Is it out of the question that Escobar turns into a poor man's Gronk?

[burmafrd]

When we play the Pats How would we best try to defend Gronk ?

PASS RUSH

 

[Macnalty]

He is a reliable backup. He isn't a starter. We got in trouble in the 90s trying to draft reliable backups and not starters.
That's not the way to approach talent acquisition, IMO.

I see no hint that this guy is a bust, he starts on other teams IMO and will be in demand during the off season if we fail to sign him to an extension. For example I think he will be a better backup to Witten than Parnell was for Free last year. Parnell did just fine when exposed to the rest of the league for a contract.

 

[perrykemp]

PASS RUSH

This.

It will be difficult since the Patriots are very much a 3 step drop and gone offense.

This typically means the pass rush, if it is going to be effective, will need to come up the middle (the DTs) -- the DEs typically just won't have as many opportunities in a 3 step drop scenario.

 

[xwalker]

To hope that G. Escobar turns into a poor mans Gronk

Escobar could be a top tier receiving TE if he was the starter. He is not great as a blocker which is why he does not get more snaps as the 2nd TE in Dallas.

Watch the home game against the Giants last year. He was terrific in that game, yet they still didn't use him much in the following games. He was in competition with Hanna on run downs and in competition with Beasley on passing downs.

 

[KJJ]

If Escobar saw as many targets as Gronk, I think he's a very good TE. Not on Gronkowski's level though.

The fact he's not on Gronks level and that the Cowboys have Dez Bryant would rule out any chance of Escobar receiving as many targets as Gronk.

 

[tyke1doe]

I see no hint that this guy is a bust, he starts on other teams IMO and will be in demand during the off season if we fail to sign him to an extension. For example I think he will be a better backup to Witten than Parnell was for Free last year. Parnell did just fine when exposed to the rest of the league for a contract.

I don't think he's a bust. If so, he wouldn't be on the roster. I just don't know if he was worth taking in the second round when there were other players who could have benefited us and who could be starting now. Maybe I'm evaluating him based on our obsession with tight ends, particularly in the second round. But I just don't see him as a starter. If he were as dangerous as Witten or Gronk, I believe we'd tailor our offense to a two-tight end attack like the Patriots did when they had Aaron Hernandez and Gronk. I think Escobar is decent. I just don't see him anywhere near the level of Witten or Gronk. And I don't think that's a product of him not getting significant playing time.

 

[rockj7]

This.

It will be difficult since the Patriots are very much a 3 step drop and gone offense.

This typically means the pass rush, if it is going to be effective, will need to come up the middle (the DTs) -- the DEs typically just won't have as many opportunities in a 3 step drop scenario.

It be real nice if Davon Colman and Crawford at the DT position had a coming into their own party in that game

 

[CATCH17]

To hope that G. Escobar turns into a poor mans Gronk

Honestly, I watch some of the plays Gronk makes and I think why not Escobar as well? He can make those plays.

Maybe he won't bull guys after the catch like Gronk but he could be every bit the receiver and mismatch.

 

[dallasdave]

Agree. Why did the Steelers refuse to double him?

Because the steelers are stupid !!!

 

[JIGGYFLY]

Witten has a 8 million plus cap hit next year, it is not crazy to think about some cap savings by transitioning in the younger player.

The question is does Witten's production justify with his cap hit

The eyes tell a completely different story.

Maybe you need glasses.

 

[Wayne02]

Those around here calling Escobar a wasted pick probably wouldn't be saying that if Witten had been injured and missed some games. It's an important position that requires depth.

Also, Brady's uncommon touch, accuracy, speed of reading coverages and releasing the ball is a huge reason for Gronk's success,,, just like it was Hernandez's.

We can play the IF game all day long, but the fact of the matter is, Witten isn't going anywhere and he doesn't miss games, and there is no excuse for repeating the same mistakes by drafting a TE in the 2nd round and having absolutely no use for him.

 

[perrykemp]

Edelman's description after the game of Gronk being like a 8th grader playing against 2nd graders seems spot on.

Its really difficult not to love Gronk's game, his demeanor, and his whole schtick.

 

[Section446]

From a pure talent standpoint, Escobar can't even remotely compare.

 

[sideon]

I'd just settle for catching some balls down the seam and an effective red zone threat

He's done both pretty well.

 

[Rockport]

Witten has a 8 million plus cap hit next year, it is not crazy to think about some cap savings by transitioning in the younger player.

The question is does Witten's production justify with his cap hit


Maybe you need glasses.

No, my eyes are fine. Escobar isn't as big and bulky as Gronk is no matter what the measurables say.

 

[JIGGYFLY]

No, my eyes are fine. Escobar isn't as big and bulky as Gronk is no matter what the measurables say.

Really?

 

[BigStar]

I think he falls just short

That's so mean it's funny

 

[BigStar]

Those around here calling Escobar a wasted pick probably wouldn't be saying that if Witten had been injured and missed some games. It's an important position that requires depth.

Also, Brady's uncommon touch, accuracy, speed of reading coverages and releasing the ball is a huge reason for Gronk's success,,, just like it was Hernandez's.

But the team doesn't utilize the depth of the position in the passing game so it does feel like round 3 on wasted 2nd rd back up TEs. Don't draft what you don't plan to use, etc. That's why Esco gets so much flack around here through no fault of his own.

 

[slick325]

Sure hope so...either Gronk or Jimmy Graham. The way the Pats design plays to get Gronk the ball is masterful. Hope Garrett and Linehan borrow a few things and make a package for Escobar.

 

[Macnalty]

I don't think he's a bust. If so, he wouldn't be on the roster. I just don't know if he was worth taking in the second round when there were other players who could have benefited us and who could be starting now. Maybe I'm evaluating him based on our obsession with tight ends, particularly in the second round. But I just don't see him as a starter. If he were as dangerous as Witten or Gronk, I believe we'd tailor our offense to a two-tight end attack like the Patriots did when they had Aaron Hernandez and Gronk. I think Escobar is decent. I just don't see him anywhere near the level of Witten or Gronk. And I don't think that's a product of him not getting significant playing time.

I agree but both of those(Witten and Gronk) are on the path to Canton if they continue like they have been. We have been spoiled.