Kyle Brady vs. Graham

[JoeSixPat]

Graham worth investment
Tight end earns Shanahan's praise after stellar efforts
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/18/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT


Daniel Graham's blocking skills key contribution. (Post / John Leyba)It's becoming clear why the Broncos broke the bank for Daniel Graham.

After two games, the former CU and Thomas Jefferson High School star has been a difference maker in the offense. Graham, who signed a five-year, $30 million contract during the offseason as a free agent from New England, has been a devastating blocker and a big reason why Travis Henry is the NFL's leading rusher.

Coach Mike Shanahan praised Graham for the second consecutive week Monday after his performance in the Broncos' 23-20 overtime win over Oakland.

"The unsung hero in this game was Daniel Graham," Shanahan said. "He dominated the line of scrimmage and gave us 60 minutes of unbelievable football."

I see this as major spin doctoring - I think Graham himself even stated that he was frustrated with his lack of involvement in the passing game upon going to the Broncs... and that when signing him the team stated he'd be used more in the passing game

With 2 passes a game he's on track for a typical Patriots offensive production

Not that I don't value his blocking - its just that I value his blocking at about $2.5 million a year, as opposed to $6 million

 

[fgssand]

I LOVED Graham when he was here, when healthy, he added a lot to our protection schemes as well as being a gutty receiver that had some great catches to go along with the occasional bonehead drop.

Kyle Brady is a better blocker - but no where near Graham as a total package for a tight end.

I think David Thomas is the guy that the NFL will be talking about for years to come, once he blossoms. If he can become a decent blocker ( I am not sure how good he is there), he will be in the Pro bowl in a couple of years.

 

[PittPatriot]

I LOVED Graham when he was here, when healthy, he added a lot to our protection schemes as well as being a gutty receiver that had some great catches to go along with the occasional bonehead drop.

Kyle Brady is a better blocker - but no where near Graham as a total package for a tight end.

I think David Thomas is the guy that the NFL will be talking about for years to come, once he blossoms. If he can become a decent blocker ( I am not sure how good he is there), he will be in the Pro bowl in a couple of years.

I agree on Dave Thomas...he has Dallas Clark potential.
I am still a little unsure why we drafted Watson just 1 year after taking Graham...almost like we predicted this day will come.

 

[patsfan13]

On NF matchup, D Graham was mentioned as being a mojor reason Their Rb is leading the league in rushing.

Graham is a much better player than Brady, both are good blockers, Graham would thrive catching balls in this O. The PAts made the right decision in terms of allocating cap space however.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I LOVED Graham when he was here, when healthy, he added a lot to our protection schemes as well as being a gutty receiver that had some great catches to go along with the occasional bonehead drop.

Kyle Brady is a better blocker - but no where near Graham as a total package for a tight end.

I think David Thomas is the guy that the NFL will be talking about for years to come, once he blossoms. If he can become a decent blocker ( I am not sure how good he is there), he will be in the Pro bowl in a couple of years.

For a rookie who seemed barely able to get on the field (thanks to Graham and Watson), he did pretty well. IIRC, he had some pretty good blocks to spring a couple of Maroney's long TDs last season. He's also pretty good on STs, too.

 

[LloydBraun]

The Graham decision is another example of why this team wins year in and year out.

They let Graham go signed Brady and had Thomas developing. Brady is like an extra tackle vs. the Merriman's and Freeney's of the world. Brady saves us money and is a great replacement short term. Business wise the Pats made a great decision. Much like the Branch decision they ended up with a #1 and Welker and Moss.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Seeing how the Pats also use Ryan O'Callahan as a blocking TE, who, as one would expect does well blocking, one might even pose a "O'Callahan vs. Graham" thread.

I noticed this trend with the Giants (I think) using an OL as a blocking TE last year and posed the question as to whether its a growing trend... i.e. OL can be cheaper than blocking TEs and can be just as good at blocking for obvious reasons

Seems like they have a good degree of confidence in O'Callahan bringing him in on 4th down in the 1st Q to pick up the first
down

Also seems like BB wanted to send a message to other teams not to discount Brady as a receiving threat with a 20 yard pickup today... -he just about equaled Graham's total yards in 2 games with that one catch

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Nice hands by Brady on that Brady pass inside the 5!
Now other teams have film of Brady used as a receiver. One MORE option they need to prepare to cover.

 

[BradyManny]

However, Brady's strength is his blocking, so the fact that he's nowhere near the overall player that Graham is gets hidden since he's not being used as a receiver.

Daniel Graham had a meager 21 catches last season. I loved Graham as much as the next guy, but so far Brady seems to be at least his equal when it comes to blocking. Let's say Brady finishes the year with 10 catches. Does 11 less catches mean Brady is "nowhere near the overall player that Graham" is? Hell no.

 

[Fencer]

Kyle Brady is a better blocker - but no where near Graham as a total package for a tight end.

We have bingo.

I used to love it when Grahambo just ran through tackles, Bavarro-style.