If I'm not mistaken, in the past TEs were valued mostly as blockers. I believe that is changing to the opposite. They are being valued more and more as receivers, and less and less as blockers. To accomodate that new classifications or designations have arisen like "Flex TE" and "H-Back." Certainly I may be mistaken, but I think it could change. It may take 5-10 years, but I think it could change. What about the C issue with more and more teams looking to create pressure up the middle? Don't you think that will change the perception of the value of the C position?
love it. Thanks for sharing I've mentioned before, legend has it Belichek had his book going back to Browns days -- largely along the above lines -- which positions are most valuable and how to get them via draft or FA. Time will tell, but for what it's worth i like that we're using a zone scheme for CBs. First, seems like in modern NFL we want turnovers and it's easier to ball hawk in zone. Second, can seemingly position it with less expensive talent so you can use that money elsewhere, e.g., DL. Third, i'd rather have several pretty good CBs then one superstar and below par elsewhere Long way of saying all for positional value, but then tuned to your strategy. SO I agree re ED and WR, bot so sure about CB that high. Would try and trade back. And might put G and LB slightly higher than you have. Wasn't that long ago we were giving buckets of money away to FA RB and ILB
Evolution of the TE is a hard thing to sum up in one post, but the thing you always have to remember is that football is ultimately a numbers game. In the run game, it’s “how many tacklers do they have vs how many blockers do we have” and in the pass game it’s “how many rushers do they have vs how many protectors do we have.” Because defenses can decide to bring extra rushers, and you pretty much always need true TE’s to be involved in the run game, it’s really hard to find athletes who are truly impactful at both blocking and receiving roles. You really can’t design an offense that relies on a player to do both because that’s not a readily available resource. If you want a TE target heavy offense, really what you’re looking for a is a TE version of a “big slot,” which is really what a “Flex TE” is. If you want a run heavy offense you’re probably looking more for of a run blocking TE, which is the traditional “Y TE” or “In Line TE.” This is really what the Jets need. Your best bet is to find a TE who is good at the skill you prioritize, and see if you can develop the other skill. Even TE’s in the 1st are usually not dominant enough in both skills to truly warrant the picks. It’s rare that a player shows top traits in both, so I doubt the 1st round TE rate will change anytime soon personally. As far as C, the thing about interior pressure is that generally a defense has 1 true IDL pass rusher at most, so it’s more valuable to have an elite pass pro G. If you line up the elite rusher over the weaker G, you can let the elite G go 1 v 1 vs the weaker rusher and have the C+Weaker G double team the elite Rush IDL. It’s not as common to have a C go 1 v 1 in pass pro, so an elite pass pro C just carries less value. And ideally you’d want him to have a beast of an anchor because his greatest value would be holding up vs the pocket collapsing NT’s like Vita Vea and Kenny Clark.
Good analysis! The way you describe the various TE's, finding one who excels at blocking and catching is like a unicorn. That said, somehow Belichick seems to find them. IDK what Douglas and Saleh are actually looking for, but I hope it's a TE who excels at catching, and can be coached up into the blocking role if they can't find a "unicorn" in FA or the draft. I also still believe that C - that is having a great one - can really solidify the OL and help a QB, especially a young one. In the Jets situation, if JD could find an upgrade veteran at C I think that would have a "multiplier" effect as far as improving the whole line. BTW: Either you should start your own podcast or maybe join up with someone who has like Penny. The two of you would make a good team IMO.
I think he probably will for 2022, simply because of numbers. Whereas, I'd like to see him go along with Griffin and Kroft, that would mean that JD would have to sign 1-2 TEs in FA and then draft one (or vice versa). He may not want to do that, and even if he does, may not be able to. Wesco is still on his rookie contract and is a decent blocker, plus he's depth at both TE and FB, so he has some value. I think he will be gone by 2024, if not 2023, however. There's also a chance that JD could sign a camp cut at TE who would replace Wesco, so he could be gone this year.
I assume they sign one, and I just did a mock draft where they draft Jeremy Ruckert and Zander Horvath so Wesco can probably move on, but who knows this far out.
LOOKED like he might have that blocking potential for a minute. not that I am invested but.... just wondering... dont know if he adds ST value either tbh
