I would have also considered Grahambo & Danny Gronk, but I feel that we need pass-catchers
more than we need blocking TEs.
While I don't necessarily feel that Belichick would step too far outside of the known player circle at this point in the season, Gaffney is always a popular choice for many of us. The only problem with that is that he'd likely only be here for emergency injury purposes anyway, but that's okay with me too. In that aspect I would agree that we could use another pass catcher, but otherwise we're pretty set, even with the loss of #87.
I actually think that the backup TE's need to produce only in the blocking aspect to help this team move forward, which is the same way that I initially felt when Gronk went down on Nov.18th.
Many here felt that we'd somehow see one of Schiancoe/Fells/Hooman actually producing in the passing game, but for some reason that didn't sound very realistic to me. Brady demands precision and timing, chemistry, and an awesome knowledge of the system to earn his trust with precious targets. If we didn't see much action from any of those guys before, then I just didn't see that changing when Gronk was initially injured.
However, the blocking aspect is a whole different ballgame. I truly believe that we need to see some improved blocking from Hernandez (obviously not as much due to his specific role here), Hooman, and possibly even Fells on any 3 TE possibilities. While Hooman has actually impressed me at times, none of their blocking has been considered too great for the majority of the time, so an increase in the blocking sense would be a very helpful attribute as we try and get that elusive title once again.
I wouldn't discount the possibility of seeing either of Hooman or Fells catch a pass or two at some point as a late progression target, but about 95% of their production will be in the blocking game, and they can help to offset the loss of Gronk by stepping it up a notch. That doesn't mean that I am necessarily knocking their blocking either, but it certainly can be improved, and a step up would go a long way in this very physical matchup--hopefully plural.
