What A Haul Simulation

[*ochocincos*]

(02-23-2024, 03:58 PM)OSUfan Wrote: Then it would seem that people do not understand the role of the TE in the scheme that the Bengals employee. Many fans have shiny new toy syndrome. The TE is not a star in this scheme rather a blocker first, outlet second, and overall a role player. I understand that PFF claims that Bowers is like the most dominant blocker that college football has ever seen but the eye test sure says differently. Could it be his lack of snaps in the role works in his favor in this case? He will get destroyed by the DEs at the NFL level.

Hurst and Uzomah have played well in this offense because they understood the role and them excelling in the role should speak volumes as to why drafting an undersized TE with the 18th selection would be a waste in value.

Calling Spann-Ford a plodder I think gives credit to the lack of use of him as a receiver by Minnesota and discredits his abilities as a receiver. Watch tape of him catching the ball and in the open field and plodder is not the description that appears to be correct.

I opened footage of his games and he looks pedestrian to me from a speed and agility perspective.
He'll make catches but he's not going to get much YAC unless he's wide open.

You say we basically have to understand that a TE doesn't need to be a good receiver in the Bengals offense and they really just need a blocker, but couldn't there always be room for improvement at a position if someone can come in and be more dynamic?
Yes blocking is important for a TE in the Bengals scheme, but we've heard that they had Dalton Kincaid targeted in last year's draft.
Kincaid was (and is) a very good receiver.
If what was said was true, it sounded like they did have visions to make the TE position more dynamic and maybe even a bigger part of the offense.
We might even see it more emphasized with a new OC.

Let's also not misunderstand that the Bengals (and most teams) do not actually use their TEs much for pass blocking. If they block, it's predominantly run blocking only.
TEs are more often going out on routes if used on passing downs.

So what the Bengals need at the TE position is someone who can succeed as a receiver and run block, first and foremost.
They have a need for both, and they might have to get two different TEs if they can't find someone who can do both well.