Who is our #1 TE?

[mgteich]

Who will be our best TE in 2007? Who is our #1?

 

[JackBauer]

Watson, without a doubt.

I don't know that Mills should be on this poll, given I don't think TE will be his primary position. That said, I expect big things from him this year.

 

[brdmaverick]

I definitely think Watson is by far our #1 TE this year.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Is there really any debate about this?

It's clearly Jake Nordin.

 

[italian pat patriot]

no doubt at all: Benjamin Watson # 84

 

[PonyExpress]

David Thomas.

 

[mgteich]

After all, Watson is on the cusp of a breakout season, for the third time. This time's a charm.

 

[JackBauer]

David Thomas.

Is this a joke?

After all, Watson is on the cusp of a breakout season, for the third time. This time's a charm.

After all, this time he won't be facing double coverage.

 

[PonyExpress]

Is this a joke?

IMO David Thomas is the best TE on this team. No disrespect to Watson, who is also a special talent. We are fortunate to have them both. But I think Thomas can excel on 3rd downs due to his phenomenal instincts, great hands, and track record in pressure situations going back to college. I expect Thomas to distinguish himself from the rest by season's end, provided he stays healthy.

 

[JackBauer]

I watched the games last season and my conlcusion is that David Thomas is the best TE on this team. I like Watson too. But I think Thomas is a pro bwol talent who can excel on 3rd downs due to his phenomenal instincts, great hands, and track record in pressure situations going back to college.

Pretty limited sample from which to draw those conclusions...

I agree that Thomas is going to be both nasty and clutch, and has probably the best hands on the team. I don't know how his injury will affect him this season.

That said, I don't think Thomas will be the #1 THIS year. Maybe next.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

What's a "#1 TE"?

What if Kyle Brady's size makes him a 6-TD red zone target, and he's personally springing Maroney for a half-dozen more (out of LM's 12+ TDs, of course.) But then Watson snags 1000 yards worth of passes and a couple of TDs. Or Thomas, for that matter (probably not.) or Thomas and Watson share the catches and scores, but Brady is still key to the running game?

Okay, okay, I voted Watson. But our "who's the best..." this that or the other thing fetish is just a fan past-time in the middle of summer. How do they get used, that's the question (along the way to the real question: Do we get out hardware back this year?)

PFnV

 

[glecco]

Watson, without a doubt.

I don't know that Mills should be on this poll, given I don't think TE will be his primary position. That said, I expect big things from him this year.

What do you mean? Special Teams, only?


.

 

[JackBauer]

What do you mean? Special Teams, only?


.

I mean he's more of a Chris Cooley/Larry Centers-esque H-Back/FB hybrid rather than a true TE.

I like Mills a lot, but I wouldn't lump him with the other TEs.

 

[zippo59]

Watson and Thomas are two very different types of tight ends. Thomas is more of a possession, old fashion kind of tight end. He isn't the strongest, biggest, or fastest guy but he has geat hands and just knows how to get open. He is reliable and is most useful within 10-15 yards of the line od scrimmage. Watson is more of a downfield threat and is a new era type of tight end in that he is a physical freak. I've heard him described as a wide receiver in a tight ends body.

Watson is the number one, but the both do different things and compliment each other well.

 

[Frezo]

Where's Kranchick?

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

That is a stupid question.

 

[Born_a_Patriot]

Watson, but Thomas is a good Value.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

I wanna say Watson, but I think Brady will have the BIGGEST impact (throwing in blocking an stuff). Thomas???? he needs another season, but he's gonna be a beast some day.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Is there really any debate about this?

It's clearly Jake Nordin.

Where's Kranchick?

Well spoken gentlemen, a truly unreliable poll to ignore both of these players and Vrabel.

- Define #1 TE.

- With Grahambo's departure, I go along with Pony's estimation that Dave Thomas is most likely the best all around TE - the key for him is his rapport with Tommy, that foot injury didn't do him any favors.

- From what I've read Kyle Brady is now the team's premier blocker at TE, but he's also a pretty well balanced TE, his veteran status is going to earn him some critical situational roles, similar to Fauria's onside's kick and hail mary defender roles.

- Ben Watson is still the big play TE and the one who has the strongest relationship with Tommy.

- Garrett Mills is an unknown yet, it was my impression from the reporting that most of his reps came with Matt Cassel and not Tommy.

- Matt Kranchick played on a 2004-2005 Steelers' team that minimized the TE, whether this was due to Kranchick's limitations or Cowher's staff's limitations... Per NFL.com his one start for the Giants earned him his one Pro-reception (6 yds) and 3 tackles, presumably on Special Teams - I like seeing the tackle numbers...this 2004 item offers some hope for Matt: http://www.pennlive.com/weblogs/pas...s/penn_campbells/archives/2004_04.html#020669

Of all Penn State hopefuls, TE Matt Kranchick received the highest grade from SI. He garnered a 3.45 -- the cut-off point for the "Future Starter" category:

A good athlete that must learn to be a football player or someone who is an “overachiever”. Quality prospect with long term potential.
Despite not exactly having an illustrious career at Penn State, Kranchick impressed NFL teams during the workouts and is seen as a physical specimen that will adapt well to the next level. Here is SI.com's complete profile:

BIO: Former receiver that posted career receiving numbers as a senior with 22/337/1. Very limited playing time his first three seasons on the field and only caught two passes as a junior.

POSITIVES: Unheralded prospect with a lot of potential for the next level. Sized well yet a fluid pass-catcher that displays solid hands. Uses his large frame to shield defenders away, out-muscles opponents and comes away with the tough grab. Above average awareness, Extends for the difficult grab and runs well after the reception.

NEGATIVES: Rarely used as a blocker and not overly involved in the passing offense. Started two games in his college career.

ANALYSIS: After a breakout senior season, Kranchick enters the April draft as one of the better hidden gems in the whole event. His size, athleticism and pass-catching skills combine to give him great value in the NFL. Could yield solid long-term results.

PROJECTION: Mid Fifth Round

I suspect that his time with the Steelers greatly improved his development as a blocker. It looks like he may have another year of Practice Squad eligibility, it will be interesting to see how things work out for him. Per NFLDraftScout.com (pay site)

Draft Scout Snapshot: 03/18/04 - Senior tight end MATT KRANCHICK... weighed in at 6065, 258 pounds... ran between 4.60 and 4.65 in the 40... fastest time was 4.58... 4.51 short shuttle... 7.08 in the three cone... 11.61 60-yard... 31.5" vertical... 10'0" broad jump... [benched 19 times at 225]

OVERVIEW
Late bloomer who saw limited action during his first four seasons before emerging as a clutch short area target for the passing game as a senior…Product of PSU’s weight room, adding over 45 pounds of muscle to his frame since arriving on campus as a wide receiver during his freshman campaign…Also excelled in the class room, attaining a 3.2 grade point average, as he graduated after only 3 ½-years at PSU (December, 2002)…In 23 games, he caught 24 passes for 352 yards (14.7 avg) and a touchdown.

ANALYSIS
Positives...Has rare size for this position, with a thick chest, broad shoulders, good bubble and solid overall muscle definition…Shows a sudden burst off the line, using his leg drive to defeat the jam…Has impressive linear acceleration off the snap...Makes good body adjustments getting to the ball in traffic...Has the vision needed to come back for the off-target passes and is flexible enough to make the over-the-shoulder grabs...Takes strong arm swipes as he handles the edge rushers, gaining separation with his hand punch…Uses his impressive leg drive to break tackles...Adequate, but an improving in-line blocker who constantly moves his feet to gain further leverage.

Negatives...Despite his acceleration and quickness, he needs to show better foot agility, as he tends to trip over himself when trying to get into deep routes…Needs to show more aggression and utilize his size better blocking in the second level, as he does not always search out and neutralize the linebackers (better blocking in a stationary position than on the move, as he keeps his leg base too narrow, negating his anchor ability)…His size prevents him from settling in and sinking his hips properly on underneath routes.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.63 in the 40-yard dash (indoor rubber track)…4.88 in the 40-yard dash (outdoor grass field)…Bench presses 225 pounds 19 times…32.5-inch vertical jump…10’0” broad jump…4.53 20-yard shuttle…11.62 60-yard shuttle…7.09 three-cone drill.

PREP SCHOOL
Attended Mercersburg (Pa.) Academy, competing as a wide receiver for coach Andy Schoehr…Named first-team All-Middle Atlantic Conference at wide receiver and cornerback…Also chosen first-team All-Tri-state and third-team small school All-State at the wide receiver post.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Trinity (Carlisle, Pa.) High, playing football for coach Steve Stoner…Two-year starter at wide receiver and defensive end…As a senior, he made 57 receptions for 933 yards and 13 touchdowns….Recorded 75 catches for 1125 yards and 16 scores during his career…Also collected seven interceptions as a senior.

CB in Prep school, DE in High school? He's either a specimen or somebody's smoking rope. Wants to join the FBI when he grows up. I hope he does have some Practice Squad eligibility, you have to like the potential here.

- Jake Nordin is the same size as Grahambo, played H-back & TE at Northern Illinois, MLB & Wingback in High School:
http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=32520

Team captain of his high school squad, which went 14-0 and won the Class 2A Minnesota State High School title in 2001 ... Collected 144 tackles and 11 quarterback sacks at middle linebacker ... Compiled 557 ground yards and 13 touchdowns in 100 attempts, plus nine catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns in 2001
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Critical component of the offense as he also functioned as the Huskies' primary blocking back ... Finished his career with 54 catches for 547 yards (10.1 yard avg.) ... Caught at least one pass in 21 consecutive games played from 2004-2006
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2006 (Senior): Was leading the Huskies in receiving when he suffered an injury at Ball State.

Another kid with some nice potential, TE is pretty competitive this year.

 

[skri65]

Amidst the arrival of all the new receivers, I nearly forgot about David Thomas. Wow.