2021 Tight end discussion. Draft two TEs? (2 Viewers)



I haven't thought about Travis Etienne as a possibility but it's an intriguing idea. He's explosive and he's a threat in the passing game. On paper a backfield of AK and Etienne looks fantastic.

SP's offense might not be the perfect fit for him and they might want to go with a power runner to compliment AK's style. But if he's the pick I could get behind it in a big way. We wouldn't have to scour the internet for information about the guy. He has 4 years of highlights to watch.
 
I haven't thought about Travis Etienne as a possibility but it's an intriguing idea. He's explosive and he's a threat in the passing game. On paper a backfield of AK and Etienne looks fantastic.

SP's offense might not be the perfect fit for him and they might want to go with a power runner to compliment AK's style. But if he's the pick I could get behind it in a big way. We wouldn't have to scour the internet for information about the guy. He has 4 years of highlights to watch.
He would definitely add another dimension that Murray doesn't while providing the same benefits as Kamara or PT.

I could definitely see it happening.
 
I haven't thought about Travis Etienne as a possibility but it's an intriguing idea. He's explosive and he's a threat in the passing game. On paper a backfield of AK and Etienne looks fantastic.

SP's offense might not be the perfect fit for him and they might want to go with a power runner to compliment AK's style. But if he's the pick I could get behind it in a big way. We wouldn't have to scour the internet for information about the guy. He has 4 years of highlights to watch.
 
I think on offense TE and RB are the biggest needs. Addressing those two needs will make this offense special next season even with Winston at QB. IF N.O gets Russell look out.

I think a RB will help the offense immensely because the more you can line up Kamara at WR the better. M.T. Sanders or TQS and Callaway will leave AK space to be deadly after the catch.

A top end TE to go with Trautman will make the middle of the field very hard to protect and provide some great Redzone threats.
 
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Josh Hill can continue to be our #2/#3 TE. He's a solid role player who knows the system, and is a fairly dependable vet. He is still under contract for 2021. Trautman showed a lot of promise and development as the year went on for a Division 2 rookie TE. I was really impressed by his route running, agility, ball security, ability to create yards after the catch, and his blocking. I'd feel confident about him being a solid #2 TE at the very least going forward into next season, with potential to develop into an effective #1 in the future. With that in mind, I'd like to see us extend Cook for a year to be the seam threat prior to the draft. Then, if at some point a dynamic TE prospect is close to bpa, take him in hopes he beats out either Hill or Cook.

I've not seen much talk of there being any uber athletic recieving TEs this year aside from Pitts, so I doubt we manage to find one that turns out to be all that effective in his rookie year. Certainly not one I'd consider a #1 TE for 2021 anyway. 1 pick being used on the position seems good enough. Then if the pick doesn't work out and Trautman doesn't continue his development, prioritize it for 2022 in FA and the draft. We will be more likely to be in position to target an elite prospect or FA, given the challenges we're facing in 2021.
 
Josh Hill can continue to be our #2/#3 TE. He's a solid role player who knows the system, and is a fairly dependable vet. He is still under contract for 2021. Trautman showed a lot of promise and development as the year went on for a Division 2 rookie TE. I was really impressed by his route running, agility, ball security, ability to create yards after the catch, and his blocking. I'd feel confident about him being a solid #2 TE at the very least going forward into next season, with potential to develop into an effective #1 in the future. With that in mind, I'd like to see us extend Cook for a year to be the seam threat prior to the draft. Then, if at some point a dynamic TE prospect is close to bpa, take him in hopes he beats out either Hill or Cook.

I've not seen much talk of there being any uber athletic recieving TEs this year aside from Pitts, so I doubt we manage to find one that turns out to be all that effective in his rookie year. Certainly not one I'd consider a #1 TE for 2021 anyway. 1 pick being used on the position seems good enough. Then if the pick doesn't work out and Trautman doesn't continue his development, prioritize it for 2022 in FA and the draft. We will be more likely to be in position to target an elite prospect or FA, given the challenges we're facing in 2021.
No telling how many Boos Cook will get if stays in N.O and there's fans in the Superdome.

Im very pro player friendly and and understand that they play a very difficult game. But please N.O, please just do it. Dont sign Cook. I dont see how hes going to get any better in 2021.
 
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No telling how many Boos Cook will get if stays in N.O and there's fans in the Superdome.

Im very pro player friendly and and understand that they play a very difficult game. But please N.O, please just do it. Dont sign Cook. I dont see how hes hoing to get any better in 2021.
I get the sentiment. He had a disappointing season by his standards and unfortunately some of those mistakes came at the worst times. Most fans can't let go of their emotional attachments and will hold that against him. Not to mention, he is at the tail end of his career, so his play will likely continue to decline.

But roster building isn't about sentiment, and like it or not, even with continued decline, Cook is still a better option as a seam stretching role player than 90% of the other tight ends available in the draft or FA for 2021. He'll cost a fraction of what those better options will given his age, and has the benefit of familiarity with the system, his role, and his teammates. I like that option a whole lot better than throwing away multiple picks hoping one sticks as a quality starter, or using a sizeable amount of very limited financial resources trying to secure a different seam stretching #1 TE in what will likely be a very tough season. I'd rather be efficient with the TE spot and use those resources saved to address other positions.
 
Hunter Long missed the senior bowl but impressed in practices.

Kyle Pitts led the country at TE with 770 receiving yards.

Long finished #2 with 685.
 
Really good Article about Kyle Pitts.

But Pitts still leaves something to be desired as a blocker.

"Pitts put on seven pounds of muscle this offseason to better hold up to the rigors as a blocker. Last year, Pitts had a 42.6 grade as a run blocker per PFF College. This year, that’s jumped to a respectable 64."

 
I think on offense TE and RB are the biggest needs. Addressing those two needs will make this offense special next season even with Winston at QB. IF N.O gets Russell look out.

I think a RB will help the offense immensely because the more you can line up Kamara at WR the better. M.T. Sanders or TQS and Callaway will leave AK space to be deadly after the catch.

A top end TE to go with Trautman will make the middle of the field very hard to protect and provide some great Redzone threats.


Solidifying the interior of that offensive line is (in my opinion) a bigger need than RB and TE considering how easy it is to find help at the RB position. I do believe with Trautman possibly being the starter at the TE position next year that another one will need to be signed or drafted as depth behind #82 and #89.
 
I kinda like the prospect of Hunter Long over Freiermuth for now.

Long led all TEs in receptions last year and his career highs are higher than Freiermuth's.


Long is smooth and natural as a receiver.


I still think that two TEs is the way to go though.

1) Hunter Long
2) Quintin Morris

Those two look like the best pure receivers outside of Pitts who are also capable of in-line blocking.
 
A name that sounds a lot like Hokie Gajan is Tony Poljan.

Solid numbers for a former Quarterback.

2019-33 catches 496 yards 4 TDs
2020-38 catches 411 yard 6 TDs

Gotta love his size (6'7 265) that's very similar to Gronkowski and Sharp routes too.




 

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