Keller was basically just a WR last year, and while he's relatively fast, he's only going to make it in the NFL as a tight end. He needs to work on his blocking significantly to be an everydown TE. The writing is on the wall for the 2009 Jets -- smashmouth running game and a tough defense. The Jets are going to be Baltimore North, and if Keller's going to become a star of the offense he's got to improve his blocking.Now his weight may not be the issue, agreed; but he will be a more valuable member of the team if he's on the field every play.Stupid move on Keller's part. Weight gain does not equate to better blocking. He should stick to what he is, a pass catching tight end, and one who can thrive in that role. The added weight could hurt his best skill.
I don't know about that. Like I said, and I think you agreed in the above post, weight does not make you better at blocking. It can, however, make you slow.Keller was basically just a WR last year, and while he's relatively fast, he's only going to make it in the NFL as a tight end. He needs to work on his blocking significantly to be an everydown TE. The writing is on the wall for the 2009 Jets -- smashmouth running game and a tough defense. The Jets are going to be Baltimore North, and if Keller's going to become a star of the offense he's got to improve his blocking.Now his weight may not be the issue, agreed; but he will be a more valuable member of the team if he's on the field every play.Stupid move on Keller's part. Weight gain does not equate to better blocking. He should stick to what he is, a pass catching tight end, and one who can thrive in that role. The added weight could hurt his best skill.
Weight can make you better at blocking, especially if the weight gained is muscle, plus its harder to run through a 250 pounder than a 240 pounder. There is a risk that he could get somewhat slower, but that's no more likely than added weight not helping Keller's blocking.Its probably the right decision for Keller to add weight, they would like him to be 3-down TE(otherwise he wouldn't have been a 1st rounder) if it doesn't work, its not like he couldn't lose the weight again.Balco said:I don't know about that. Like I said, and I think you agreed in the above post, weight does not make you better at blocking. It can, however, make you slow.Chase Stuart said:Keller was basically just a WR last year, and while he's relatively fast, he's only going to make it in the NFL as a tight end. He needs to work on his blocking significantly to be an everydown TE. The writing is on the wall for the 2009 Jets -- smashmouth running game and a tough defense. The Jets are going to be Baltimore North, and if Keller's going to become a star of the offense he's got to improve his blocking.Now his weight may not be the issue, agreed; but he will be a more valuable member of the team if he's on the field every play.Balco said:Stupid move on Keller's part. Weight gain does not equate to better blocking. He should stick to what he is, a pass catching tight end, and one who can thrive in that role. The added weight could hurt his best skill.
I will again state that weight does not make you a better blocker. Technique is the key, look at a guy like Mark Stepnoski. Awesome Center that played well below 300. You need to have good technique to block, and a lot of that is effort. Look at Tony Gonzalez, he came into the league as a horrible blocker, and he has worked to really improve that. And there has not been much change in his size.Weight doesn't make you better, but strength can.
That being said, a lot of blocking success comes from technique, and that's where he's had trouble in the past.
I don't see a problem with him going up to 250 if it helps him stay on the field. I also think all the top TE's in the league are 250+.Weight can make you better at blocking, especially if the weight gained is muscle, plus its harder to run through a 250 pounder than a 240 pounder. There is a risk that he could get somewhat slower, but that's no more likely than added weight not helping Keller's blocking.Its probably the right decision for Keller to add weight, they would like him to be 3-down TE(otherwise he wouldn't have been a 1st rounder) if it doesn't work, its not like he couldn't lose the weight again.Balco said:I don't know about that. Like I said, and I think you agreed in the above post, weight does not make you better at blocking. It can, however, make you slow.Chase Stuart said:Keller was basically just a WR last year, and while he's relatively fast, he's only going to make it in the NFL as a tight end. He needs to work on his blocking significantly to be an everydown TE. The writing is on the wall for the 2009 Jets -- smashmouth running game and a tough defense. The Jets are going to be Baltimore North, and if Keller's going to become a star of the offense he's got to improve his blocking.Now his weight may not be the issue, agreed; but he will be a more valuable member of the team if he's on the field every play.Balco said:Stupid move on Keller's part. Weight gain does not equate to better blocking. He should stick to what he is, a pass catching tight end, and one who can thrive in that role. The added weight could hurt his best skill.
This.If Keller came out and said "I am going to get stronger so I can block better" I'd say go for it. But when it's stated as "I need to add weight", it just sounds foolish. I'm reminded of ADP. How does adding 10 pounds to your frame affect how much it hurts you when someone else hits you?We see these add/lose weight schemes every offseason or so. Can we start a sticky on them so we can evaluate the results of teh experiment at the end of the season?My money is on technique and mindset over 10 pounds of added weight.Weight doesn't make you better, but strength can. That being said, a lot of blocking success comes from technique, and that's where he's had trouble in the past.