The Benjamin Watson we all imagined?

[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!!]

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

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

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

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.

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.

 

[JoeSixPat]

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.

I've been giving the topic of TE's as a pass catcher and/or blocker quite a bit of thought over the last few seasons - especially given Graham's supposed inability - or the coache's inability - to have him adequately serve as a receiver as well as blocker.

More and more I'm coming to the conclusion that having a TE who is BOTH a great blocker (Watson's ok but isn't usually asked to serve in that role) and a great receiver can be counterproductive.

Blocking takes a pretty big toll on one's body - indeed, many teams, including the Patriots are actually putting offensive linemen in to serve as blocking TEs as they're obviously good blockers and have the technique to protect themselves from injury longterm.

Kyle Brady, over his career, is probably one of the few guys who I think was a great blocker and great receiver - but it can't be denied that the blocking took its toll on him, and he no longer can be an effective receiver.

So it might be worth considering whether we WANT Watson to be subjecting himself to the pounding as a blocking TE. We have others who can serve that role - which is part of the reason why I think BB mainly used Graham in that role, recognizing the benefit of sacrificing Graham and preserving Watson as the better receiver.

Just a working theory, but I think it bears consideration.

 

[shmessy]

Two weeks ago I was apoplectic at the thread where so many here were saying that there was a chance that David Thomas would be ahead of Watson on the depth chart by the end of the year.

Injury aside, that was simply incredible.

 

[frankiesfly]

It's the Ben Waston i imagined. My fantasy trade of Dallas Clark for him is looking pretty good right now.

 

[amazinPats]

Two weeks ago I was apoplectic at the thread where so many here were saying that there was a chance that David Thomas would be ahead of Watson on the depth chart by the end of the year.

Injury aside, that was simply incredible.

I was one of those who saw a major future for Thomas, although I don't know if I actually claimed that he would take over the starting position.

However, Watson really impressed me today. He has made a major improvement so far this year, and is showing that he might be one of the best tight ends in the league right now.

 

[Flying Fungi]

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

Crumpler over Gates??

Clark over ALL of those??

yeesh

 

[Nordy]

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

This list is absolutely insane. Gates as the 5th best TE? :bricks:

 

[Remix 6]

i would take Gates as my TE anyday. Bailey had 1on1 with him and he turned Champ and caught it by the sideline. made it look easy and then i looked at #24 and i said..thats Champ wtf

Clark caught 2 passes on Champ as well but hes nothing like Gates

Tony is older so i wouldnt want him but Watson on another team would dominate. we spread it around too much and were a little inconsistent in how we use our TEs but i dont recall many LBs/Safeties being able to 1on1 with him.

 

[Flying Fungi]

i would take Gates as my TE anyday. Bailey had 1on1 with him and he turned Champ and caught it by the sideline. made it look easy and then i looked at #24 and i said..thats Champ wtf

Clark caught 2 passes on Champ as well but hes nothing like Gates

Tony is older so i wouldnt want him but Watson on another team would dominate. we spread it around too much and were a little inconsistent in how we use our TEs but i dont recall many LBs/Safeties being able to 1on1 with him.

and how many TEs do you recall going for 11 on an end-around?

 

[PatsFan37]

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.

Watson looked terrific yesterday. It was great to see both him and Stallworth stepping up in a game where Moss was not his usual dominant force.

From the get-go, Winslow acted like he'd served detention with Roethlisberger at the Summer Camp for Better Judgment. Much rather have Watson.

 

[desi-patsfan]

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

Lord what a terrible list. Winslow and Crumpler are at the bottom. Gates would probably be at the top with Watson, Clark, and Witten coming in at 2a, 2b, and 2c.