Teh Jets decision not to draft anyone seems like they likely believe they can sign a serviceable free agent. Trying to put together a list of who might still be out there that meets their needs. Ben Troupe 5 UFA Raiders Daniel Wilcox 6 UFA Ravens Jim Kleinsasser 10 UFA Vikings Nate Jackson 6 Released Broncos Owen Daniels 3 RFA Texans Eric Johnson, UFA, New Orleans Saints Anybody I missed or are any of these guys already signed?
Are any of these guys known for their blocking? None of them are particularly large for TEs and from what I recall they're more receivers than blockers. We missed out on our best option, Quinn Sypniewski who is 6'6" 270lbs and a pretty good blocker.
Kleinsasser re-signed with the Vikes... Mark Bruener (Texans) Mark Campbell (Saints) Desmond Clark (Bears) Bubba Franks (Jets) Fred Wakefield (Raiders) Scott Chandler (Chargers) (Eric Johnson is a guy the Jets should look into - he's a complete tight end, he just has trouble staying healthy)
those are my top three, I believe Kleinsasser is the best blocker, Daniels would be the best reciever, and Troupe would be the best all around. He really is out best option IMO. However, if we really want a blocker, go for Kleinsasser.
i dunno, i always liked him, felt that he was the only target to throw to in tennessee. but seeing your second list I think that a guy like Desmond Clark would be a better fit here anyways.
Bo Scaife is a way better tight end than Troupe -- it wasn't even a competition...that's why Troupe was let go.
Didn't we just sign 2 or 3 UDFA TEs? **Found it. TE J’Nathan Bullock, Cleveland State TE Andrew Davie, Arkansas TE Robert Myers, Utah State
Andrew Davie 6'5, 255 TE, Arkansas War Room analysis Strengths: Has the size and strength to drive the defender down the line of scrimmage on blocks. Has quick feet. Is smooth and fluid running routes. Shows the hands to reach out and pluck the ball. Has the size and strength to be a strong runner after the catch. Shows the ability to slide out and pass block with good leverage. Weaknesses: Is not explosive or fast enough to make big plays as a receiver. Does not block aggressively; has a bad habit of stopping his feet after making contact on blocks, which leads to him falling off his blocks too often. Bottom line: Davie is another older underclassman who came out early for the draft after having played minor league baseball before playing college football. While he'll never be an impact receiver, he has good hands and the strength to be a solid blocker. However, he is still raw and needs work in many areas. To make it in the NFL, he needs significant improvement in his blocking. If Davie fails to make it as a tight end, he would be an excellent candidate to switch to offensive tackle. Rob Myers 6'3, 243 TE, Utah State War Room analysis Strengths: Is an outstanding athlete who has the speed to split the seam and get open vertically. Has very good jumping ability. Gets in and out of his breaks with purpose and quickness. Is very agile and light on his feet. Has soft, quick hands as a pass catcher. Weaknesses: Has a significant injury history. Missed the entire 2008 season and started only four games in 2007. Lacks strength. Is not an aggressive blocker and lacks power. Is not strong at the point of attack and will get overpowered. Bottom line: Myers is an oft-injured player who had surgery on his big toe in September 2008, limiting his playing time. He is a very solid athlete when he is healthy, but he is a career backup who'll be more of a H-back than an in-line blocking TE in the NFL. Myers has the skill set to play in the NFL, but his injury history will knock him down draft boards. Look for a team to take a flyer on him late in the hope that his injuries are behind him.
Add Michael Gaines to the list of FA TE. http://www.freep.com/article/20090429/SPORTS01/90429055/1049/rss14
Owen Daniels is one of the premier TE in the league, if we get him we are stacked at TE. but I cant see him leaving the texans
Eric Johnson is out to hit linebackers on running plays - Johnson is close to 260 now after injurying his knee. Johnson is more of a receiving tight end, but he can definitely block.
