Don't Forget About JAKE BALLARD (1 Viewer)

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

With major injury concerns sourrounding both Hernandez and Gronkowksi, don't forget about Jake Ballard who the Patriots claimed a few seasons ago. It's looking very likely that one of Hernandez or Gronk won't be ready.

If given a chance is Ballard a TE1?

 

[dansav]

I agree Ballard has decent value in a deep dynasty league. What makes you think Hernandez and Gronk won't be ready? From whay i read gronk should be a go for the season opener and hernandez shoulder was more of a procedure.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

I agree Ballard has decent value in a deep dynasty league. What makes you think Hernandez and Gronk won't be ready? From whay i read gronk should be a go for the season opener and hernandez shoulder was more of a procedure.

Gronk: Well now the newest rumor is he 'might need' back surgery too. I have quite a bit of experience with orthopedic site infections and I think it's highly unlikely that Gronk's arm clears the infection with the plate in place. Any type of foreign equipment in place seeds infection and it's pretty tough to clear it with out removing.....thus I expect them to remove the plate on Monday, give a long course of antiboitcs (4-6 weeks), then insert another plate with a 5th surgery. So with a possible back surgery and a possible 5th arm surgery, I think it's pretty unlikley he won't be ready

Hernandez: I thought it was a minor scope too, but I thought the latest I read on him is that he might not be ready for camp or the start of the season. Has that changed again? I think the article I read was 4 months http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/4/22/4251934/aaron-hernandez-injury-rehab-four-months

So if either of Gronk or Hernandez has a set back or misses time, which is quite likely, doesn't Ballard automatically fill a role as a pass catching TE on a team with little else to offer at WR besides Amendola?

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Even assuming the worse--that Gronk and AH aren't rwady for the opener--I just do not think Ballard will produce at their levels. The opportunity is there but I think the Pats have much better play making alternatives. Under that scenario I would start bumping the WRs and pass catching RBs.

 

[ldizzle]

wonder if they will use any 3 te sets with hernandez as an hback.

 

[Donnybrook]

Michael Hoomanawanui is also there. He is supposed to be the blocking TE but he can catch.

 

[dansav]

Gronks back infection free.

 

[JamesTheScot]

Even assuming the worse--that Gronk and AH aren't rwady for the opener--I just do not think Ballard will produce at their levels. The opportunity is there but I think the Pats have much better play making alternatives. Under that scenario I would start bumping the WRs and pass catching RBs.

My take as well.

It's a copycat league, so people make the mistake of assuming that it is therefore mostly about scheme and less about talent. When we say some player is a "poor man's ______________", that means this guy isn't near as good.

When it comes to Ballard, I just don't see Gronk or Hernandez talent. So I don't think it's a given that he is able to step in and play the same role to anywhere near the same effectiveness. I tend to think the offense will look much more conventional if both Gronk and Hernandez are out.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Even assuming the worse--that Gronk and AH aren't rwady for the opener--I just do not think Ballard will produce at their levels. The opportunity is there but I think the Pats have much better play making alternatives. Under that scenario I would start bumping the WRs and pass catching RBs.

My take as well. It's a copycat league, so people make the mistake of assuming that it is therefore mostly about scheme and less about talent. When we say some player is a "poor man's ______________", that means this guy isn't near as good. When it comes to Ballard, I just don't see Gronk or Hernandez talent. So I don't think it's a given that he is able to step in and play the same role to anywhere near the same effectiveness. I tend to think the offense will look much more conventional if both Gronk and Hernandez are out.

Agreed. Before Gronk and Hernandez the Pats hadn't had a relevant TE in many years. The Pats "system" only became TE friendly because of Gronk and Hernandez.

 

[Sabertooth]

Well they better fine some other playmakers then huh? Because they have nothing outside of Gronk and Hernandez right now. I'd say that Ballard might be the 5th best receiving option on the team behind Gronk, Hernanez, Amendola, and Vereen. Three of those guys have had a lot of injuries in their young careers. Ballard is going to get some action at some point.

 

[meyerj31]

He's not even rostered in my 28-man, 12-team league. I dropped a defense to grab him just for giggles but not expecting anything at all.

I'm with the above posters in that NE's offense works because of the players, not because they have some magic scheme. This isn't chess. You need TEs that can do everything to make that work. Gronk and Hern are both ridiculous athletic specimens and that's why the double TE works. You could run a 5 RB offense with multiple of them split out wide if they were the best five athletes in the world.

Players, not plays.

 

[Sabertooth]

He's not even rostered in my 28-man, 12-team league. I dropped a defense to grab him just for giggles but not expecting anything at all.

I'm with the above posters in that NE's offense works because of the players, not because they have some magic scheme. This isn't chess. You need TEs that can do everything to make that work. Gronk and Hern are both ridiculous athletic specimens and that's why the double TE works. You could run a 5 RB offense with multiple of them split out wide if they were the best five athletes in the world.

Players, not plays.

I agree. What I am saying is after Gronk and Hernandez, this team isn't stocked with players. But I have a feeling if those guys get hurt, New England isn't going to fold up their tent and go home. Somebody will pick up the slack. After Amendola, Ballard just might be the best option.

 

[Faust]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/77644/patriots-te-jake-ballard-must-stay-ready

Patriots TE Jake Ballard must stay ready

By James Walker | ESPN.com

It hasn't taken long for tight end Jake Ballard to shed his Big Blue colors of the New York Giants and join the New England Patriots. The teams have faced off in two recent Super Bowls and developed a healthy rivalry. Now, Ballard has been on both sides.

Ballard's last game with New York was against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI in February 2012. He suffered a significant knee injury in that game. In a sign of respect, New England head coach Bill Belichick claimed Ballard off waivers despite knowing Ballard would not play the following season. The Giants weren’t happy about it, but New England had no issues stashing Ballard on their roster for a year instead while he rehabbed.

Ballard is ready to play again in 2013 and met with the Boston media for the first time Thursday. Ballard says there is no question where his allegiance stands.

"I'm absolutely a Patriot through and through," Ballard said, according to ESPNBoston.com. "I enjoy being here, I enjoy being around the coaches and everybody is great."

New England's waiver claim may come in handy one year later. Ballard missed all of last year but currently is the healthiest pass-catching tight end on the roster. According to NFL.com's Albert Breer, tight end Rob Gronkowski will have back surgery in June and will miss at least part of training camp. Meanwhile, Aaron Hernandez is out until at least until training camp while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Ballard would be the starting tight end for the Patriots if the season started today.

Gronkowski and Hernandez were in and out of the lineup all last season due to injuries. Ballard provides a good third option for the next time one of those two goes down.

If history is any indication, Ballard must stay ready. Gronkowski and Hernandez both have lengthy injury histories and numerous surgeries. Therefore, there's a strong chance Ballard's number will be called this season.

 

[Mr Non Sequitur]

The Giants about lost their mind when the Pats took Ballard from them. I don't know if it was a BB up yours move to Coughlin but you gotta think if one of the 2 big guns go down that Ballard would factor in. I'm sure he is capable of a 45-60 catch season depending on how they want to use him. That's assuming injuries though because I cannot see how a healthy Gronk and Hern would leave much for Ballard to make any noise.

 

[purestrength]

I'm just wondering if Ballard is a worthy handcuff for Gronk. I know Ballard isn't as good as Gronk. But if Gronk were to be out for a while, could I start Ballard over Finley, Gates, D.Allen or other mid-level TEs I might have? With 16-player redraft rosters, it's tough to justify keeping three TEs.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I'm just wondering if Ballard is a worthy handcuff for Gronk. I know Ballard isn't as good as Gronk. But if Gronk were to be out for a while, could I start Ballard over Finley, Gates, D.Allen or other mid-level TEs I might have? With 16-player redraft rosters, it's tough to justify keeping three TEs.

I think people want him to be, but he's being over-rated simply because he's on the Pats and people see wht Gronk has done in this offense. As stated above Gronk isn't a success because the Pats have some magic formula for TE production - their offense runs through their TEs and their slot WR because of the talent they have at the position.

I think people may not realize that Ballard didn't even have 40 catches (38) during the "break-out" season that put him on the radar. Now the Giants on the other hand has a TE friendly season, as even stiffs like Kevin Boss had moderate success in the role.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

Well, well, well.

 

[jurb26]

Huge value boost fir Ballard now. I've been holding him in a 32 man league hoping he could find PT somehow. Not that I'm pleased with the circumstances but looks like its going to happen now.

 

[Sarnoff]

He's still behind Tebow on the TE depth chart

 

[Faust]

Steve Urkel thinks Jake Ballard 'could be in for a monster year'

 

[Rubi]

Jake Ballard's best season(38 catches 4 TD's) came on a Giants team with Cruz and Nicks taking the attention of opposing D's. I don't see Cruz and Nicks quality wide-outs on the Pats roster. Erkel may be wrong

 

[jurb26]

Jake Ballard's best season(38 catches 4 TD's) came on a Giants team with Cruz and Nicks taking the attention of opposing D's. I don't see Cruz and Nicks quality wide-outs on the Pats roster. Erkel may be wrong

Gronk is still there and he's plenty of a threat.

 

[Rubi]

Jake Ballard's best season(38 catches 4 TD's) came on a Giants team with Cruz and Nicks taking the attention of opposing D's. I don't see Cruz and Nicks quality wide-outs on the Pats roster. Erkel may be wrong

Gronk is still there and he's plenty of a threat.

Actually Gronk is not there because of back surgery. Being optimistic they think he may be back for week1 but with back surgery it's a bit unknown.

 

[Mr Non Sequitur]

The Giants about lost their mind when the Pats took Ballard from them. I don't know if it was a BB up yours move to Coughlin but you gotta think if one of the 2 big guns go down that Ballard would factor in. I'm sure he is capable of a 45-60 catch season depending on how they want to use him. That's assuming injuries though because I cannot see how a healthy Gronk and Hern would leave much for Ballard to make any noise.

I would start quietly picking up Ballard where you can.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

USA Today's Mike Garafolo reports Patriots TE Jake Ballard (knee) is "almost 100 percent."
Ballard's recovery from a torn ACL and microfracture surgery has taken on increased importance in light of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez's offseasons, but it's a bit surprising he's not already 100 percent after going down in the 2012 Super Bowl. It speaks to how tough microfracture surgery is to return from. Despite recent talk that New England's claim of Ballard is looking brilliant in hindsight, there's no guarantee a player who was already limited athletically will make an impact coming off reconstructive knee surgery.

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

 

[rct]

It speaks to how tough microfracture surgery is to return from. Despite recent talk that New England's claim of Ballard is looking brilliant in hindsight, there's no guarantee a player who was already limited athletically will make an impact coming off reconstructive knee surgery.

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

See Steve Smith (ex-Giants). Never the same after the microfracture surgery.

 

[PatsWillWin]

For some odd reason, Hernandez's troubles are somehow making people talk about Gronkowski as if he's going to miss the season too. Ballard might have a few decent games, but that's it.

If Hernandez is OFTS, I think this means way, way less 2 TE sets for NE. You can't just assume that 2 TE's are going to be fantasy-worthy on the Patriots just because Gronkowski/Hernandez were.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Jake Ballard ranked seventh among tight ends in Football Outsiders' DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) metric in 2011.
DYAR is defined as the value of a player's performance on plays in which he caught the ball, compared to a replacement-level player at the same position. While playing for the Giants in 2011, Ballard caught 38 passes for 604 yards with four touchdowns in 14 games. He proceeded to blow out his knee in the Super Bowl, but that kind of production would be welcome in New England considering the state of their tight end corps. Ballard's health will be a story worth monitoring closely come training camp.


Source: Yahoo Sports

 

[Coeur de Lion]

For some odd reason, Hernandez's troubles are somehow making people talk about Gronkowski as if he's going to miss the season too. Ballard might have a few decent games, but that's it.

If Hernandez is OFTS, I think this means way, way less 2 TE sets for NE. You can't just assume that 2 TE's are going to be fantasy-worthy on the Patriots just because Gronkowski/Hernandez were.

Agree in general, but after Amendola they are looking super thin at WR also. IMO it's totally up in the air as far as targets go in NE, but someone's got to catch the ball. Ballard is a WW type guy and worth the roster spot (most formats, obviously less so in really shallow roster setups) as a lottery ticket until we see how things shake out.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

For some odd reason, Hernandez's troubles are somehow making people talk about Gronkowski as if he's going to miss the season too. Ballard might have a few decent games, but that's it.

If Hernandez is OFTS, I think this means way, way less 2 TE sets for NE. You can't just assume that 2 TE's are going to be fantasy-worthy on the Patriots just because Gronkowski/Hernandez were.

On the other hand the Pats went out and got him and then have stuck by him through all this.

On the other other hand they have like another 4-6 TE's waiting in the wings and why?

 

[Frank Black]

For some odd reason, Hernandez's troubles are somehow making people talk about Gronkowski as if he's going to miss the season too. Ballard might have a few decent games, but that's it.

If Hernandez is OFTS, I think this means way, way less 2 TE sets for NE. You can't just assume that 2 TE's are going to be fantasy-worthy on the Patriots just because Gronkowski/Hernandez were.

Precisely. In another thread, someone made a great point that the Pats run gameplans according to their talent. They didn't run as much 2 TE sets before Gronk and Hernandez. I don't assume they will plug and play a replacement TE under the same gameplan they had for Gronk and Hernandez.

When Gronk and Hernandez missed games during the last 2 seasons due to injury, was there another Pats TE who put up good numbers? Not to my instant memory, but I could be wrong.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

For some odd reason, Hernandez's troubles are somehow making people talk about Gronkowski as if he's going to miss the season too. Ballard might have a few decent games, but that's it.

If Hernandez is OFTS, I think this means way, way less 2 TE sets for NE. You can't just assume that 2 TE's are going to be fantasy-worthy on the Patriots just because Gronkowski/Hernandez were.

Precisely. In another thread, someone made a great point that the Pats run gameplans according to their talent. They didn't run as much 2 TE sets before Gronk and Hernandez. I don't assume they will plug and play a replacement TE under the same gameplan they had for Gronk and Hernandez.

When Gronk and Hernandez missed games during the last 2 seasons due to injury, was there another Pats TE who put up good numbers? Not to my instant memory, but I could be wrong.

Once again, agreed. But it's not exactly a stretch to think that Ballard might be more talented than Michael Jenkins, Donald Jones, and the other misfits at WR after Amendola. 15.9 YPC for a TE is a pretty eye-catching stat. Pretty sure that no one is projecting him to come in and put up 1000 yards, but he's pretty much a free lottery ticket, and if Gronk has a setback and Hernandez is in jail, then he might be a pretty decent player to have.

 

[jurb26]

If Hernandez is truly out this year I fully expect Ballard to plug into that role, but with slightly less emphasis on it from the Pats. Ballard is a talented player and we saw that his only healthy season in NYG. Comparing him to the guys on last years team behind Gronk and AH is meaningless IMO. Assuming AH is out, I'd project the following for Ballard;

56 reception, 633 yds, 6 TDs

Not bad numbers and worth TE2 or perhaps TE1 in deep leagues.

 

[Sinn Fein]

When gronk is double-teamed when he comes off the PUP list, the Patriots are going to have to throw somewhere.

 

[Frank Black]

[Post removed because meaningless now that AH was cut this morning.]

 

[donkshow]

Maybe they should consider bringing back Lloyd, or what other WR are available still?

 

[jurb26]

AH released by the Pats. Time to seriously BUMP Ballard.

 

[cdubz]

AH released by the Pats. Time to seriously BUMP Ballard.

?? 2 Different positions, right? Hernandez was a 6'1 H-Back that functioned as a WR. Or is the claim based on more targets to go around overall?

 

[Frank Black]

AH released by the Pats. Time to seriously BUMP Ballard.

Agreed.

 

[jurb26]

AH released by the Pats. Time to seriously BUMP Ballard.

?? 2 Different positions, right? Hernandez was a 6'1 H-Back that functioned as a WR. Or is the claim based on more targets to go around overall?

NE will adjust their gamelan to include him IMO. He has suddenly become one of the best 4 options for catching passes on the team. He's a talented player and now he will be given opportunity.

 

[zamboni]

AH released by the Pats. Time to seriously BUMP Ballard.

Agreed.

Disagree. Hard to see Ballard all of a sudden taking much of Hernandez' production. As others mentioned, I can see a return of Lloyd and/or Branch to give Brady some other targets.

 

[werdnoynek]

Ballard cannot replace Hernandez. If Gronk is out then I can see Ballard taking his role as the in line guy, but Ballard isn't a guy you can move around in multiple roles like Hernandez. Ballard has had two knee injuries since he's come to the league and he couldn't run before them. Ballard, IMO, is a backup to Gronk and not Hernandez. The guy to replace Hernandez is likely not even on the team.

Mark Harrison is a guy to keep an eye on though IMO... he's a half inch taller and about 10-15 lbs lighter than Hernandez. He can move like him too.

 

[jurb26]

Ballard cannot replace Hernandez. If Gronk is out then I can see Ballard taking his role as the in line guy, but Ballard isn't a guy you can move around in multiple roles like Hernandez. Ballard has had two knee injuries since he's come to the league and he couldn't run before them. Ballard, IMO, is a backup to Gronk and not Hernandez. The guy to replace Hernandez is likely not even on the team.

Mark Harrison is a guy to keep an eye on though IMO... he's a half inch taller and about 10-15 lbs lighter than Hernandez. He can move like him too.

Ballard does not need to replace AH in order to deserve a bump and see increased opportunity. I'm not sure why people seem to think he does. NE has proven very adept at adjusting thief plan to the talent of the team. This situation should be no different IMO. Ballard is arguably one of the best 4 pass catching options on the team right now. That should not be ignored.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I posted this in another thread:

Its funny because I picked up Ballard this off-season as a hedge against Gronk's injuries - but I wonder if Gronk can play Hernandez' role, while Ballard slips into Gronks role?

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Ballard cannot replace Hernandez. If Gronk is out then I can see Ballard taking his role as the in line guy, but Ballard isn't a guy you can move around in multiple roles like Hernandez. Ballard has had two knee injuries since he's come to the league and he couldn't run before them. Ballard, IMO, is a backup to Gronk and not Hernandez. The guy to replace Hernandez is likely not even on the team.

Mark Harrison is a guy to keep an eye on though IMO... he's a half inch taller and about 10-15 lbs lighter than Hernandez. He can move like him too.

Ballard does not need to replace AH in order to deserve a bump and see increased opportunity. I'm not sure why people seem to think he does. NE has proven very adept at adjusting thief plan to the talent of the team. This situation should be no different IMO. Ballard is arguably one of the best 4 pass catching options on the team right now. That should not be ignored.

To be fair, any one of us could be #5 right now.

 

[werdnoynek]

Ballard cannot replace Hernandez. If Gronk is out then I can see Ballard taking his role as the in line guy, but Ballard isn't a guy you can move around in multiple roles like Hernandez. Ballard has had two knee injuries since he's come to the league and he couldn't run before them. Ballard, IMO, is a backup to Gronk and not Hernandez. The guy to replace Hernandez is likely not even on the team.

Mark Harrison is a guy to keep an eye on though IMO... he's a half inch taller and about 10-15 lbs lighter than Hernandez. He can move like him too.

Ballard does not need to replace AH in order to deserve a bump and see increased opportunity. I'm not sure why people seem to think he does. NE has proven very adept at adjusting thief plan to the talent of the team. This situation should be no different IMO. Ballard is arguably one of the best 4 pass catching options on the team right now. That should not be ignored.

I'm saying Ballard's value more directly related to Gronks health than Hernandez's legal woes. IF Gronk is healthy, Hernandez not being on the field isn't going to do squat for Ballard's value IMO. Pass catcher or not, he's an in-line TE who cannot move worth a damn. If Gronk is healthy he's going to get the ball over Ballard if they're both on the field.

 

[veto87]

with AHern gone and Gronk possibly missing at least some time, I could see them running and passing to the WRs with Ballard blocking on pass plays between the 20's. Red Zone TDs to Zach Sudfeld 6'7" 253 lb beasts who catches well and is a huge target

 

[Twenty-Four Eighty-Four]

Watch for Edelman to run a lot of Hernandez's routes. If I remember correctly when Hernandez was out last year, Edelman got more looks.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Aaron Hernandez lined up as a wide receiver on 59 percent of his snaps last season.
Those expecting Jake Ballard to simply slide right into Hernandez's role are going to be disappointed. Even before his devastating knee injury, he was a lumbering in-line tight end. Ballard is not capable of playing 41 percent of his snaps in the slot and 18 out wide like Hernandez did. The more logical replacement for A-Hern's production is Julian Edelman. Ballard's chance will come if Rob Gronkowski (back surgery) starts the year on reserve/PUP.

Related: Julian Edelman

Source: Pro Football Focus

 

[loose circuits]

I posted this in another thread:

Its funny because I picked up Ballard this off-season as a hedge against Gronk's injuries - but I wonder if Gronk can play Hernandez' role, while Ballard slips into Gronks role?

like this idea. Would think lining up less in-line would also be better for his back if he doesn't have to labor in the trenches