2011 Offseason Outlook - Tight End

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Position Snapshot: Tight End - Patriots.com - Erik Scalavino

Years of frustration and disappointment with the Patriots' tight end position came to a screeching halt in 2010. An area that was considered an underachieving one just a year ago became one of the strongest spots on the entire roster.

Two rookies and a seasoned veteran - who later became a team co-captain - helped turn fortunes around. Without them, New England's offense would not have been as dynamic or high-scoring as it was this past season.

While there are some intriguing free agent targets available at tight end this offseason, it would be a surprise if the Patriots added to this position, as all three players on the active roster are expected to return in 2011.


86 - Carson Butler
The former Michigan product bounced around the NFL for a year before hooking on with New England last August. A month later, he was cut, but re-joined the team's practice squad at the end of September. He remained there the remainder of the season and signed a futures contract in January. He'll be back, but it will be a Herculean task for him to make the active roster.

82 - Alge Crumpler
The big fella can still move and make plays, as he proved down the stretch. “Captain Crump” won over teammates and coaches alike in short order with his professionalism. Though getting up there in age, he's under contract through 2011 and should be around for at least one more season.

Read more at: Position Snapshot: Tight End

 

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Howe readily notes the Pats are set at TE and simply gives an overall look at who is available at the position.

Zach Miller Best Free-Agent Fit for Patriots in Highly Unlikely Case Pats Sign a Tight End - New England Patriots - NESN.com - Jeff Howe

Outside of quarterback, tight end is essentially the only position where the Patriots don't need to make any upgrades. They've got three really good ones who fit their roles perfectly, and veteran Alge Crumpler has been the perfect mentor for 21-year-olds Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. In fact, Crumpler is the type of guy who would have never been allowed to leave New England if he were drafted by Bill Belichick. He's simply a model Patriot.

But hey, just because the Patriots don't need any tight ends doesn't mean we should ignore the position in our series of free-agency primers. Here's a look at the tight ends on the 2011 open market.

Head of the Class
Zach Miller didn't get a lot of attention because he was hidden in Oakland and sometimes lost his rhythm with a revolving door at quarterback and a foot injury that had him on crutches at times in 2010. The 6-foot-5, 256-pounder is a do-it-all tight end who has 226 receptions for 2,712 yards and 12 touchdowns in four seasons. He's got some good potential if he went to a more high-powered offense.

Fit for New England
This category doesn't really work as well when the Patriots won't be looking to make any improvements at the position, but let's play the game anyway. If the Pats feel the need to upgrade the position, go straight for the best tight end on the market and sign Miller. Then, make Hernandez more of a wide receiver.

Continue reading at Zach Miller Best Free-Agent Fit for Patriots in Highly Unlikely Case Pats Sign a Tight End

 

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Similar to Howe's column, Rodak just looks at the notable NFL free agent and assumes the Pats will not add any tight ends.

Free-Agent Fit: Tight ends - New England Patriots Blog - espnBoston - Mike Rodak

RATING THE NEED: Low

KEY CONSIDERATION: Crumpler signed a two-year contract last spring but the Patriots later added Gronkowski and Hernandez through the draft. The Patriots found playing time for all three players in 2010, but can that continue in 2011? Crumpler’s leadership qualities, though, make it hard for the team to let go of him.

NOTABLE TARGETS ON THE MARKET: Daniel Fells (Rams), Kevin Boss (Giants), Zach Miller (Raiders), Marcedes Lewis (Jaguars), Matt Spaeth (Steelers), Bo Scaife (Titans), Reggie Kelly (Bengals), Alex Smith (Browns), Leonard Pope (Chiefs), Randy McMichael (Chargers), Jeff King (Panthers), David Thomas (Saints)

Read more at: Free-Agent Fit: Tight Ends