I would take a good long look at Durham Smythe from ND in the 5th if he's there: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/durham-smythe?id=2559869 OVERVIEW Smythe signed on with South Bend despite growing up in Texas, and being the son of a former Baylor offensive lineman who played on the school's 1980 Southwest Conference championship squad. He did not play as a true freshman and had a small role on offense the following season (one catch for seven yards in 13 games). Smythe started three games in 2015 (three catches, 18 yards, one touchdown), but did not participate in any others because of shoulder and knee injuries. Finally healthy in 2016, he started all 12 games, catching nine passes for 112 yards and scoring four times. ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Has good size and should continue to grow into his frame. Has a finisher's demeanor as a blocker. Plays like an offensive lineman. Technically sound blocker. Hand placement is accurate and he unlocks his hips into opponent. Runs his feet on down blocks until the block is secured. Understands his landmarks and takes proper angles. Excellent timing and radar when working up to linebacker on combos. Plus blocker for the position in-line and on the move. Trustworthy in pass protection. Was able to work the seam and lay out to make the catch. Unfazed by hitters in the middle of the field. WEAKNESSES Straight-line mover who struggles to adjust his release when defenders are looking to lean on him. Initial speed into patterns is average. Routes are very readable for safeties and linebackers. Comes out of his turns without much burst. Separation could be a challenge against man coverage. Needs to gather his feet into contact more consistently as a blocker. DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 4-5 SOURCES TELL US "There are only a handful of the old school tight ends who are big and able to help you in the run game and he's one of them." - AFC area scout NFL COMPARISON Dion Sims BOTTOM LINE Smythe is a classic "Y" tight end who carries himself like an offensive lineman. He has the frame, toughness and ability to help do the dirty work as a run blocker for teams in need of toughness at the position. While Smythe can catch what is thrown to him, he's unlikely to be a targeted pass catcher on the next level. Smythe's particular talent as a run blocker should create an opportunity to become a solid starter for years to come. --Lance Zierlein
I'd rather someone who could also inline block, Andrews is a Leggett clone (and probably gone by round 3). Small TE class, Smythe from ND would be nice (although he has an injury history). I also like the kid from Indiana, Ian Thomas and Dalton Schultz from Stanford. None have impressive production for one reason or another. However, they all have good potential for round 3-5. There is a lot of talent deep in this draft. I'm hoping Mac can move back in the 3rd and pick up a couple extra picks.
I don't think you're going to get what you're looking for in a TE, one who can catch and block, in round 3. If he can catch, he'll probably be gone by 3, and if all he can do is block then he should be available later. Given the lack of offense on the Jets, I think this would be a good spot for a RB or WR, you probably won't get the cream of the crop, but "pretty good" should be there. Seriously doubt whether a LT prospect will be there, but a good RT or G, should be. Other positions I would expect good value are DT or ILB.
I agree with this line of thought. In round 3 I would be targeting a RB like Penny who will hopefully be available, or maybe an OL that slipped. There will be inline blocking TEs in rounds 5-7.
In addition to the other guys I mentioned, in round 3-5 you'll have guys like Dissly from Washington, and Fumagalli from Wisconsin as well. Both of which can pass catch and block. I really like Dissly, big bodied guy that can catch and could probably be had in round 4-5. Dissly has garnered Jason Kelce type comparisons, some even saying he will eventually convert to a LT.
I don't think Fumagali falls into the later part of round 3. He's very good and incredibly athletic for a TE. If he falls into 4th round or later someone is getting a steal.
Given what players are projected to be available early in the 3rd, your going to be disappointed if your expecting a TE. Most likely going to see an o lineman or D lineman picked.
Tried out one of those draft simulators and ended up with the following. I'd be perfectly fine with it Round 1 Josh Rosen Round 3 Frank Ragnow Round 4 Nathan Shephard Round 5 Duke Ejiofor Round 6 Shaquem Griffin Round 7 Antonio Callaway
I like Ian Thomas out of Indiana in the 4th. Big target excellent blocker untapped potential. Has the potential to be a nice threat.
We have to find the most impact player for our 3rd round pick. Since we didn’t addresses a pass rusher in FA, I say we look at OLBE. Don’t know how deep the talent is for those positions in the draft this year. Grabbing another Offensixe player would be huge to complement the future QB, a Catching RB, or a good size WR or LG. I think we will trade our #3 to grab an extra pick at #5 to get a TE and and OL.
I think they were praying for Goedert in the 3rd but that didn’t work out. He may go in the 1st. Guessing Tomlinson will handle most of the blocking duties and we will sign or draft some type of receiving threat. Hate to mention Antonio Gates but there it is, at least we know he can be a red zone threat.
It’s fine to like Leggit, I do too. Another option will have to be added however, at this point I’m leaning FA over drafting one. Still some capable vets out there, use the picks elsewhere.
