later on.

This board goes crazy along with all the local media, imagine if we do not pick some highly projected OLB, pass rushing DE or DB... the fanatics will go crazy and the media will follow along.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Solder was not projected or drafted as a backup anything. He was drafted to be a starting LT for a decade. But the lockout and Light eventually re-signing made it so he didn't have to be.

The demand for TE's will overvalue the draft market. We need a 3rd TE as a backup to Gronkowski primarily. A WR could be the backup to Hernandez. Three will seldom be on the field together, and when they are at least one of them will be primarily blocking...

 

[Deus Irae]

There is 0% need of using a pick on a tight end. There are plenty in the free agency pool who can fill in the 3rd TE role.

 

[Dessalines]

I do expect us to re-sign or sign a couple of wide receivers, a DE and or OLB, and a center long before the draft.
====================================
As we go into the draft, I think that we will want to address our need at TE. There are at least half a dozen rated in the first four rounds.

We currently greatly depend on Gronk and Hernandez, and use an OL as a blocking TE. This becomes greatly restrictive (no depth) when there is an injury on the OL, at TE or at WR. After all, Hernandez may be most valuable at WR.

An additional top TE would help us a lot. We tried to find a blocking TE last year, but in the end,a blocking, short yardage TE just isn't worth a roster spot. Dante requires such skills in his offensive lineman.

BOTTOM LINE
I would not be surprised to see us draft a TE in the first two rounds.

Also, I think that this choice would be a good one, if the value is there. If you think that Belichick wouldn't draft a backup early, think again. Solder was expected to be a backup OT/TE, and that was his primary function. I would note that Solder was drafted much higher than any any of our 2012 picks. Also, if the TE is a starting quality player, Hernandez would still get lots of playing time as our #2 or #3 WR (Brady's 3rd our 4th receiving option).

I could certainly see Josh's 3 WR sets often including Hernandez as a WR. Hernandez is also our h-back. It would be good if we didn't need to be so dependent on him at as TE.

A FINAL MOTE
It may be much easier to find a top TE than a top WR. WR's are almost always a crapshoot, even in the first round. Hernandez as our #2 or #3 WR seems to be a very reasonable roster choice, iff we had another top TE.

Seems to me that BB either drafts or adds a new tight end every year, so your wish is likely to be granted. Frankly I do not see the need now.

 

[mgteich]

And which player that was so easy to get met that need in 2011?

There is 0% need of using a pick on a tight end. There are plenty in the free agency pool who can fill in the 3rd TE role.

 

[Deus Irae]

And which player that was so easy to get met that need in 2011?

BB chose to go with 2 tight ends when he didn't have to. Take it up with him, but don't build straw men for us about it. He's also gone years at a time without a fullback. That doesn't mean he needs to draft one this year.

 

[JackBauer]

There is 0% need of using a pick on a tight end. There are plenty in the free agency pool who can fill in the 3rd TE role.

A million times, this.

People are actually talking seriously about taking another TE with the first pick?

Also, it's worth noting that losing a TE wouldn't have been such a grievous blow if our wide receivers didn't suck.

 

[Snake Eyes]

There is 0% need of using a pick on a tight end. There are plenty in the free agency pool who can fill in the 3rd TE role.

Which TEs are you referring to? I’m not looking for someone to simply fill in a roster spot, Fleener gives us a TE/WR hybrid that can be a mismatch nightmare, he’s in between Gronk and Ahern and could likely fill in for either one yet also line up wide, can any of the FA TE’s do that? Having all 3 TEs on the field at the same time would be a nightmare to defend.

I’ve long thought that Ocho wasn’t good fit for the team because we really need ‘man beaters’ at WR, someone who can beat tough press coverage, who can box out DBs and work the outside zones, while I thought Burress was a physical match I don’t like him character wise, Fleener gives us someone who has even better physical potential than Burress but MUCH younger and without the character concerns.

 

[UofApatsfan]

I'd use a late pick on a tight end but another early pick on one seems really stupid.

 

[Triumph]

A million times, this.

People are actually talking seriously about taking another TE with the first pick?

Also, it's worth noting that losing a TE wouldn't have been such a grievous blow if our wide receivers didn't suck.

The Pats need the WR that Ocho Stinko was supposed to be.

DaBruinz was right, the Pats run a very complicated offense, but in no way shape or form did I think that Ocho couldnt grasp it.

 

[patsderoer]

BB chose to go with 2 tight ends when he didn't have to. Take it up with him, but don't build straw men for us about it. He's also gone years at a time without a fullback. That doesn't mean he needs to draft one this year.

Yeah, the heavily TE based offense doesnt need any TE backups. Great logic. Gronk's injury showed us that there isnt any need for a backup.
Just throw all the high picks in that black hole known as the Pats defense.

It was a great decision from BB to take the 2 TE. Without that decision, Pats would probably had no chance of reaching the SB this year.

This guy Fleener can make plays all over Brady's safe zone, 30 yards from scrimmage. And probably even beyond that, since he's such a great catcher and leaper. Would serve as insurance if Gronk or Hernandez goes down.

Then use all other high picks on defence.

 

[ATippett56]

I would not be surprised to see us draft a TE in the first two rounds.

You are absolutely insane. Just a typical knee-jerk response to an injury that occurred during the AFC Playoffs.

The New England Patriots have far greater needs at the following positions:

Defense
3-4 Defensive End (NT-Wilfork, Love, Brace, DE-Deaderick, Pryor)
3-4 Outside Linebacker (Ninkovich)
Cornerback (Arrington, Dowling, McCourty, Moore)
Free Safety (a complete joke)

As far as I am concerned, the New England Patriots need at least one 3-4 defensive end, who is not a liability against the run and can rush the passer, via the NFL draft which is a far greater need than a third tight end.

As far as I am concerned, the New England Patriots need at least one 3-4 outside linebacker, who is not a liability against the run and can rush the passer, via the NFL draft which is a far greater need than a third tight end.

The New England Patriots need at least two legitimate NFL free safeties which is a far greater need than a third tight end.

Offense
Wide Receiver (Welker, Edelman)

The New England Patriots need at least three wide receivers via unrestricted free agency and the 2012 NFL Draft which is a far greater need than a third tight end.

 

[IllegalContact]

the have zero TE depth. the only 2 they have are starters. if the TE emphasis will continue, they should actually have 2 gronk types and 2 hernandez types and reduce the roster by 1 RB and 1 WR.

the hernandez type backup could be anything from a decent pass catching FB to a big WR. the gronk backup should be execute most of the plays they use gronk for.

different outcome with a healthy gronk or a solid gronk type backup.

I agree with this need, but as someone else said, there are other positions of need.

furthermore, both guys are slated to be FA's in 2 years. I would be looking to stuff some money in their pockets sooner rather than later. it will be hard to keep them both if they have to do both deals at the same time. If I was gronk, I would not be waiting for the pats to slap me with the franchise tag. I'd start pushing for something now. he just had a season that far outearns what the TE FA tag is.

 

[JackBauer]

Yeah, the heavily TE based offense doesnt need any TE backups. Great logic.

Apparently you missed the part where he said a 3rd TE would be readily available in FA?

 

[Deus Irae]

Yeah, the heavily TE based offense doesnt need any TE backups. Great logic. Gronk's injury showed us that there isnt any need for a backup.
Just throw all the high picks in that black hole known as the Pats defense.

It was a great decision from BB to take the 2 TE. Without that decision, Pats would probably had no chance of reaching the SB this year.

This guy Fleener can make plays all over Brady's safe zone, 30 yards from scrimmage. And probably even beyond that, since he's such a great catcher and leaper. Would serve as insurance if Gronk or Hernandez goes down.

Then use all other high picks on defence.

I know you like to troll, but do a better job of it.

1.) I didn't say anything about backups not being needed and/or wanted moving forward.

2.) As so many on this site, and throughout the country, spent the year saying, there aren't many Gronks out there. Many here spent time trying to insist that Hernandez was a top 5 TE, and some argued that he belonged even higher on that totem pole. In other words, troll, the backups are going to be just that.... backups who aren't as good as the players they replace. You can pull one of those off the FA market.

Now, back under your bridge...