05-11-2019, 11:49 AM
(05-11-2019, 09:52 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I liked Wesco as an option if they didn't get sample. I had this work out this way on the draft simulator a number of times.
Wesco, like Sample, had limited opportunities to be a receiver in the WVU offense until his senior year and he showed he could be a solid pass-catcher. Sample, however, is the much better receiver. I think Sample had 25 receptions last year and NOT ONE DROP. Most of his receptions came on 3rd down, and in the red zone. That kind of reliability is outstanding. He is also the hands-down best blocker in the draft. Wesco had some highlight blocks where he blew a guy up downfield, but straight up in-line blocking is where Sample is the best.
Sample was the 1st rated TE, in terms of blocking, by PFF coming out of the draft. He simply is a very sound player. That might not be as exciting to those panning the pick when they got him as he might not be flying down the seam for a 50 yard completion, but how many times did Eifert actually do that? Sure, the threat was there, but what the Bengals need is reliable players that don't make mistakes that end drives.
I was thrilled to get Sample and love that they have seemingly stopped trying to make receiving TEs good blockers instead of getting a great blocking TE that can move the chains. It gives them many more options when he is in, and makes the offense less predictable.
When Eifert was healthy, this offense was just...different. It was better. Defenses had to adjust when he was out there. I hope and pray he can contribute and be healthy all year, but Sample will help this offense be much better and more consistent running the ball and moving the chains game after game.
If I had to wager on what draft pick would have the greatest impact on this team this year, my money would be on Sample.
Oh, and since you have already figured out how much I like the player, his coaches and teammates also rave about him as a teammate and person.
I think you had us taking Sample in atleast one of your Mock Drafts Racer, good call and great points cause i agree with you on the team taking pass catching TE's and trying to make them blockers. Rarely does this work out, as we all know. Sample is a great blocker with great hands as you say. Sound player and standup individual, liking this Draft more and more and i voted it an A+ Draft immediately after.
(05-11-2019, 11:06 AM)XsandOs Wrote: I agree with this 100%.
Sample is not an in-line or a move TE. He is, in my opinion, the second best TE in this class, who can do both. Hock went in top-10.
He runs shallow crosses really well and has the speed to run the seam.
What he needs to develop is the suddenness in cutting 45 and 90 degree routes. That comes with coaching.
Given Taylor's expertise with receivers, I feel that Sample will be a devastating option for Dalton.
Feel the same, there were people that were crying about not taking Irv Smith and i was like, what? Dude is small and not a good blocker at all, Noah Fant is another that is a good pass catcher but cannot block. Hochenson honestly was the only more complete TE than Sample in this Draft cause he is amazing in both aspects. Sample as you say can be coached up in running more crisp routes, he already has blocking down and has great hands.
