Why do people just assume Tebow can play TE?

[Fencer]

The question didn't go far enough. It really should be:

1. Will Tebow soon learn to block well (in any capacity)?
2. Will Tebow soon learn to receive well (in any capacity)?

Unless at least one of the answers is yes, or both are "Well, sort of", he's useless except for emergencies and very specialized packages.

 

[randomk1]

Tebow is so naturally gifted he can play any position on the football field except QB

Tim TEBOW Hit in Head By Mark Sanchez Pass - YouTube

 

[Salva135]

We have Ballard, Fells, and Sudfeld in camp, they are all much better than Tebow. Re-f****ing-lax, people. Tebow's not lining up as a TE with not only the deepest and most talented group of TEs in the NFL but the best system for them.

People are losing their minds that Tebow's popularity is so strong it's going to influence BB and McD to use Tebow over players who are much more competent than he is. Totally absurd.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

People are losing their minds that Tebow's popularity is so strong it's going to influence BB and McD to use Tebow over players who are much more competent than he is. Totally absurd.

What "people" ????? I have never heard anyone on here suggest such a ridiculous thing. Any signing is for football reasons. It's a serious business.

 

[IllegalContact]

the question is whether he can contribute for enough snaps to have him be worth keeping.....he is good running with the ball with excellent size/speed combo and good COD skills.....can you get the ball to him on the perimeter?

- he is also handy to have as practice fodder in preparing for this stupid pistol offense that's popping up in many places

in retrospect, I don't think anyone should be surprised he is getting an opportunity here.....I'll be just as not surprised when he is not on the roster come september

 

[voluntarysaftey]

The question didn't go far enough. It really should be:

1. Will Tebow soon learn to block well (in any capacity)?
2. Will Tebow soon learn to receive well (in any capacity)?

Unless at least one of the answers is yes, or both are "Well, sort of", he's useless except for emergencies and very specialized packages.

Tebow is probably a better athlete than Edelman. And Edelman was able to learn to catch decently in his first season. If Tebow can just replicate that, he'd do fine as a TE/WR/RB (ie Hernadez with the ability to occasionally throw to keep the secondary from crashing in). I like it as Gronk insurance

 

[primetime]

Gates and Graham both played TE before coming to the NFL.

Graham did, but Gates didn't - not in college, at least. Gates went to MSU as a dual-sport athlete but transferred out because the coaching staff wanted him to only play football. He didn't play football at Kent State.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

The question didn't go far enough. It really should be:

1. Will Tebow soon learn to block well (in any capacity)?
2. Will Tebow soon learn to receive well (in any capacity)?

Receive, period. I couldn't find any stats to show if he ever caught a pass, either at Florida or in the NFL.......
Then again we went 11-5 with a QB who completed 20 passes in his college career.....What do I know....

 

[kennyb]

I think people assume his character is just SO good that he can will himself to be all-Pro at any position (TE, H back, etc.). I think that's ludicrous. Lots of people put their heart and soul into being a TE and have for years and still can't cut it in the NFL.

Kind of like how people assumed he'd be all pro QB if he just "sat and absorbed" for a few years.

And if you disagree with them you're a hater.

 

[primetime]

There are probably people that think that, but I haven't seen them post on this board.

He has the size and physical tools, including elite elusiveness and vision as a ballcarrier, to be a good H-back or even Mike Alstott hybrid RB/FB type. There are real questions about his ability to run routes, catch, or take handoffs.

You have to understand that this guy was arguably the greatest college football player to ever step on a field. There are very real reasons to think he can be a good professional player. Flutie, another guy with a real argument as the best college football player ever, was considered too short in the NFL and had to really struggle to overcome that, though Flutie's arm was NFL caliber while I have my doubts about Tebow's.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Everyone is so bent of shape for one of the lowest risk decisions I've ever seen. How often does any NFL player sign for two years at the league minimum with nothing guaranteed? TWO years???? Never seen it.

Tebow is the ultimate jackknife player for a coach who loves versatility.

Is he going to be Tom Brady? Nope, he's a bad quarterback, but he's also better than the third-stringer on almost any other team.

Is he going to Rob Gronkowski? Absolutely not, or Aaron Hernandez. But it sure doesn't hurt to have a guy who is big, physical, and can run.

Is he going to be a great running back, full back, wide receiver, etc? Nope, but he sure might be able to play the position in a pinch or for a specially designed play.

The Jets ran several successful fakes last year on punts- for that alone he would make the team slightly better.

But what most people are missing, besides the football skills, is that this kid has incredible LEADERSHIP and is of high character. He loves football and will undoubtedly be a great locker room voice. The Pats signed Adrian Wilson to a huge deal although he might not be a starter.... think about it. Talent is not the problem here.... Pats have lacked strong leadership since roughly 2007.

 

[PATSNUTme]

 

[IcyPatriot]

Are they the same members here who think they know more than Belichick when he signs and/or drafts players?

 

[PatsFanStnfrd]

We have Ballard, Fells, and Sudfeld in camp, they are all much better than Tebow. Re-f****ing-lax, people. Tebow's not lining up as a TE with not only the deepest and most talented group of TEs in the NFL but the best system for them.

People are losing their minds that Tebow's popularity is so strong it's going to influence BB and McD to use Tebow over players who are much more competent than he is. Totally absurd.

I agree with the point you make in the first para above: Tebow is not going to beat Sudfeld, Fells, Ballard and Hooman to joing Gronk and Hernandez on the roster.

Your last point is more questionable. Bruschi tells ESPN he expects Tebow to make the team in 2013. Even if Tebow is kept around as a 3rd QB-- he will be STEALING space from a someone like Sudfeld at TE or someone like Thompson at WR. Those guys will be grabbed by others before they can get on our practice squad. Tebow is not practice squad eligible -- but that is the ONLY place where he belongs. By signing him, and by keeping him on the 53 man roster, BB will definitively not "be doing what's in the best interest of the team".

If BB keeps Tebow, you know that merit no longer governs team selection.

 

[primetime]

he will be STEALING space from a someone like Sudfeld at TE or someone like Thompson at WR. Those guys will be grabbed by others before they can get on our practice squad.

These guys haven't even practiced once in training camp yet or played a down in preseason. A week ago, Moe was the greatest undrafted WR to ever grace an NFL roster. Now it's Thompson and Sudfeld. Let's give these guys a few downs in pads before we declare that they're premium players, because there's nothing to suggest that any team in the league values these players over their own camp fodder right now other than the hopes and dreams of posters on these boards.

 

[DocHoliday]

If Tebow makes the roster, it means he was better than the guy that didn't make it.

That's all there is to it. To suggest that him making the 53 is taking a spot from someone better means you think you can evaluate a players worth better than the coaching staff.

You're free to think that, but I'm just as free to give BB the benefit of the doubt and laugh at you.

 

[Ive_Killed_People]

I agree with the point you make in the first para above: Tebow is not going to beat Sudfeld, Fells, Ballard and Hooman to joing Gronk and Hernandez on the roster.

Your last point is more questionable. Bruschi tells ESPN he expects Tebow to make the team in 2013. Even if Tebow is kept around as a 3rd QB-- he will be STEALING space from a someone like Sudfeld at TE or someone like Thompson at WR. Those guys will be grabbed by others before they can get on our practice squad. Tebow is not practice squad eligible -- but that is the ONLY place where he belongs. By signing him, and by keeping him on the 53 man roster, BB will definitively not "be doing what's in the best interest of the team".

If BB keeps Tebow, you know that merit no longer governs team selection.

Have you voiced these concerns to Belichick? You talk in such absolutes you must really know your stuff!

 

[primetime]

The appeal to Belichick's authority on the forum is really tired. Belichick makes his fair share of mistakes, but unlike many NFL personnel guys he has the cushion to do so because he has Tom Brady at quarterback. There's about a thousand examples of guys Belichick signed or traded for who flamed out miserably.

 

[BrickPat]

The appeal to Belichick's authority on the forum is really tired. Belichick makes his fair share of mistakes, but unlike many NFL personnel guys he has the cushion to do so because he has Tom Brady at quarterback. There's about a thousand examples of guys Belichick signed or traded for who flamed out miserably.

Fanbots think you're hopelessly ignorant and/or not a real fan if you ever voice disagreement with a BB decision. Either agree or be reminded that he is smarter than you...makes for compelling reading.

 

[spacecrime]

Are there any examples of college QBs playing at QB for a few years in the NFL before a successful position switch?

Many college QBs are drafted with the intention of playing them at another position, buys like Randle El, Cribbs, Edelman, etc. The key is how athletic and smart they are.

THese are guys out of college. Guys who switch position after being in the NFL do it with greater ease as they already understand the workings of the NFL.

I think the easiest transition is from QB to WR/TE and the QB already undertands what receivers need to do. Only question is soft hands and ability to run routes. Both can be learned (JUGGS for one - see David Givens - and intelleignece for the other).

I think it's silly to assume a professional athlete cannot learn a second postion. Very few players play the same position high school-college-pros.