Talking TEs - 2014 Draft

I guess hand size and arm length are the new 40 times.

Snake Eyes said:

I guess hand size and arm length are the new 40 times.

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Nope. Just another piece of the puzzle for TEs and receivers. It's a measurement that teams have always done, but the public wasn't told about. Now, we know just about everything except unreported medical issues.. And even those make it out..

Snake Eyes said:

I guess hand size and arm length are the new 40 times.

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Just wait until we see the 40 times

Is anyone else not that impressed by CJ Fiedorowicz?

I was watching his tape and he rarely makes guys miss, does not break any tackles, and seems to get most of his catches for less than 10 yard gains. Even with the ball in his hand, the guy does not seem to use his size after the catch like Gronk does and his movement ability looks pretty weak. Yeah he is probably the best blocker in the class, but is he really that big of an upgrade from Hooman?

I would take CJ no earlier than the 5th round. ASJ is the closest thing to Gronkowski in this draft. In order of preference, I would take: ASJ, Ebron, Amaro, Niklas, Fiedorowicz.

I wonder why they didn't invite Ted bolser. He would be good for the pats.

ripatsfan91 said:

Is anyone else not that impressed by CJ Fiedorowicz?

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I also feel he's pretty pedestrian and overrated.

DaBruinz said:

Nope. Just another piece of the puzzle for TEs and receivers. It's a measurement that teams have always done, but the public wasn't told about. Now, we know just about everything except unreported medical issues.. And even those make it out..

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I'd be very interested to see a study done, years after the draft, to see how well those factors correlate with player success.

I wonder if any resources have them.

ripatsfan91 said:

Is anyone else not that impressed by CJ Fiedorowicz?

I was watching his tape and he rarely makes guys miss, does not break any tackles, and seems to get most of his catches for less than 10 yard gains. Even with the ball in his hand, the guy does not seem to use his size after the catch like Gronk does and his movement ability looks pretty weak. Yeah he is probably the best blocker in the class, but is he really that big of an upgrade from Hooman?

I would take CJ no earlier than the 5th round. ASJ is the closest thing to Gronkowski in this draft. In order of preference, I would take: ASJ, Ebron, Amaro, Niklas, Fiedorowicz.

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No, not impressed at all. He's a late round prospect, IMO.

Merril Hoge's Tie Knot said:

Nine inch hands for Amaro :nono:

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He also weighed 265, bigger than I had thought, which would've been 245-255.
Will be very interested in seeing his agility drills at that weight.

I think everyone's being harsh on Fiedorowicz. He's the best blocker at the position and has truly excellent hands. Yes, he doesn't have that explosion that's needed for a starter and he's probably a day three pick, but he is excellent at the things he does well. He will get you a first down on 3rd down and he'll be a terrific red zone player.

manxman2601 said:

I think everyone's being harsh on Fiedorowicz. He's the best blocker at the position and has truly excellent hands. Yes, he doesn't have that explosion that's needed for a starter and he's probably a day three pick, but he is excellent at the things he does well. He will get you a first down on 3rd down and he'll be a terrific red zone player.

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Things that neither Hoomanawanui or Mulligan were able to show they could do with any consistency.

Michigan Pep Rally - Notre Dame Football - YouTube

Half of me wants to see Niklas and Gronk go HAM on the same team. The other half of me is scared to death by that idea

Sciz said:

Michigan Pep Rally - Notre Dame Football - YouTube

Half of me wants to see Niklas and Gronk go HAM on the same team. The other half of me is scared to death by that idea

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Niklas is my favorite TE in this draft but the concussion thing scares the hell out of me. I can only imagine him and Gronk heatbutting each other on the sideline getting hyped up. Pairing Yo Soy Fiesta and Love the Pain at TE could be unstoppable

Note to self, don't steal Prince Shembo's bike seat.

There seems to be a lot of negative views of Jace Amaro....I somewhat agree if he's sitting there at #29 and so is Stephen Tuitt, Zach Martin, Rashede Hageman, or Calvin Pryor, all of whom I'd want over Amaro at #29.

But I like him in this offense as an early playmaker as a move end, motion player. I'm very interested in his athletic numbers today because for me, he's a 6'5 260 pound Hernandez (6'1 240) in game. Sure handed, very good at the box-out and 50-50 ball, shows deceptive start and stop ability and can stretch the seam well for his size...I like him. Still needs refinement on technique, release, but they all do...Fiedorwicz is probably the most polished but less of a playmaker, but I like the class...just comes down to value.

Looking forward to seeing the TE's numbers this weekend.

Wilfork#75 said:

Niklas is my favorite TE in this draft but the concussion thing scares the hell out of me. I can only imagine him and Gronk heatbutting each other on the sideline getting hyped up. Pairing Yo Soy Fiesta and Love the Pain at TE could be unstoppable

Note to self, don't steal Prince Shembo's bike seat.

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Same here. I'm too worried he's the next Ryan Swope.

That Lyerla kid has started off with some decent results. I'm convinced he's going to be a middle round gem if you can reign in his off field issues.

Jenkins has a broken foot and Niklas didn't run and I can't find out why.

This guy looks like a plodder on video. Either he was injured in the youtubes I saw, or he just can't pick up his feet and shake the easiest of arm tackles. A gazelle at the combine, apparently.

C.J. Fiedorowicz: The Iowa tight end was known as one of the best blockers in the class. He helped himself with an above average 4.76-second 40-yard dash (because he was expected to run slower). He led his position with a 7.10 three-cone and 4.26 short shuttle.

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Read more at: NFL Combine Saturday Winners And Losers: Taylor Lewan, C.J. Fiedorowicz Impress | NFL Draft | NESN.com

RayClay said:

Jenkins has a broken foot and Niklas didn't run and I can't find out why.

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Niklas reportedly had a groin injury. Doug Kyed mentioned it in the article you referenced:

Seferian Jenkins has a foot injury that could keep him out of his April 2 pro day and Niklas’ groin is bothering him.

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http://nesn.com/2014/02/nfl-combine...losers-taylor-lewan-c-j-fiedorowicz-impress/

I've heard from Twitter reports that Niklas was supposedly around 80%, so I would discount his 7.57 3-cone and his performance in drills. He showed some grit and competitiveness by being willing to participate at less than full strength.

kennyb said:

I wonder why they didn't invite Ted bolser. He would be good for the pats.

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I have said the same thing in another posting. He's a Tavon Wilson who can actually play on offense, not just ST. He would be a _great_ seventh round pick.

He has got the physical skills, that's for sure. Ted Bolser NFL Draft Indiana - TE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=thsUG8SU3Ac

He's willing to play ST, which he did effectively in college, he's not flashy but gets the job done, and seems to have a knack for Christian Fauria-like Red Zone receptions where he shields the defender off with his 6' 5" body. Can he block effectively enough? The mystery here is why this red shirt senior wasn't invited to the Combine, which may make his more alluring to the Patriots. He'll have something to prove.

State said:

I have said the same thing in another posting. He's a Tavon Wilson who can actually play on offense, not just ST. He would be a _great_ seventh round pick.

He has got the physical skills, that's for sure. Ted Bolser NFL Draft Indiana - TE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=thsUG8SU3Ac

He's willing to play ST, which he did effectively in college, he's not flashy but gets the job done, and seems to have a knack for Christian Fauria-like Red Zone receptions where he shields the defender off with his 6' 5" body. Can he block effectively enough? The mystery here is why this red shirt senior wasn't invited to the Combine, which may make his more alluring to the Patriots. He'll have something to prove.

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Sorry, but I just want to piggyback off this post and address this issue of wondering why certain individuals weren't invited to the combine. As I understand it, and I'm only going by what I've read in the past, three teams need to ask for a prospect to be present before that prospect is invited to the combine. So if only two or less teams are interested in Bolser, or any other prospect, he doesn't get an invite.

Sorry to deviate, but I thought it interesting enough to share.