Daniel Graham will make someone a nice TE (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

Daniel Graham-TE-Patriots Feb. 21 - 6:49 pm et

New England is not believed to be in substantive contract talks with free agent tight end Daniel Graham.

Graham will be one of the premier names at his position if he's not signed before March 2, the date teams begin speaking to free agents.

Source: Boston Globe

 

[jurb26]

Graham, IMO, has the ablity to be a very good FF TE. NE just spreads the ball around too much between RBs and TEs.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Better blocker than receiver. But he's a really really good blocker.

 

[JohnnyU]

Better blocker than receiver. But he's a really really good blocker.

He can catch the ball as well. Better hands than Ben Watson

 

[fruity pebbles]

Better blocker than receiver. But he's a really really good blocker.

He can catch the ball as well. Better hands than Ben Watson

He was supposed to be the next Ben Coates for the Pats. They pretty much gave up on him ever being a big time receiving tight end because he dropped so many passes. Hence why Watson was drafted and they kept Graham in to block most of the time.

 

[JohnnyU]

Better blocker than receiver. But he's a really really good blocker.

He can catch the ball as well. Better hands than Ben Watson

He was supposed to be the next Ben Coates for the Pats. They pretty much gave up on him ever being a big time receiving tight end because he dropped so many passes. Hence why Watson was drafted and they kept Graham in to block most of the time.

....all the while Ben Watson was dropping many passes.

 

[Boston]

Graham is a devastating blocker who reallys plays a physical game. In the past his hands have been inconsistent (i.e. he dropped way to many easy ones) but they were a little more reliable this past year although he only had 21 receptions. He's also well liked by his teammates and has some leadership qualities. The biggest issue with Graham is durability. It seems like he has been on the injury report every game since he was drafted. In five years he has never played a full season. Here are his games played totals:

06-12

05-11

04-14

03-14

02-12

If you want to know the biggest reason the Pats are not making an attempt to resign him that's it. You just can't count on the guy. I'm not trying to knock him because a lot of this is due to how hard he plays but at the end of the day you really have to think twice about giving pretty good money to a guy who probably won't play 16 games.

I like Graham and really appreciate all he has done for the Pats. He honored his contract and now's his time to make some big money (and he will). I wish him well but the Pats are making a smart move not giving him the money another team will pony up.

 

[Bri]

He was supposed to be the next Ben Coates for the Pats. They pretty much gave up on him ever being a big time receiving tight end because he dropped so many passes. Hence why Watson was drafted and they kept Graham in to block most of the time.

Pioli and BB draft one or two TEs every year and it's kinda weird if ya ask me

 

[JohnnyU]

It seems like he has been on the injury report every game since he was drafted.

Isn't everyone on NE questionable every week?jk....yes, durability could be an issue, but he could be a valuable addition to someone. He's a talented TE.

 

[KoolKat]

My bet is the Broncos get him!

 

[Boston]

It seems like he has been on the injury report every game since he was drafted.

Isn't everyone on NE questionable every week?jk....yes, durability could be an issue, but he could be a valuable addition to someone. He's a talented TE.

The problem is Graham's injuries are real.There's not a team in the NFL that Graham can't help. The issue is the size of the contract. He's probably going to get a very nice contract to play about 12 games. IMO that's just not the best way to invest that type of money.

 

[Bri]

My bet is the Broncos get him!

Mine would be the Jets

 

[Bri]

There's not a team in the NFL that Graham can't help. The issue is the size of the contract. He's probably going to get a very nice contract to play about 12 games. IMO that's just not the best way to invest that type of money.

He sure seals off a corner well for the running game though. I'll miss him if the Pats don't re-sign him.

 

[Boston]

There's not a team in the NFL that Graham can't help. The issue is the size of the contract. He's probably going to get a very nice contract to play about 12 games. IMO that's just not the best way to invest that type of money.

He sure seals off a corner well for the running game though. I'll miss him if the Pats don't re-sign him.

Couldn't agree more. He's an easy guy to like. He brings it every play and you get nothing but an A+ effort from him. Yet, you just can't tie up good money in a TE that's not a big part of the passing game and has durability issues. Especially when you already have Watson and Thomas tied up for multiple years. This is one of those tough decisions you have to make if you're going to maintain a healthy cap. He's a good player but he's not a foundation guy you give big money to.

 

[KoolKat]

My bet is the Broncos get him!

Mine would be the Jets

Broncos Interested In TE D. Graham?Don't be surprised if the Broncos take a serious run at TE Daniel Graham should he become available in free agency. Denver discussed Graham last offseason but were snubbed. He's a native of Denver and attended college in Boulder and likely wouldn't mind moving closer to home. Signing Graham would allow the team to have a solid two-way option along with a top-notch two-tight end tandem along side TE Tony Scheffler. The problem in all this could be the Patriots applying the franchise tag to Graham.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=172239

 

[JohnnyU]

Don't be surprised if the Broncos take a serious run at TE Daniel Graham should he become available in free agency. Denver discussed Graham last offseason but were snubbed. He's a native of Denver and attended college in Boulder and likely wouldn't mind moving closer to home. Signing Graham would allow the team to have a solid two-way option along with a top-notch two-tight end tandem along side TE Tony Scheffler. The problem in all this could be the Patriots applying the franchise tag to Graham. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=172239

The Pats would have to be crazy to franchise Graham. They are deep at TE, so it wouldn't make sense financially to do that.

 

[KoolKat]

Don't be surprised if the Broncos take a serious run at TE Daniel Graham should he become available in free agency. Denver discussed Graham last offseason but were snubbed. He's a native of Denver and attended college in Boulder and likely wouldn't mind moving closer to home. Signing Graham would allow the team to have a solid two-way option along with a top-notch two-tight end tandem along side TE Tony Scheffler. The problem in all this could be the Patriots applying the franchise tag to Graham. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=172239

The Pats would have to be crazy to franchise Graham. They are deep at TE, so it wouldn't make sense financially to do that.

They already franchised Asante Samuel, that's why I think he ends up in Denver.

 

[Kleck]

Seattle has to make a decision on Jerramy Stevens. If I remember correctly Graham was the TE that Holmgren original wanted when they drafted Stevens. NE jumped up ahead of Seattle to steal Graham away and Seattle felt their hand was forced.

Edit:

I just looked it up.

Round	Pick	Player	Name	Team	Position	College1	1	1	David Carr	Texans	QB	Fresno State 	2	2	Julius Peppers	Panthers	DE	North Carolina 	3	3	Joey Harrington	Lions	QB	Oregon 	4	4	Mike Williams	Bills	T	Texas 	5	5	Quentin Jammer	Chargers	DB	Texas 	6	6	Ryan Sims	Chiefs	DT	North Carolina 	7	7	Bryant McKinnie	Vikings	T	Miami (FL) 	8	8	Roy Williams	Cowboys	DB	Oklahoma 	9	9	John Henderson	Jaguars	DT	Tennessee 	10	10	Levi Jones	Bengals	T	Arizona State 	11	11	Dwight Freeney	Colts	DE	Syracuse 	12	12	Wendell Bryant	Cardinals	DT	Wisconsin 	13	13	Donte Stallworth	Saints	WR	Tennessee 	14	14	Jeremy Shockey	Giants	TE	Miami (FL) 	15	15	Albert Haynesworth	Titans	DT	Tennessee 	16	16	William Green	Browns	RB	Boston College 	17	17	Phillip Buchanon	Raiders	DB	Miami (FL) 	18	18	T.J. Duckett	Falcons	RB	Michigan State 	19	19	Ashley Lelie	Broncos	WR	Hawaii 	20	20	Javon Walker	Packers	WR	Florida State 	21	21	Dan Graham	Patriots	TE	Colorado 	22	22	Bryan Thomas	Jets	DE	Alabama-Birmingham 	23	23	Napoleon Harris	Raiders	LB	Northwestern 	24	24	Edward Reed	Ravens	DB	Miami (FL) 	25	25	Charles Grant	Saints	DE	Georgia 	26	26	Lito Sheppard	Eagles	DB	Florida 	27	27	Mike Rumph	49ers	DB	Miami (FL) 	28	28	Jerramy Stevens	Seahawks	TE	Washington

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

he's the best blocking TE in the league. he's versatile enough to make plays in the passing game, but he's so much more valuable to his team as a blocker that it's hard to imagine anyone ever giving him the same type of opportunities that the stud fantasy TEs get.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

also, if Graham wants to be more involved in the passing game, Denver probably isn't a very good destination for him.

Seattle makes a lot of sense as a place where he could thrive as a replacement for Stevens.

 

[Fishboy]

I'll take either Graham or Stevens for Green Bay.

Anything is better than the crap we currently have.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I'll take either Graham or Stevens for Green Bay. Anything is better than the crap we currently have.

funny. I was just thinking that he's kind of a similar player to Bubba Franks (from a few years ago).

 

[SproutDaddy]

My bet is the Broncos get him!

Mine would be the Jets

I say the Saints.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I think Graham is a tremendous player and has been a great Patriot. He will get a decent contract but I dont see him breaking the bank. TE's arent at the top of the food chain money wise and he is a blocking TE (albeit with receiving skills). Someone is going to get themselves a very nice TE at probably a pretty reasonable price.

 

[rascal]

My bet is the Broncos get him!

I hope so.

 

[lod2005]

The Packers will take a shot at landing him. Blubber Franks is gone.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Don't discount the Bears. They have tons of money available.

 

[simey]

I wouldn't mind seeing the Panthers go after him. The last good TE they had was Wesley Walls. Fox likes blocking TE's, and Graham would fit that.

 

[bshipper]

He would be a perfect fit for the Bengals as well. More blocking for Rudi and someone that is actually a threat in the passing game. Don't get me wrong, Reggie Kelly has done a nice job the past couple years, but he doesn't scare anyone down the field.

However, defense is a much greater need, so I doubt they will spend money on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[redman]

Anyone but the donkeys. I just drafted him with Scheffler in an inagural dynasty draft.

Seriously, Graham is a FA which is about as hard to project a team for next year as any out there. There are just so many teams that have a need for his skills.

 

[rascal]

also, if Graham wants to be more involved in the passing game, Denver probably isn't a very good destination for him.Seattle makes a lot of sense as a place where he could thrive as a replacement for Stevens.

huh?While Plummer didn't pass a lot to the TE's, Cutler certainly did. Or are you not aware of T Scheffler's impressive final games with Cutler throwing him the ball?

 

[msommer]

Don't discount the Bears. They have tons of money available.

Don't they have Clark?

 

[msommer]

also, if Graham wants to be more involved in the passing game, Denver probably isn't a very good destination for him.Seattle makes a lot of sense as a place where he could thrive as a replacement for Stevens.

huh?While Plummer didn't pass a lot to the TE's, Cutler certainly did. Or are you not aware of T Scheffler's impressive final games with Cutler throwing him the ball?

Mr Rudnicki probably believes that Scheffler would remain the pass catching TE and Graham consequently would be mostly blocking in DEN.Hence - somewhere else would be better for Graham if he wants to catch passes.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Better blocker than receiver. But he's a really really good blocker.

He can catch the ball as well. Better hands than Ben Watson

He was supposed to be the next Ben Coates for the Pats. They pretty much gave up on him ever being a big time receiving tight end because he dropped so many passes. Hence why Watson, Dave Thomas and Garrett Mills was drafted and they kept Graham in to block most of the time.

Fixed.

 

[Kit Fisto]

There's not a team in the NFL that Graham can't help. The issue is the size of the contract. He's probably going to get a very nice contract to play about 12 games. IMO that's just not the best way to invest that type of money.

He sure seals off a corner well for the running game though. I'll miss him if the Pats don't re-sign him.

Couldn't agree more. He's an easy guy to like. He brings it every play and you get nothing but an A+ effort from him. Yet, you just can't tie up good money in a TE that's not a big part of the passing game and has durability issues. Especially when you already have Watson and Thomas tied up for multiple years. This is one of those tough decisions you have to make if you're going to maintain a healthy cap. He's a good player but he's not a foundation guy you give big money to.

 

[Boston]

Better blocker than receiver. But he's a really really good blocker.

He can catch the ball as well. Better hands than Ben Watson

He was supposed to be the next Ben Coates for the Pats. They pretty much gave up on him ever being a big time receiving tight end because he dropped so many passes. Hence why Watson, Dave Thomas and Garrett Mills was drafted and they kept Graham in to block most of the time.

Fixed.

Mills is a huge question mark. I'd love to know what the Pats think of him because he's been MIA since September. He got off to a slow start in camp, got hurt early and that was pretty much it. The speculation with him was he was going to be a jack of all trades FB/TE/HBack type of hybrid. One area I know the Pats were concerned with him was blocking. If that area remains to be a concern that could really limit how he is used in 2007.

 

[JohnnyU]

Daniel Graham-TE- Patriots Mar. 3 - 9:31 pm et

The Seahawks will meet free agent tight end Daniel Graham on Sunday.

Patrick Kerney is in Seattle currently. Graham visited Oakland Saturday. Deon Grant could visit the 'Hawks on Sunday as well, and former Broncos guard Cooper Carlisle is believed to be on the club's radar.

Source: Seahawks Insider Blog

 

[Frank Black]

Kris Mangum retired, I believe. It would be nice if the Panthers made a run at him if they decided to actually incorporate the TE into the passing game. However, I don't know how the financials would work out in that scenario.

 

[JohnnyU]

Kris Mangum retired, I believe. It would be nice if the Panthers made a run at him if they decided to actually incorporate the TE into the passing game. However, I don't know how the financials would work out in that scenario.

Good point Frank.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

also, if Graham wants to be more involved in the passing game, Denver probably isn't a very good destination for him.Seattle makes a lot of sense as a place where he could thrive as a replacement for Stevens.

huh?While Plummer didn't pass a lot to the TE's, Cutler certainly did. Or are you not aware of T Scheffler's impressive final games with Cutler throwing him the ball?

the Patriots had Ben Watson as their receiving TE and basically used Graham as a 6th OL most of the time.the Broncos would likely use Scheffler as their receiving TE and basically use Graham as a 6th OL most of the time.thus, Denver doesn't look like a great location for Graham if he wants to be more involved in the passing game. I think Scheffler is a better receiver than Graham and he already has great chemistry with Cutler so I don't really think Graham would take over his role. Graham is the far superior blocker so that's where he'd be most valuable to the Broncos, but I figured he'd rather go somewhere where he could get a chance to do everything.make sense now?

 

[G-Money]

After losing out on Dielman, the Hawks ink Daniel Graham and Patrick Kerney.............my .02

 

[PMENFAN]

Better blocker than receiver. But he's a really really good blocker.

He can catch the ball as well. Better hands than Ben Watson

Can't stay healthy. Forces him to stay in and block a lot. He is a great receiver, but his health restricts his running the field. I love the guy, and he's a far better receiver. I love the guy, but sombody dubbed him the Graham Cracker, because he can't stay healthy. I agree. Maybe his health will change, but the history hasn't been good. He stays on the field, and that's a testament to his character, and commitment to the game, but the reality is that he's never healthy.

 

[PMENFAN]

There's not a team in the NFL that Graham can't help. The issue is the size of the contract. He's probably going to get a very nice contract to play about 12 games. IMO that's just not the best way to invest that type of money.

He sure seals off a corner well for the running game though. I'll miss him if the Pats don't re-sign him.

I agree. He's like another tackle out ther. We'll miss him, but alas, you can't keep everybody, and Kyle Brady is a very good blocker as well. He's not as good as Graham, but he'll do for a couple of years.