Does it seem to you... (1 Viewer)

[Ozymandias]

Let's admit that Gates is in a class of his own.

But after him, it seems that the succeeding group all have about the same potential. Their scoring on receptions and yardage does not appear too different. Pretty much all of them have about 600 to 800 yard projection.

TD's will be the main difference.

Gonzalez had a down year last year, particularly as far as TD's. Heath Miller had a stretch last year (games 3-8) where he got about 5 td's and then disappeared, but you have to feel that with no Bettis, the TD potential is increased. Alge Crumpler is solid, and is Vick's favorite receiver. Todd Heap should benefit from McNair. McMichael should benefit from Culpepper, although Culpepper may vulture TD's.

Kellen Winslow is back, Vernon Davis went very high in the draft, and may turn out to be the primary receiver in SFO, Chris Cooley is a sleeper who may increase production, Jerramy Stevens seems to have put his problems behind him. Ben Watson and Jason Witten may improve.

I think after Gates, it's a crapshoot, primarily because two or three TD's on the season may make the difference in overall scoring..

 

[beto]

Agree. NFL rules have helped the TEs get free and some physical freaks have been coming out of the college ranks.

 

[CA_7]

There was some discussion on Sirius yesterday that the overall quality of well rounded LBs is down as well. Many teams are looking for LBs are big but also quick to keep up with the surplus of great pass catching TEs.

 

[Bri]

There was some discussion on Sirius yesterday that the overall quality of well rounded LBs is down as well. Many teams are looking for LBs are big but also quick to keep up with the surplus of great pass catching TEs.

And the 3-4. It's easier to find LBers for a 4-3 than a 3-4 D

 

[Musesboy]

I agree that it seems that the TE pool is very deep this year. But the fact is most of them were there last year. Some broke through for the first time and we hadn't previously placed them as highly (Cooley, Miller).

But looking at the possibilities this year, only Vernon Davis and Marcedes Lewis have been added to the pool. Winslow might finally see the field, but he was in people's thoughts last year as well.

Overall, I think there is very little change in the TE talent available. The main difference is that we now know about the guys that broke through last season, whereas a year ago we were looking at potential rather than proven ability.

 

[Razon]

I agree it does seem like the TE class is a bit more open. But I diasgree a bit with Gates being up their so high at least at this point. Phillip Rivers is the reason why. Brees and Gates had a pretty good connection, will Rivers and Gates have that same connection? It is too early to tell.

Well during a draft in the past, I have always considered taking one of the top TEs at the right spot I may completely pass this year.

 

[BlueDredSo]

I agree Gates stands alone among the TE's in the NFL. But, is he worth it? I guess we'll have to see during the off-season how often Rivers throws in his direction.

Right now though, I wouldn't touch him unless he drops to a point where'd you look idiotic not to take him. Maybe it's because I drafted Gonzo last year, but I have no interest in possibly reaching for a TE anymore. I'll gladly take Shockey, Crumpler, Gonzo, Cooley, or McMichael a round or two after Gates is drafted.

Like you said, they all have the same potential and who knows...maybe one of em will take that step to Gates' level. But don't listen to me, go ahead and draft Gates (especially if you're in one of my leagues )

 

[Bankerguy]

I have made the same observation in previous posts this year.

My thoughts are:

Gates is being over valued.

The rest of TE's from TE 2 - TE 8 are prety close...imo.

I don't see huge value at TE. I will be waiting this year.

 

[BoltBacker]

I agree it does seem like the TE class is a bit more open. But I diasgree a bit with Gates being up their so high at least at this point. Phillip Rivers is the reason why. Brees and Gates had a pretty good connection, will Rivers and Gates have that same connection? It is too early to tell.

Agreed.IMO Shockey and Gonzales are right there with Gates and Heap isn't far behind when McNair signs with BAL. It has less to do with being down on Gates as it has to do with being up on the other three however.

I have a few disagreements with the original poster:

Winslow/Davis - lots of talent but haven't proved a thing at the next level yet. Add to that a putrid pass offense(SF) and a pass offense that finished in the bottom third of the league(CLE).

Cooley/Witten - A lot of competition has been added for receptions in both those offenses.

Stevens - Always an enigma, for some reason I don't feel comfortable with his knee surgeries this past offseason. "Discovering torn cartiledge" when operationg on a knee makes me nervous.