Solution at TE

[Flash]

Assuming we don't trade up, how would y'all feel about drafting Irv Smith Jr. at #32 since both Fant and Hockenson are presumably gone by then? NFL's draft profile:

Strengths

• Decent hand placement as in-line blocker
• Good footwork to reach and secure the edge
• Fluid and rhythmic with his timing up to second-level targets
• Effective lead blocker as an H-back or fullback
• Speed to create immediate strain in the seam or downfield
• Might be too much for linebackers to handle in man
• Extensive collection of routes took him to all areas of the field
• Good route strength pushing through the contact
• Offers sturdy target in the middle of the field
• Can post up tight coverage out of his breaks
• Hand strength to secure contested catches
• Able to elevate and compete in-air
• Drags tacklers for additional yards after catch

Weaknesses

• Needs to add mass and upper-body strength for blocking duties
• Doesn't always block with consistent effort and strain
• Can overstep his landmark as run blocker
• Needs to play faster more consistently
• Rounded routes allow coverage shortcuts to catch point
• Feet are a little heavy getting into breaks, causing delays to open
• Rarely works back to the throw
• Not a natural hands catcher and fights the football
• Slows way down when turning to find football
• Lacks short-area wiggle for quick catch and run

I should add that surprisingly NFL.com rates both Fant and Irv Smith similarly as far as who's the better prospect goes. Probably because it doesn't look like Fant will ever become an elite blocker.

 

[supafly]

I wanted an OT anyway. Now, we might look for an OT, who can be the 6th OL when needed.

I kind of already thought that we needed a guy who could be the 6th OL.

That’s not to say that Croston can’t be that guy, but I think there’s a bit of uncertainty at the tackle position with Wynn having never played a down and Cannon being a bit injury prone.

 

[50-yard-line]

Prediction: Cook didn't sign with the Saints yet because the Pats asked him to wait.. After he told them that he didn't want to be a #2 behind Gronk, the Pats pushed Gronk for his answer and he gave it to them.

Now Jared Cook signs with the Pats.

(Pure wild speculation on my part...the timing just seems too "hmm." besides, wild speculation is fun.)

Taking off my DW Toys hat now...

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Now there’s two threads, what to do at TE and WR.

Is there a field goal kicker who can convert 90-yard field goals at near 100% accuracy? I’d say sign him to an incentive-based, team friendly deal and then use the rest of the cap space to buy the pill that Bradley Cooper used in Limitless, with each player having superior, alien-like intelligence to outsmart opponents and make up for far inferior physical talent.

 

[Joker]

your head is a cave? I did not know that...

 

[Hyped]

Now there’s two threads, what to do at TE and WR.

Is there a field goal kicker who can convert 90-yard field goals at near 100% accuracy? I’d say sign him to an incentive-based, team friendly deal and then use the rest of the cap space to buy the pill that Bradley Cooper used in Limitless, with each player having superior, alien-like intelligence to outsmart opponents and make up for far inferior physical talent.

With a kicker like that we don't need no stinkin' Bradley Cooper pills.

 

[supafly]

your head is a cave? I did not know that...

It’s a fantastical cavern of limitless wonder, as long as boobies are the subject matter.

 

[supafly]

With a kicker like that we don't need no stinkin' Bradley Cooper pills.

If we trade for Cooper, we can have a long range kicker and improve on the game planning aspect at the same time. Just think about the pre-game hype speeches.

 

[DarrylS]

Not sure Jared Cook, age 31, is a long term solution.. more of a "bridge" player. The draft is a crap shoot..

After Cook the pickings are slim in FA, unless BB pulls off a trade somewhere, somehow..

 

[borisman]

Who was that 7’6” dude today against Duke?

Taco Fall but I'd rather see him outwide and play Zion at TE. He'd be a beast with that size, strength and vertical.

 

[patsbrasilpatriotas]

Assuming we don't trade up, how would y'all feel about drafting Irv Smith Jr. at #32 since both Fant and Hockenson are presumably gone by then? NFL's draft profile:

Strengths

• Decent hand placement as in-line blocker
• Good footwork to reach and secure the edge
• Fluid and rhythmic with his timing up to second-level targets
• Effective lead blocker as an H-back or fullback
• Speed to create immediate strain in the seam or downfield
• Might be too much for linebackers to handle in man
• Extensive collection of routes took him to all areas of the field
• Good route strength pushing through the contact
• Offers sturdy target in the middle of the field
• Can post up tight coverage out of his breaks
• Hand strength to secure contested catches
• Able to elevate and compete in-air
• Drags tacklers for additional yards after catch

Weaknesses

• Needs to add mass and upper-body strength for blocking duties
• Doesn't always block with consistent effort and strain
• Can overstep his landmark as run blocker
• Needs to play faster more consistently
• Rounded routes allow coverage shortcuts to catch point
• Feet are a little heavy getting into breaks, causing delays to open
• Rarely works back to the throw
• Not a natural hands catcher and fights the football
• Slows way down when turning to find football
• Lacks short-area wiggle for quick catch and run

I should add that surprisingly NFL.com rates both Fant and Irv Smith similarly as far as who's the better prospect goes. Probably because it doesn't look like Fant will ever become an elite blocker.

If he is the best player at #32 i will be very happy to draft him.
If he is not i hope we grab the best talent. at DL/WR
There are a lot of options at TE on mid rounds too, it is not Hock, Fant, Irv or bust.

 

[Bourne Again Christian]

I'm sure Cook will sign with someone today.
If anything the Patriots will make it more expensive for the Saints.

 

[mosslost]

Taco Fall but I'd rather see him outwide and play Zion at TE. He'd be a beast with that size, strength and vertical.

What’s his 40?

 

[RobertWeathers]

We're going to miss Allen. As I indicated before free agency, I didn't see th point of cutting Allen or Clayborn before we signed replacements. We could have used restructures to secure the needed cap money.

Allen offered nothing in the passing game. They can upgrade.

 

[Bourne Again Christian]

Jesse James would of been nice

 

[borisman]

Taco Fall but I'd rather see him outwide and play Zion at TE. He'd be a beast with that size, strength and vertical.

What’s his 40?

FAST!

 

[patsbrasilpatriotas]

Prediction: Cook didn't sign with the Saints yet because the Pats asked him to wait.. After he told them that he didn't want to be a #2 behind Gronk, the Pats pushed Gronk for his answer and he gave it to them.

Now Jared Cook signs with the Pats.

(Pure wild speculation on my part...the timing just seems too "hmm." besides, wild speculation is fun.)

Taking off my DW Toys hat now...

King just said that he will sign with Saints, Gronks news have no impact on his decision (that can change, money talks)

Reiss said that Kraft was told just few minutes before the IG post.

He could have retired before FA. We could have landed Cook. Whatever. Happy for him. Great player, GOAT TE. Enjoy life!!!

 

[italian pat patriot]

Russ Francis or Bean Coates available to be back ?

 

[Bourne Again Christian]

King just said that he will sign with Saints, Gronks news have no impact on his decision (that can change, money talks)

Reiss said that Kraft was told just few minutes before the IG post.

He could have retired before FA. We could have landed Cook. Whatever. Happy for him. Great player, GOAT TE. Enjoy life!!!

Wow
Effing ridiculous

 

[Clonamery]

Taco Fall but I'd rather see him outwide and play Zion at TE. He'd be a beast with that size, strength and vertical.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.