AFC Focus: Ranking the tight ends

[37Harrison]

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=233598

5. BRONCOS Daniel Graham gives Denver a devastating blocker for its running game. Tony Scheffler can split out wide as a receiver in some formations.

7. BROWNS If offseason microfracture surgery stabilized Kellen Winslow's knee, he could be more explosive after the catch. Steve Heiden (6-5, 267) has the size and athleticism to serve as a quality No. 2.

8. PATRIOTS Ben Watson creates mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller safeties and will benefit from the team's beefed-up receiving unit. Kyle Brady basically serves as a third tackle in the running game.

Not sure I agree too much with these rankings, BTW why did they leave out Thomas?
*Edit* If this was already posted before I apologize for the repost.

 

[patsgo]

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=233598

Not sure I agree too much with these rankings, besides why are they looking at Brady when we also have Thomas who I think is better.

brady is proven, watson has to stop dropping the ball, and thomas needs to emerge

 

[PromisedLand]

I ranked Watson ahead of Graham when they were both on the Pats. Sure, Grahambo is a good blocker, but his hands have always been his achilles heel and good blocking tight ends are easy to find. Was Graham even a better blocker than a part time OLiner like Tom Ashworth, for instance?

 

[Oswlek]

Wasn't Heath Miller a disappointment last year?

When did he become the force that TSN seems to think he is?

Other than Pitt, I don't see a big reason to contest this list. These things are always done with the previous year in mind. Gonzalez won't be that good for much longer and we all know that Thomas has a good chance to the best NE TE since Coates.

But he didn't do much *last year* so TSN knows nothing about him.

 

[CrayzeeNepFan1]

Sorry man that is homerism to it's fullest degree Graham stonewalled Peppers in the superbowl and was a guy brady had his ritual head but with that I used to enjoy watching the competitive fire from both of them.
Graham did nothing but help this team and now that he's a donkey obviously we all wanna say it's not a big deal.
Well it is a big deal they got a young amazing blocker a viable receiver and a great locker room guy.
On the flip side we had to let him walk to us he wasn't worth the money he was looking for and with Watson,Thomas, Brady, and Mills we have a very solid group of tightends who together I don't think equal Grahams salary so it was a easy decision just glad it wasn't jet's green instead!

 

[363839]

brady is proven, watson has to stop dropping the ball, and thomas needs to emerge

I still think Kyle Brady is going to be used as a pass catcher more than people think. He is revered as a great blocker and great reciever.
The feeling seems to be that KB is too old to do much route running but I think he will be a great safety valve for TB.

 

[JustWinBrady]

to date.......graham > watson.

 

[dryheat44]

I ranked Watson ahead of Graham when they were both on the Pats. Sure, Grahambo is a good blocker, but his hands have always been his achilles heel and good blocking tight ends are easy to find. Was Graham even a better blocker than a part time OLiner like Tom Ashworth, for instance?

Good blocking TEs may be easier to find, but great blocking TEs who are also a threat in the passing game are rare.

Watson's hands have to improve a lot before they compare to Graham's. I have no doubt that if Graham wasn't needed to help protect the quarterback he could be every bit the receiver that Watson is projected to be.

 

[zippo59]

Good blocking TEs may be easier to find, but great blocking TEs who are also a threat in the passing game are rare.

Watson's hands have to improve a lot before they compare to Graham's. I have no doubt that if Graham wasn't needed to help protect the quarterback he could be every bit the receiver that Watson is projected to be.

I don't agree with that. I like and Graham is a better blocker but is not the threat Watson is in the receiving game. He doesn't have the same natural ability. Last year Watson had more catches and yards than Graham has ever had in his career.

 

[37Harrison]

I found a nice little article on Watson that I haven't seen before. It's an outlook on the upcoming season and shares what a few people think are his strengths and weaknesses. As well as a 2006 summary of his performance (game-by-game) and their projections for his production in 2007. It may be a FF thing but I don't care because news is slow and this provides some "new" reading material. I just thought this would provide some more discussion...

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/WatsBe00-1.php

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I don't agree with that. I like and Graham is a better blocker but is not the threat Watson is in the receiving game. He doesn't have the same natural ability. Last year Watson had more catches and yards than Graham has ever had in his career.

Sure Ben caught more than Dan, but who are you going to leave back to block for Tommy with Matt Light coming off another rehab off-season and a rookie or rehabbing Kaczur at RT? What Uncle Heatster said.

 

[patchick]

Graham is a heck of a player and will doubtless do well in Denver. IMO the "no big deal" attitude isn't so much a reflection on him as on the way the team prepared for his departure. Watson, Thomas, Brady, Mills is a very strong group.

It's odd that Thomas has been so completely overlooked in so many reports. He doesn't have Graham and Watson's superhero physique, but in terms of football skills he was one of the most polished TE prospects you'll find coming out of college. Great blocking technique, quick, crisp routes and terrific hands. And last year he put up excellent numbers in limited opportunities. Assuming the foot injury doesn't linger he has a chance to be very, very good.

 

[dryheat44]

And while I'm at it, I'll give a salute to Dan for the manner of his leaving. He didn't ***** about being underpaid. He didn't ***** about not being extended. He didn't go to the media with complaints. He didn't threaten to hold out unless his salary was brought up.

He showed up, went to work, did a great job. Then walked away with dignity. A true professional. Would that every player could act thusly.

 

[PatsFan37]

And while I'm at it, I'll give a salute to Dan for the manner of his leaving. He didn't ***** about being underpaid. He didn't ***** about not being extended. He didn't go to the media with complaints. He didn't threaten to hold out unless his salary was brought up.

He showed up, went to work, did a great job. Then walked away with dignity. A true professional. Would that every player could act thusly.

Completely agree. Denver got a great TE with a lot of heart. Even with all the depth and talent the Pats have, and they have plenty, he'll be missed in NE.

 

[patchick]

And while I'm at it, I'll give a salute to Dan for the manner of his leaving. He didn't ***** about being underpaid. He didn't ***** about not being extended. He didn't go to the media with complaints. He didn't threaten to hold out unless his salary was brought up.

He showed up, went to work, did a great job. Then walked away with dignity. A true professional. Would that every player could act thusly.

Totally agree. And I also respect his desire to play for his hometown team surrounded by friends and family. Few athletes get that opportunity, it's got to be a dream come true.