With Amaro, Sudfield, and Cumberland, we may be satisfied with our tight ends, but I bet Mac will want to sign or draft a blocking TE, since none of our current guys are real blockers IMO. One prospect to look out for is Nick Boyle from Delaware. According to Connor Hughes, "I’m told not only Jets TE coach Jimmie Johnson, but 2 team scouts were also in attendance for Delaware Pro Day last wk. Prospect Nick Boyle." "He's also one of the best drive-blockers off the edge. He looks like a tackle out there on the end of the line when he is sealing and setting the edge. He'd be an instant asset to a team as a second tight end on run downs at the very least because of his understanding of the run game." I have no idea where Boyle will be drafted, but he's someone to consider. Any thoughts about Boyle or any other prospects?
I agree that I'd like to see another TE added to the mix, especially one who can be an asset as a blocker too. With so many gaping holes filled via free agency and 6 draft picks, I think a TE in the 4th or 7th would be a good investment. Boyle could be a nice add in the 4th. How about Tyler Kroft from Rutgers in the 4th also?
What's wrong with Ivory? And Powell isn't a solid rotational player? Also, I don't see how minimizing the value of good blocking up front makes any sense whatsoever. TE and RB can both be upgraded. I do agree that another RB, perhaps in the 3rd round, could be a good investment given all of the talent at the position.
I'm almost positive we will draft a RB in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round if the value is there. I expect us to grab a TE in the 4th or 7th as well. Maybe a swing tackle or a LT in the 2nd, too. Our blocking can be heavily improved if we play this draft well.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/nick-boyle?id=2552402 Weaknesses Doesn't play to his frame in run game. Allows defenders to swat away hands and disengage too quickly. Sloppy footwork as blocker. Positional blocker -- doesn't consistently wall off against lesser competition. Tape shows questionable desire and competitiveness when asked to run block. Averaged 3.1 yards fewer per catch in 2014 than 2013. Looked quicker, more athletic and more energetic in 2013. Gets caught leaning into his break, giving route away. Dull out of breaks.
We'll draft this guy next year: 6'7" 410lb LaQuan McGowan http://www.cbssports.com/collegefoo...pound-laquan-mcgowan-is-still-catching-passes
I like a blocking tight end. Most of these guys if coached up can also add to the receiving game. It's probably harder to learn blocking than receiving. The thing with the Jets is that we have 3 guys who aren't bad (but not standouts). I think Cumberland is underrated and when thrown to last year usually did alright. The problem was Marty didn't use him as a receiver all that much. Amaro can catch but he had problems in training camp learning the offense. Sudfeld was called by Rex one of the most improved players on the team. If he's cut probably Belichick will claim him. He made the Patriots team in 2013 and started a few games but when BB tried to put him on the practice squad the Jets claimed him.
James Casey is still available. Former Houston draft pick who can be effective as a receiver and blocker in both an in-line and H-back role. I'd like to see him brought in. Cumberland feels like kind of a fan favorite type, but he's graded out (by PFF) as among, if not the, worst TEs in the game the past two seasons as a receiver and blocker. Unless this regime thinks they can get more out of him, I'd rather see him and his 1.9M non-guaranteed salary cut and someone who can block well like James Casey or a mid-round draft choice brought in
Cumberland can catch the ball if they get it to him but he was only targeted 47 times last year and 24 of those were uncatchable passes. I would like to see them get him the ball more, he has pretty good hands with only 3 drops on 140 targets over the last 3 years. Never going to be a league leader but he is a good player for the $1.9M a year for the next 3 years. Absolutely draft another TE but why bring in Casey? He has a total of 90 yards over the last 2 seasons, with Ertz and Celek his competition at TE if that was all he could muster then I wouldn't bother with him. Sure he is a good blocker but if that is all you are looking for I am sure they can find someone in the draft for a much lower price tag.
O'Leary's draft profile compares him to Casey so that is a good indication of his blocking ability but not expected to be much more.
Casey is a good receiver and blocker and can also line up in the backfield. Cumberland is a terrible blocker and not worth 1.9M for what he does. He wasn't just below average last season, he was the league's worst TE by PFF and by these metrics he got worse from 2013 to 2014. For a 2nd TE making 1.9M, I'd like to see some blocking ability too. Might as well keep Sudfeld instead of him.
O'Leary is a decent blocker given the TE class but it's not his strong suit. He will rightfully get drafted earlier as a receiving TE. Reminds me a lot of Dallas Clark in the passing game. Heuerman is famously the best blocker. Walford is decent. I like Tonga, too as a blocker and he will go late or undrafted. JMO.
I think Green re-signed with Denver fairly early on because they knew they were going to lose Julius Thomas.
