Escobar the blocker

[dmq]

If you ask me, this was the perfect time to start developing another TE. He has time to sit on the bench and learn. Hanna was and is no guarantee at this point. Even if Hanna develops, he looks to have a different skill set than Escobar. Witten is in his prime, but who knows how long he will stay healthy. You may question using a 2nd on him, but he has talent. There is no doubt about that. Also, if you are running a 2 TE set, you better have 3 TEs at the ready.

 

[Idgit]

We obviously needed another TE option to develop given what we wanted to do offensively. It wasn't obvious prior to draft day what the team was considering, but after the fact, it makes a lot of sense.

Here's a transcript from Bill Belichick re: the enormous amount of work that goes into preparing a TE for reps in the NFL. The context regards Zach Sudfield, but it's a good description of the learning curve for a rookie TE, as well as an indication why we've had issues finding all-around players who can play the position well.

BB: Zach has come in and absorbed a lot of information. The offense that he played in in Nevada is quite a bit different than what we do. I’m sure there are some similarities but there are quite a few differences as well. He’s been able to acclimate to those changes. He catches the ball well.

Q: Is tight end traditionally a difficult position to acclimate yourself to in this offense because of the number of responsibilities?

BB: I think it’s one of the most difficult positions in any offense. Any time you change formations, that player is really at the heart of the changes. You usually, the backs are usually in the backfield, other than some empty plays. The receivers are usually detached, other than some close formation plays. Normally the tight end or tight ends, they’re involved in a lot of the formation variations, which then involve them in a lot of different assignments. Basically they’re involved in the passing game, the running game, pass protection, blitz adjustments, all the multiple tight end personnel groups like goal line and short-yardage and four-minute offense and things like that in addition to their, as bigger players, their roles in the kicking game. It’s really hard to get around, you might be able to get around a part of that, but not too many parts of it. Or else the guy is a receiver or he’s an offensive lineman. That’s really what it comes down to. Sure, that position takes a lot. It takes a lot, there are a lot of assignments, there are a lot of adjustments. They have a lot of different responsibilities.

http://www.patriots.com/news/articl...anscript/e0a4ab2c-65e4-4f63-8d64-b2aa36b69d93

 

[OhSnap]

In fairness to Bennett, though, the straw on Venus weighs, like, 10x what the straw here on Earth ways.

 

[OhSnap]

I loved seein that 4 TE set. That could be bread and butter on 3rd and short this year for running and set up some nice play action.

 

[Idgit]

Reference to Bennett telling the press that he was from Venus.

 

[OhSnap]

Reference to Bennett telling the press that he was from Venus.

I thought it had something to do with his being out there but my memory don't work so good.

 

[Marktui]

I think they drafted him to be more of a move TE. His frame is not suited for him being an inline blocker. He just has to learn how to get in the way and create a lane. That will come with more coaching and practice.

 

[texbumthelife]

Just to be clear, I was in no way knocking Escobar or putting down the pick in my original post. I was actually one of the few people around here who wanted us to take Eifert. So I understand the importance and the urgency to find someone to groom behind Witten, especially given Romo's propensity to look for the TE.

I was simply stating what I saw, as that was my first time seeing Escobar in a game situation. His blocking was worse than I expected. I think he has the coaches and players around him to grow. I think he will take a big leap from year one to year to, if for no other reason than the NFL workout programs.