In defense of Drew Sample

[*ochocincos*]

(04-21-2021, 12:43 AM)willieFANderson Wrote: I recently subscribed to PFF premium and I was able to compare TE blocking grades. 31 players had blocked on 44 or more on passing plays and Sample ranked third in number of pass blocks (94). Out of those players he ranked 4th overall.

This isn't the era of having a predominantly blocking TE.
Having a TE who isn't a receiving threat reduces the number of weapons on the field.

Think back to the Reggie Kelly era.
Kelly did have a lot of value for his blocking, and was also a 2nd round pick like Sample was, but I distinctly remember people back in the mid-to-late 2000's clamoring for a pass-catching TE to add that extra dimension to the offense. It's a big reason Gresham was drafted, and then Eifert a few years later.

Heck, Thaddeus Moss is also a good blocker, was picked up without using a draft pick, and costs about half of what Sample does. Plus, he might be as good or better than Sample as a receiving threat.