Tight End Topics

[jason]

A few quick questions:

 

1) Do you think the Bears will draft a TE?

2) Do you think they will draft him in the first four rounds?

3) What stats do you think Zach Miller, assuming he stays injury free, will have at the end of the year?

 

The reason why I ask is, I really don't know how the Bears feel about TE and Miller. Do they trust him? Seems so since they resigned him and traded Bennett. But, as the detractors have said, he's not a spring chicken and he has had injury issues in the past. That alone should be enough reason to invest in a young TE fairly early.

 

I honestly hope the Bears don't draft a TE early. I want to see nothing but Defense and OL for the first 4 rounds (5 picks). And I'd really like to see what Miller can do when given the true starter's role for the season.

[dawhizz]

Good questions and ones I have been thinking about recently as well. My thoughts:

 

1) Do you think the Bears will draft a TE?

 

Yes.

 

2) Do you think they will draft him in the first four rounds?

 

No. This is a bad TE draft, by all accounts. My read is that some guys like Jerrell Adams and Nick Vannett who might be 5th or 6th round picks in another draft are getting 2nd/3rd/4th round consideration. But as I look down the list, I don't see any real difference between those guys and someone you would get in the 5th/6th, and while we only have one draft to go on, Pace doesn't seem like one who would reach to satisfy a perceived need if comparable talent could be had a round or two earlier. I'm going to say the Bears draft a TE with one of their 6th round picks.

 

3) What stats do you think Zach Miller, assuming he stays injury free, will have at the end of the year?

 

If he was actually healthy the whole year, I'll say 70 catches, 700 yard, 7 TDs, which would put him in the top ten, but less than Bennett had in 2014. I'm also assuming a healthy Kevin White and Eddie Royal taking catches away from TE.

[scs787]

Considering his injury history and age, I would absolutely draft one. I think the 2 names dawhizz brought up are actually pretty solid and I think the 4th round is fair. Ohio State doesn't really utilize their TE all that much and I think that is why his production isn't all that great. He looked really solid in drills at the combine catching everything. Adams has that former basketball star(in HS) profile.

 

Henry in the 2nd would be interesting. I think they've done enough in free agency to where they can think about it.

 

I would go a little lower and say 60/600 if healthy.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Considering his injury history and age, I would absolutely draft one. I think the 2 names dawhizz brought up are actually pretty solid and I think the 4th round is fair. Ohio State doesn't really utilize their TE all that much and I think that is why his production isn't all that great. He looked really solid in drills at the combine catching everything. Adams has that former basketball star(in HS) profile.

 

Henry in the 2nd would be interesting. I think they've done enough in free agency to where they can think about it.

 

I would go a little lower and say 60/600 if healthy.

TE Henry in our slot in the 2nd seems too high. That is how most of our rounds feel, that we have to reach for needs. I would wait for the 4th and afer before we go TE, Vannett, Higbee, Adams, Morgan etc.

 

[madlithuanian]

I don't see the Bears drafting one early. It's not in Fox's wheelhouse. Maybe round 3 or 4. But I think WR is far more of a chance than TE. Just speculation.

 

1. Yes

2. Yes. But, round 4

3. I honestly have no idea about catches and yards. But I see about 8 TD's.

 

A few quick questions:

 

1) Do you think the Bears will draft a TE?

2) Do you think they will draft him in the first four rounds?

3) What stats do you think Zach Miller, assuming he stays injury free, will have at the end of the year?

 

The reason why I ask is, I really don't know how the Bears feel about TE and Miller. Do they trust him? Seems so since they resigned him and traded Bennett. But, as the detractors have said, he's not a spring chicken and he has had injury issues in the past. That alone should be enough reason to invest in a young TE fairly early.

 

I honestly hope the Bears don't draft a TE early. I want to see nothing but Defense and OL for the first 4 rounds (5 picks). And I'd really like to see what Miller can do when given the true starter's role for the season.

 

[Alaskan Grizzly]

A few quick questions:

 

1) Do you think the Bears will draft a TE?

2) Do you think they will draft him in the first four rounds?

3) What stats do you think Zach Miller, assuming he stays injury free, will have at the end of the year?

 

The reason why I ask is, I really don't know how the Bears feel about TE and Miller. Do they trust him? Seems so since they resigned him and traded Bennett. But, as the detractors have said, he's not a spring chicken and he has had injury issues in the past. That alone should be enough reason to invest in a young TE fairly early.

 

I honestly hope the Bears don't draft a TE early. I want to see nothing but Defense and OL for the first 4 rounds (5 picks). And I'd really like to see what Miller can do when given the true starter's role for the season.

 

1) No. If they do it won't be until late in the draft. I suspect they'll look at potential current or future FA's for a good reliable TE. You know teams aren't done cutting yet so there's still time to look for a decent one that way. Right now there are a few serviceable ones out there in Owen Daniels (even though he's older - 33) and Andrew Quarless (late of GB).

 

2) See above

 

3) No idea. All depends on his ability to play the full year. I don't think he has actually played a full 16 game season yet. Then again, and looking towards what MaddLith pointed out, the majority of our starting 4 WR's haven't completed a full season in the last two years so to me that would be more of a concern. Hence why our team may look to draft a WR before they even think of TE.

 

Have to remember that Housler was also resigned just before Bennett left. He's been holding down the back up role for a few years but has managed at least two seasons of +400 yards. Perhaps they see something there they can work with?

[jason]

TE Henry in our slot in the 2nd seems too high. That is how most of our rounds feel, that we have to reach for needs. I would wait for the 4th and afer before we go TE, Vannett, Higbee, Adams, Morgan etc.

 

The bolded part! I completely agree! I've looked at lots of mocks and can never see the perfect scenario playing out unless the Bears reach once or twice.

[madlithuanian]

No reach, no return!

 

The bolded part! I completely agree! I've looked at lots of mocks and can never see the perfect scenario playing out unless the Bears reach once or twice.

 

[scs787]

TE Henry in our slot in the 2nd seems too high. That is how most of our rounds feel, that we have to reach for needs. I would wait for the 4th and afer before we go TE, Vannett, Higbee, Adams, Morgan etc.

 

I'm not so sure it would be a reach. It's rare, but I have seen Henry in some 1st round mocks.

 

[Alaskan Grizzly]

I'm not so sure it would be a reach. It's rare, but I have seen Henry in some 1st round mocks.

 

The Bears are not drafting a TE in the first round.

 

I will denounce my loyalty to Lovie Smith and herald Cutler for 1st ballot HOF if they do.

[scs787]

The Bears are not drafting a TE in the first round.

 

I will denounce my loyalty to Lovie Smith and herald Cutler for 1st ballot HOF if they do.

 

This was in reference to the 2nd round.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

This was in reference to the 2nd round.

 

Ok... Same applies.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

I'm not so sure it would be a reach. It's rare, but I have seen Henry in some 1st round mocks.

 

I could believe it, did some digging on the last decent bunch of TE's. Not much talent after RD3 in 2013. Still not sure I want the Bears using that 2nd on TE, that is hard to swallow.

 

Hunter Henry Ark

 

28 409 4td

 

37 513 2td

 

51 739 3td

 

1-21 Tyler Eifert ND CIN

 

27 352 2 td

 

63 803 5 td

 

50 685 4 td

 

2-35 Zach Ertz Stan Phi

 

16 190 5 td

 

27 346 4 td

 

69 898 6 td

 

2-47 Gavin Escobar SD St DAL

 

3-63 Travis Kelce Cin KC

 

3-85 Jordan Reed Flor WAS

[jason]

The Bears are not drafting a TE in the first round.

 

I will denounce my loyalty to Lovie Smith and herald Cutler for 1st ballot HOF if they do.

 

I will boycott Bears games until Pace, Fox, and company are gone if they draft a TE in the first.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

I will boycott Bears games until Pace, Fox, and company are gone if they draft a TE in the first.

 

There have been exceptions to rule (or singularly speaking anyhow) and that example of a worthwhile 1st rounder is Greg Olsen. A lot of good he's doing us now though.

 

And Jason we really need to stop this agreeing thing...its starting to creep me out.

[Stinger226]

1) No. If they do it won't be until late in the draft. I suspect they'll look at potential current or future FA's for a good reliable TE. You know teams aren't done cutting yet so there's still time to look for a decent one that way. Right now there are a few serviceable ones out there in Owen Daniels (even though he's older - 33) and Andrew Quarless (late of GB).

 

2) See above

 

3) No idea. All depends on his ability to play the full year. I don't think he has actually played a full 16 game season yet. Then again, and looking towards what MaddLith pointed out, the majority of our starting 4 WR's haven't completed a full season in the last two years so to me that would be more of a concern. Hence why our team may look to draft a WR before they even think of TE.

 

Have to remember that Housler was also resigned just before Bennett left. He's been holding down the back up role for a few years but has managed at least two seasons of +400 yards. Perhaps they see something there they can work with?

First of all when you answer a question about whether we draft a TE, that means in the whole draft, so your answer would be yes.

 

As far as addressing Jason's question, we will draft a TE. The only one of significant valve is Henry of which we would have to probably draft in the second round. So I do not think we draft one until the 4th round with that extra pick we got from NE. Projected in that round would be Nick Vannett/OS-Jarelle Adams/SC-Jake McGee/F-Tyler Higbee/WK

 

Out of those I like Vannett and Higbee the best. Good size, good blockers and potential in the passing game.

 

As far as free agency, I would chase Scott Chandler for a mediocre deal. He has some pass skills but is a good blocker.

You figure him, with less time for Miller(save him from injuries) you can make the TE position competent.

I think White is going to take off and with Jeffery, if Royal stays healthy, you only need average stats from your TE position.

[Stinger226]

I will boycott Bears games until Pace, Fox, and company are gone if they draft a TE in the first.

They are not drafting a TE in the first round simply because the BPA scenario with apply and Hunter at best is a early 2 nd round pick.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

First of all when you answer a question about whether we draft a TE, that means in the whole draft, so your answer would be yes.

 

So now I'm confused, are you a plumber/psychiatrist or English major? To be honest, I'm not 100% convinced our team will draft a TE...at all. Your opinion is yours, mine is different.

 

I think White is going to take off and with Jeffery, if Royal stays healthy, you only need average stats from your TE position.

 

This would be precisely the reason why the Bears would not need to draft a TE. IF your primary receiving corps is stacking yards and TD's like nobodies business why would you draft a TE when all you need is a 'serviceable' one? Unless, as I pointed out earlier, you don't trust your WR's to stay healthy (or Cutler to continue to miss them - sorry couldn't help myself) then maybe...just maybe you'd be looking at getting a TE worthy of more than just being a journeyman.

[Stinger226]

So now I'm confused, are you a plumber/psychiatrist or English major? To be honest, I'm not 100% convinced our team will draft a TE...at all. Your opinion is yours, mine is different.

 

 

 

This would be precisely the reason why the Bears would not need to draft a TE. IF your primary receiving corps is stacking yards and TD's like nobodies business why would you draft a TE when all you need is a 'serviceable' one? Unless, as I pointed out earlier, you don't trust your WR's to stay healthy (or Cutler to continue to miss them - sorry couldn't help myself) then maybe...just maybe you'd be looking at getting a TE worthy of more than just being a journeyman.

Miller is injury prone,Housler is just a body and we have no idea what we have in Lee. That is precisely why we need to draft another prospect. We have to keep moving forward. A prospect with the extra pick we got from NE would be a perfect fit for that spot.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

Miller is injury prone,Housler is just a body and we have no idea what we have in Lee. That is precisely why we need to draft another prospect. We have to keep moving forward. A prospect with the extra pick we got from NE would be a perfect fit for that spot.

 

Housler has managed two 400 yard seasons without really trying. Miller has only done it once - last year. And for reference Bennett has had 400 or more yards in a season four times (out of a possible 8 years). And last year he totaled just 439 yards.

[Stinger226]

Housler has managed two 400 yard seasons without really trying. Miller has only done it once - last year. And for reference Bennett has had 400 or more yards in a season four times (out of a possible 8 years). And last year he totaled just 439 yards.

What's your point? We have enough draft picks to cover drafting a TE. I hope Housler plays well but if you go by his career , pretty average to not so good.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

What's your point? We have enough draft picks to cover drafting a TE. I hope Housler plays well but if you go by his career , pretty average to not so good.

 

The point(s) is/are first that you said all we would need are "average stats" by our TE. By average I'll presume you mean for a receiver to have "average" stats one of those would be measured in reception yards. 1,000 yards being a measure of pretty good for any receiver, let alone a TE. Roughly 500 yards would count as "average" and realistically 400 yards would probably be a high average for a TE.

 

That being said Bennett (who many would consider top 5(?)) has only gotten close to 1,000 yards one time (916 in '14). Three other years (all in the last four) he's managed; 759 in '13, 626 in '12 and 439 last year. Since he's been in the league for 8 years he's accomplished going over 400 yards 50% of his career - as a starting "top 5" TE. Conversely Housler who has been in the league for 6 years has managed 400 yards for two of them. As an "average" (some would argue less than) TE who's been a backup most of his career. Is this not what you yourself need when you expect "average stats"? Why search out 2nd or 3rd round talent hoping for them to be at least an average performer when you already have one in Housler and possibly better than average in Miller?

 

Especially if you consider our team probably still needs to look at least half of its draft for defense?

[scs787]

Reading Houslers rotoworld page is kinda scary. He was brought in by the Browns to be a pass catching TE, and there were quotes from Mike Pettine saying he needs to work on catching the ball. He also apparently had trouble with drops his last year in AZ as well.

 

Yes he's had somewhat productive seasons in the past but those are some pretty damning things to read about a guy who is your #2 behind a fragile Zach Miller.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

Reading Houslers rotoworld page is kinda scary. He was brought in by the Browns to be a pass catching TE, and there were quotes from Mike Pettine saying he needs to work on catching the ball. He also apparently had trouble with drops his last year in AZ as well.

 

Yes he's had somewhat productive seasons in the past but those are some pretty damning things to read about a guy who is your #2 behind a fragile Zach Miller.

 

Mike Pettine. The guy who drafted Johnny Manziel? And where were either Pettine or Manziel these days?

 

Sure it's possible he doesn't amount to anything but we should at least take a look. They've already re-signed him so why not? I don't think it necessary to draft a TE 'just because'.

[Stinger226]

The point(s) is/are first that you said all we would need are "average stats" by our TE. By average I'll presume you mean for a receiver to have "average" stats one of those would be measured in reception yards. 1,000 yards being a measure of pretty good for any receiver, let alone a TE. Roughly 500 yards would count as "average" and realistically 400 yards would probably be a high average for a TE.

 

That being said Bennett (who many would consider top 5(?)) has only gotten close to 1,000 yards one time (916 in '14). Three other years (all in the last four) he's managed; 759 in '13, 626 in '12 and 439 last year. Since he's been in the league for 8 years he's accomplished going over 400 yards 50% of his career - as a starting "top 5" TE. Conversely Housler who has been in the league for 6 years has managed 400 yards for two of them. As an "average" (some would argue less than) TE who's been a backup most of his career. Is this not what you yourself need when you expect "average stats"? Why search out 2nd or 3rd round talent hoping for them to be at least an average performer when you already have one in Housler and possibly better than average in Miller?

 

Especially if you consider our team probably still needs to look at least half of its draft for defense?

The one thing you need in a Fox type offense is a good blocking TE and as much as we are talking about the same thing with pass catching ability, none of our TEs are good blockers. that is why we simply need to draft one.