Crazy_Chris
06-23-2008, 04:18 AM
1. CHARGERS: Antonio Gates is as integral to the offense's success as LaDainian Tomlinson. Gates can get open deep and is an excellent red zone target. Brandon Manumaleuna is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.
2. BROWNS: Kellen Winslow has a rare mix of talent and drive. With good health the past two years he has flourished. Steve Heiden (6-5, 257) is an ideal backup; he has a big body for blocking and is an adequate receiver.
3. CHIEFS: Look for Tony Gonzalez to have another big season. At 32, he doesn't run as well as he once did, but he can still make difficult catches when covered well. Rookies Brad Cottam and Mike Merritt will help as blockers.
4. COLTS: Dallas Clark is overshadowed by the team's excellent wideouts, but he exploits the deep middle and picks up yards after the catch. Depth is a concern. The team is counting on draft picks Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi.
5. STEELERS: Heath Miller is one of the best all-around tight ends, though he has been underused as a receiver. He runs good routes and is a tenacious blocker. Matt Spaeth (6-7, 270) is a big target with good hands.
6. RAVENS: If Todd Heap isn't on the field -- he missed 10 games in '07 -- the passing game will be in trouble. He still has the speed to get deep. Daniel Wilcox is also a good receiver, but the team's tight ends lack muscle as blockers.
7. PATRIOTS: Even though Benjamin Watson has never blossomed into a 60-catch target, he has become a far better blocker than expected. Marcus Pollard, 36, still has some snaps left in him, and David Thomas has flashed promise.
8. BRONCOS: Tony Scheffler has good chemistry with Jay Cutler and is a dangerous weapon in the seams, but his foot problems are a concern. Nate Jackson has excellent hands, and Daniel Graham is a strong in-line blocker.
9. TITANS: Since being slowed by a knee injury in '07, newcomer Alge Crumpler has lost about 15 pounds. The Titans expect him to revive his career. Bo Scaife won't have the No. 1 role anymore, but he'll make a significant contribution.
10. TEXANS: Owen Daniels has been a favorite target of the team's quarterbacks the past two years and is an improved blocker. He must overcome fumbling issues. Mark Bruener is a good blocker, and Joel Dreessen has potential.
11. RAIDERS: Though he lacks speed, Zach Miller gets open and has good hands. He's a reliable blocker, but there's room for improvement. John Madsen is a converted receiver who has the speed to create mismatches.
12. JETS: Chris Baker has the best hands on the team but isn't much of a vertical option. Free-agent pickup Bubba Franks can still be a threat in the red zone. First-round pick Dustin Keller needs to work on his blocking.
13. JAGUARS: Marcedes Lewis is coming into his own as a blocker but is still developing as a receiver. Depth is an issue. George Wrighster is struggling with a knee injury and might not be ready for camp.
14. BENGALS: This is not a key position in their scheme -- the Bengals haven't had a 30-catch tight end since 1997. But free-agent acquisition Ben Utecht should help the passing game, and Reggie Kelly is a solid blocker.
15. BILLS: Robert Royal is a strong blocker but isn't a threat in the passing game. The Bills hope rookie Derek Fine develops into an all-around tight end.
16. DOLPHINS: There isn't much impact here. Incumbent David Martin will get a serious challenge from former Cowboy Anthony Fasano. Coaches like Fasano's motor, and he probably has better hands than Martin.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=426395
2. BROWNS: Kellen Winslow has a rare mix of talent and drive. With good health the past two years he has flourished. Steve Heiden (6-5, 257) is an ideal backup; he has a big body for blocking and is an adequate receiver.
3. CHIEFS: Look for Tony Gonzalez to have another big season. At 32, he doesn't run as well as he once did, but he can still make difficult catches when covered well. Rookies Brad Cottam and Mike Merritt will help as blockers.
4. COLTS: Dallas Clark is overshadowed by the team's excellent wideouts, but he exploits the deep middle and picks up yards after the catch. Depth is a concern. The team is counting on draft picks Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi.
5. STEELERS: Heath Miller is one of the best all-around tight ends, though he has been underused as a receiver. He runs good routes and is a tenacious blocker. Matt Spaeth (6-7, 270) is a big target with good hands.
6. RAVENS: If Todd Heap isn't on the field -- he missed 10 games in '07 -- the passing game will be in trouble. He still has the speed to get deep. Daniel Wilcox is also a good receiver, but the team's tight ends lack muscle as blockers.
7. PATRIOTS: Even though Benjamin Watson has never blossomed into a 60-catch target, he has become a far better blocker than expected. Marcus Pollard, 36, still has some snaps left in him, and David Thomas has flashed promise.
8. BRONCOS: Tony Scheffler has good chemistry with Jay Cutler and is a dangerous weapon in the seams, but his foot problems are a concern. Nate Jackson has excellent hands, and Daniel Graham is a strong in-line blocker.
9. TITANS: Since being slowed by a knee injury in '07, newcomer Alge Crumpler has lost about 15 pounds. The Titans expect him to revive his career. Bo Scaife won't have the No. 1 role anymore, but he'll make a significant contribution.
10. TEXANS: Owen Daniels has been a favorite target of the team's quarterbacks the past two years and is an improved blocker. He must overcome fumbling issues. Mark Bruener is a good blocker, and Joel Dreessen has potential.
11. RAIDERS: Though he lacks speed, Zach Miller gets open and has good hands. He's a reliable blocker, but there's room for improvement. John Madsen is a converted receiver who has the speed to create mismatches.
12. JETS: Chris Baker has the best hands on the team but isn't much of a vertical option. Free-agent pickup Bubba Franks can still be a threat in the red zone. First-round pick Dustin Keller needs to work on his blocking.
13. JAGUARS: Marcedes Lewis is coming into his own as a blocker but is still developing as a receiver. Depth is an issue. George Wrighster is struggling with a knee injury and might not be ready for camp.
14. BENGALS: This is not a key position in their scheme -- the Bengals haven't had a 30-catch tight end since 1997. But free-agent acquisition Ben Utecht should help the passing game, and Reggie Kelly is a solid blocker.
15. BILLS: Robert Royal is a strong blocker but isn't a threat in the passing game. The Bills hope rookie Derek Fine develops into an all-around tight end.
16. DOLPHINS: There isn't much impact here. Incumbent David Martin will get a serious challenge from former Cowboy Anthony Fasano. Coaches like Fasano's motor, and he probably has better hands than Martin.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=426395