Blocking Tight End

[WhizKid]

One of the positions I think the boys will address in the off-season is somebody to play the role of a blocking tight end. Do you think the boys will address this position through free agency of through the draft? I think Ideally you'd like someone who can both catch and block, meaning the draft may be the best place for the boys to address this. But that doesn't mean they couldn't address it through free agency, but I'm not too sure there is a lot available in that regard.

You have Delanie Walker who is pretty good blocking and has upside in the receiving game, but he will probably be a little pricier. He is also turning 29 this year, so that puts him almost to that magical "30" age of slowing down. I don't know if that is applicable to that position and role, but it's something to be wary of.

There is also Tom Crabtree who was released from Green Bay today. He'll be 28 in November, and is also good in protection. He showed some flashes in the receiving game this year and is another option. Other than that, I don't know if I see anymore guys in free agency to fill that role.

The draft class seems to be ok in depth this year, but do you think Dallas will go this route? I am open to any moves the boys make in regards to this position. I'm curious Zoners, what are your views about the boys regarding the position. Would you like them to make a splash in free agency or the draft? What are your views on Hanna in that role? Do you think he will grow to be a better blocker, or will he be limited to being a receiving threat?(not that that's a bad thing)

 

[zeke87]

We can easily pick one up in the 5th or 6th round. Too many other priorities like OL and Safety.

 

[WhizKid]

We can easily pick one up in the 5th or 6th round. Too many other priorities like OL and Safety.

I agree. Michael Williams from Alabama would be a good start. Do you think the Boys may go higher for the position, like rounds 2-3? They are not the most predictable bunch. lol

 

[xwalker]

I would sign College OC Mario Benavides and convert him to a Blocking TE/FB. He is a really good blocker for his size; however, he is only 6'2-1/2", 279 lbs which is too small to play OL, IMO. He was quoted as saying that he got up over 300 lbs at one time, but couldn't function as a football player.

I think he will test out faster than some college blocking TEs.

 

[xwalker]

Many mocks have Michael Williams from Alabama in the 6th round; however, if he really ran a 4.52 at the combine, then I expect him to go higher.

The odd thing with Williams forty is that only NFL.com has it listed (as of 2 day ago anyway). NFLDS (CBS), Walterfootball, and some other sites didn't have a listing of this forty time or at least they didn't 2 days ago. The 4.52 seems like a shockingly fast time for him.

 

[IAmLegend]

This guy in the 5th or 6th. He's 6'6" 270 lbs and was noted for his blocking abilities all season.

 

[WhizKid]

I would sign College OC Mario Benavides and convert him to a Blocking TE/FB. He is a really good blocker for his size; however, he is only 6'2-1/2", 279 lbs which is too small to play OL, IMO. He was quoted as saying that he got up over 300 lbs at one time, but couldn't function as a football player.

I think he will test out faster than some college blocking TEs.

Interesting take on Mario. I never considered him for that role, but could work as he is a good football player.

Many mocks have Michael Williams from Alabama in the 6th round; however, if he really ran a 4.52 at the combine, then I expect him to go higher.

The odd thing with Williams forty is that only NFL.com has it listed (as of 2 day ago anyway). NFLDS (CBS), Walterfootball, and some other sites didn't have a listing of this forty time or at least they didn't 2 days ago. The 4.52 seems like a shockingly fast time for him.

I had no idea he was running a 4.52, WHOA! He may be a 4th rounder with that time. There is always Terron Armstead! lol