George Bryan - Our Next Blocking TE

[robert70x7]

http://acc.blogs.starnewsonline.com/files/2010/04/bryan.jpg

http://acc.blogs.starnewsonline.com/files/2010/04/bryan.jpg

George Bryan
6'5, 265 lbs
North Carolina State

I've had to do some digging for a decent blocking TE in this draft. It is chalk full of athletic TEs, and Bryan seems like a decent option in the later rounds of the draft (5-6). He received the highest grade for blocking per ESPN, and has also received praise from Wes Bunting for his blocking and potential for a serviceable pass catcher (6 touchdowns in 2010, 4 in 2011). He's a durable guy who hasn't missed any games to my knowledge.

I'm not sure if Dallas needs a blocking TE or more of a dynamic type, but it seems like Marty B's departure has left us scrambling for one. Kellen Davis didn't work out and the crop of free agents seems to be slim pickings with lots of older veterans. Bryan offers the opportunity to fill a void while getting younger.

Sounds good, huh? Well he was busted for pot in 2010, but it seemed like it was an isolated incident where multiple teammates were invovled. Still worth a flier in the 5th-6th round! Can't be any worse than Martellus Bennett?

"One of the better blocking TEs in the 2012 class -- compares favorably to Patriots 2010 fifth round pick Lee Smith (Marshall) in this skill set. Does a nice job with his first step and consistently establishes sound positioning. Shows good initial pop and fights to sustain. Occasionally falls off of blocks and needs to work on hand placement/upper-body strength. Takes very good angles as a second-level blocker and is adept at hitting a moving target. Stays under control in space and consistently finds a way to lock on to the LB or DS. Shows good awareness in pass pro. Anticipates blitzes and stunts. Shows good leverage in his set and is strong enough to anchor vs. bull rushers. Also keeps his feet moving and does a nice job of limiting athletic edge rushers."

"Durability has not been an issue for Bryan, who has played in all 38 games (26 starts) during his first three seasons of eligibility (2008-'10)."

"Strong work ethic. Very consistent player and worker. Is an overachiever who maximizes his physical tools. Passionate about the game. Leads by example. Well respected by teammates and coaches. Has had one minor off the field issue during college career to our knowledge: Was arrested and charged with maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of using a controlled substance in April of 2010, when an off duty police officer smelled marijuana from an apartment that Bryan leased. It was the least serious of the charges filed in the incident."

"Gets his head turned around very quickly after making his breaks. Picks up the football in a hurry and is extremely reliable as a short-to-intermediate pass catcher. Shows the focus and concentration to make tough catches in traffic. Will take big shots and hold onto the football. Can pluck the ball while on the run. Secures the ball after the catch. Only issue we've seen with his ball skills is when he's forced to adjust to the ball thrown behind him. He struggles to halt momentum and redirect in time."

"Appears to get the most out of his physical tools. Plays the game with a good motor and is an aggressive competitor. Is tough to bring down after the catch. Gives a great effort as a blocker. Also has good experience on special teams and is willing to pay the toll to contribute in the NFL."

 

[BAT]

Cowboys already have a better blocking TE on the roster. Bill Nagy. Cowboys are better off investing in an Aaron Hernandez type TE. Not to mention a young pass rusher.

Witten and Ware are not going to be around forever.

 

[robert70x7]

Cowboys already have a better blocking TE on the roster. Bill Nagy. Cowboys are better off investing in an Aaron Hernandez type TE. Not to mention a young pass rusher.

Witten and Ware are not going to be around forever.

Last time I checked, there are 7 rounds in the draft. Bennett was on the team for a reason and look how quickly we tried to sign Kellen Davis? I'm also not saying that we should use all of our picks on players like this. Look at my mock draft in my signature.

Just trying to put same names out there, he seems like a good guy to target in the later part of the draft.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Shea McClellan in the second round.. eww.

 

[robert70x7]

Shea McClellan in the second round.. eww.

He won't be there in the 3rd. I had a hard time putting it there, but we need a pass rusher. Jared Crick or Ronnell Lewis were two other guys I thought about putting here.

 

[Leadbelly]

I don't think Dallas wants a blocking TE. That's just been the result.

Bennett wasn't supposed to be a blocking TE. That was his role, but that wasn't the hope when drafted in the 2nd round. Dallas wanted a dynamic TE who had the frame to be a blocker. The role he assumed -- and excelled at -- was from being undependable at everything else.

Kellen Davis wasn't a target because of his blocking. He's a highly athletic guy who can stretch the field and also block.

I think Dallas/Garrett wants a TE that can create advantageous match-ups but is also capable of blocking. Also, I think they'd want someone who'd be much more ready to produce as a 1 if Witten when down.

 

[Woods]

I don't think Dallas wants a blocking TE. That's just been the result.

Bennett wasn't supposed to be a blocking TE. That was his role, but that wasn't the hope when drafted in the 2nd round. Dallas wanted a dynamic TE who had the frame to be a blocker. The role he assumed -- and excelled at -- was from being undependable at everything else.

Kellen Davis wasn't a target because of his blocking. He's a highly athletic guy who can stretch the field and also block.

I think Dallas/Garrett wants a TE that can create advantageous match-ups but is also capable of blocking. Also, I think they'd want someone who'd be much more ready to produce as a 1 if Witten when down.

Exactly.

In fact, in Garrett's interview yesterday, when the Davis question came up, he mentioned that the reason the Cowboys like Davis was that they felt he had good balance to both block and catch.

 

[Nightshade]

Exactly.

In fact, in Garrett's interview yesterday, when the Davis question came up, he mentioned that the reason the Cowboys like Davis was that they felt he had good balance to both block and catch.

Bennett was very effective in out 2 tight end sets because he was a very effective blocker in our running game. Philips isn't as valued as a blocker. The OP is right that there aren't a lot of big blocking tight ends left in FA. And Bryan is the best blocking/catching option that I could find as well in the draft. He's supposed to have EXCELLENT hands, be a better than average blocker but be a little slow. But he clocked a very good 4.77 at the combine.

If he's there on the 2nd day of the draft I think Jerry'd lick his chops and grab him.

George Bryan, TE, N.C. State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
3/12/12: Bryan did participate in the Combine. He had 33 receptions for 331 yards and four touchdowns in 2011. Bryan was a good blocker this year and could be one of the better blocking tight ends in this draft class. He showed some receiving skills in the East-West Shrine workouts and that helped his stock.

8/19/11: George Bryan is an underrated tight end who needs to be a bigger part of the game plan. Similar to Luke Stocker at Tennessee, he is capable of producing more if given the opportunity. Last year, Bryan had 35 receptions for 369 yards and three touchdowns. The previous season, he caught 40 passes for 422 yards and six touchdowns. Bryan has good size to be a quality blocker as well. If he is made a bigger part of the game plan and improves his receiving production, he could challenge for the second round.

 

[RS12]

I think they pick a more known TE earlier in the draft. Charles, Egnew.

 

[robert70x7]

I think Dallas/Garrett wants a TE that can create advantageous match-ups but is also capable of blocking. Also, I think they'd want someone who'd be much more ready to produce as a 1 if Witten when down.

There is none in free agency and those players are becoming premium picks. It's going to take a 2nd-4th to get a guy like that who is ready to step in and be a #1 guy.

I like Egnew's ability as a playmaker, but he's a beanpole and was never asked to play with his hand on the ground. The only two I really like as the whole package are Fleener and Allen, and those will take 2nd round picks.

 

[Nightshade]

There is none in free agency and those players are becoming premium picks. It's going to take a 2nd-4th to get a guy like that who is ready to step in and be a #1 guy.

I like Egnew's ability as a playmaker, but he's a beanpole and was never asked to play with his hand on the ground. The only two I really like as the whole package are Fleener and Allen, and those will take 2nd round picks.

They need a blocker more than a pass-catcher. That's what they lost in Bennett.

Underrated but important role that needs to be addressed.

 

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

Bryan is an underrated receiver who had 108 catches over the last 3 years. His TD totals were low and he wasn't a red zone threat more because of the scheme that NC State ran than his ability. I think he'd be a perfect fit in Dallas, and the 5th is where I'd go after him. I really like the kid.

 

[2hawkes]

Cory Harky 6-4 #270 UCLA

A big, strong in-line tight end prospect with a muscular looking lower half and good girth throughout his frame. Isn't a great athlete by any stretch, but does a nice job keeping his base down on his release, getting into his routes quickly and not wasting any motion off the ball. Displays good enough short area quickness and hand usage to slip the bump off the line as well. Isn't a guy who can threaten the seam and will drift at times when trying to settle his feet out of his breaks. However, he does have some snap in tight areas, uses his body well to shield and can adjust.

Nevertheless, this is a guy who can routinely win for a team as an in-line blocker. Coils up into his stance well, keeps his base under him and generates an explosive thrust off the ball. Extends his arms well, takes proper angles and squares his head with the target. Runs his legs well through contact, displays good hand placement and routinely can handle DE's off the snap and on the move.

Displays some range/anchor strength when asked to block on the edge, keeps his head on a swivel and is coordinated enough to re-direct and picking up a stunting linebacker.

Impression: He's a guy who can win for you as a blocker in both the run and pass game. If he's willing to be a down and dirty type tight end, has the ability to stick in the league for a while

 

[Hoofbite]

I'm down.

I like the idea cause that's where Dallas should be looking for a TE.

No team needs a world beater at backup TE.

New England only has the TEs they have because they have to supplement for a 1 man show at WR.