How many and which TE's do we keep?

JoeSixPat said:

Wow - we've got a lot of guys writing off Alex Smith already.

At 6' 4" 260 lbs and a 40 catch season under his belt, he could wind up being the most productive TE on the roster, having the bulk to block as well as catch passes.

I understand that at $1.5 million in potential cap savings he's got to earn that too - but $1.5 million isn't a King's ransom either.

I think Thomas is most seriously on the bubble.

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What he said!!

I was at that Jags game and Thomas made that phenomenal catch right in front of me, but he hasn't done squat since then.

Unless we keep 4TEs, he's gone IMO.

CoachK said:

What he said!!

I was at that Jags game and Thomas made that phenomenal catch right in front of me, but he hasn't done squat since then.

Unless we keep 4TEs, he's gone IMO.

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most ppl are actually writing off alex....

my view is that it is pretty clear that BB is planning on keeping 4 tight ends on the roster, given new rules on kickoffs etc.

he has 5 good guys in case someone blows out during camp or he has to build a bit of a shadow roster.

agree?

--FRITZ

Baker is going to make it. Devree isn't.

The other 2 spots look to be totally up for grabs to me. Watson and Smith have been more productive in their careers so I'd give them the edge but if Thomas were to outplay either in camp he has the advantage of being significantly cheaper.

jmt57 said:

I would say the Pats keep three tight ends.

Here's something to think about; will the Pats be looking for any more cap room to sign another play - or extend one already on the roster?

2009 Cap Figures
$2,007,280 - Chris Baker
$1,550,000 - Alex Smith
$1,443,387 - Ben Watson
$702,469 - David Thomas

The thing is Baker isn't going anywhere; here are the more important numbers if cap money is needed.

Cap savings if cut or traded
$1,090,000 - Alex Smith
$449,440 - Ben Watson
$74,440 - David Thomas
($60,000) - Chris Baker

It's possible that Alex Smith, and not David Thomas, is the one that most needs to impress BB & staff in training camp.

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Good info. Baker is definitely not getting released. I doubt we traded for Smith to release him either. That leaves Watson or Thomas. Even if Watson performs well his cap savings puts him closer to the bulls eye. Thomas should win out if he performs up to his potential. He's too cheap not to.

That said, I think we will keep 4 TEs and not carry a FB. With the new wedge rule we will need some bigger guys on ST who can block and have some speed to get down the field.

jmt57 said:

It's possible that Alex Smith, and not David Thomas, is the one that most needs to impress BB & staff in training camp.

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I doubt that, don't forget we also invested a 2010 draft pick in Smith. I'm not saying that would stop BB from cutting him, I'm just saying that given the financial investment and the investment of a future draft pick, and the fact that Smith has proven himself on an NFL level whereas Thomas has not, they must have a level of confidence in Smith that assumes he is worthy of a spot on the 53. So its his spot to lose.

I hope all 4 make it. Take Heath Evans spot and move the vacancy to the TE position and you're all set.

I had to re-read a blog I wrote about this immediately after the trade to see if I feel the same way now. My opinion, for the most part, remains the same.

We're going to see Smith, Baker, and Watson all make the team while the rest of them pack their bags. Thomas will have the best chance to stay on as a fourth if they need him for special teams because he has shown flashes before and he is cap friendly.

I don't think there is a whole lot of difference between the three, but I am surprised to see that this board (for the most part) has buried Smith as far down the depth chart as it has. I have to think that Watson is in a real fight for the #1 spot with Smith because he's a better weapon offensively. Baker makes a great #2 and redzone threat.

I've liked Thomas a lot from what I have seen, but I would be least disappointed if they cut him.

Watson Stays - The hardest thing to develop is blocking for a TE and watson has done that. he primarly blocks on the perimeter and i submit our 2nd AFC rushing attack as proof .He is the fastest of all TE. He needs to work on his hands but with Moss , Wes and Joey i can live with that .Also watson makes spectacular plays and misses the simple ones.

Baker - He is slower than watson and i am shocked with the myth of him being a better receiver...no idea where that came from.He is a good blocker but the jets running is generally not great so not sure how he can be better.

Alex - He has 1 good season but he is a pure receiving TE.He has never blocked and if you are going to teach this guy it will take more than 1 season as with graham and watson.

Thomas/ De - One stays and its not thomas.

satz said:

Watson Stays - The hardest thing to develop is blocking for a TE and watson has done that. he primarly blocks on the perimeter and i submit our 2nd AFC rushing attack as proof .He is the fastest of all TE. He needs to work on his hands but with Moss , Wes and Joey i can live with that .Also watson makes spectacular plays and misses the simple ones.

Baker - He is slower than watson and i am shocked with the myth of him being a better receiver...no idea where that came from.He is a good blocker but the jets running is generally not great so not sure how he can be better.

Alex - He has 1 good season but he is a pure receiving TE.He has never blocked and if you are going to teach this guy it will take more than 1 season as with graham and watson.

Thomas/ De - One stays and its not thomas.

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Good assessment. I agree on DeVree. I think he sticks as #4.

just a hunch watson and or thomas will be hurt during the training camp, both are walking china dolls