SB Nation - Jerame Tuman

With three Tight Ends down, the Bengals will likely look to the free market

Kirkendall — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:42:18 -0000

Now that the Bengals are down three Tight Ends, the question becomes, what now? Reggie Kelly is out for the year after having surgery on Wednesday. On the same day, Ben Utecht suffered a nasty concussion which knocked him out for nearly ten minutes before regaining consciousness and was taken to the local hospital. Daniel Coats is listed as day-to-day after the third-string Tight End twisted his ankle. With Chase Coffman and Darius Hill as the only healthy Tight Ends available (both of whom are rookies), the Bengals are looking into the market for another.

The Bengals were talking about signing another tight end even before they went out to practice Wednesday night with former Packer and Jet Bubba Franks the most well known. Head coach Marvin Lewis acknowledged that Franks "was a very, very good player for a long period of time." He's also 31 and has played in just eight games in each of the last two seasons.

Typically when the Bengals went through a spell of injuries, we'd question the training staff. However, it doesn't seem right this time. The injuries that our Tight Ends are suffering are freak injuries that are unpreventable, placed in the category of "it happens."

Scout.com lists best available free agents at Tight End -- Bubba Franks among them.

George Wrighster - The Giants recently released him.
Bubba Franks - The New York Jets recently released him. Franks fits in as a second tight end at this point in his career.
Mark Bruener - May retire, but if he wants to play, he would fit in as a blocking/third tight end
Daniel Wilcox - Decent blocker who fits in as a second or third tight end.
Jerame Tuman - Fits in as a third tight end.
Courtney Anderson - One very highly regarded by the Raiders, but has bounced around quite a bit the past few seasons.
Nate Jackson - He was selected recently in the UFL draft.
Martrez Milner - Just waived by the Jets and fits in as a third tight end.
Adam Bergen - Former undrafted free agent who fits in as a third tight end.

Likely, the Bengals will rely heavily on Chase Coffman to carry the position banner. However, there's things he must adjust to. Like lining up in a three-point stance, for instance, and blocking. Coffman knows the sudden opportunity he's given.

"It does leave an opportunity for me to step up, make more plays and get more reps in practice and do the things that I need to be doing to be a great player," Coffman said Monday after Kelly was injured. "I have to step up now a lot more, learn quicker and do a lot better."

Satisfied enough that Coffman is doing the right things, head coach Marvin Lewis does see improvement.

"The offensive coaches comment that every day you see improvement," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "It's kind of like riding a bike; the more you do it the quicker it's going to come back to you. I thought tonight he (Coffman) did a good job of both hanging in there physically and being one of two guys for an entire practice."

There's still a decent chance that Coats returns within the month. Who knows about Utecht -- concussions are tricky things and there's no time-table chart. Either way, the Bengals will likely sign a Tight End in the coming days to replenish the ranks -- at least temporarily.

Arizona Cardinals Pre-Training Camp Roster Projections: Tight End

Hawkwind — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:16:50 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

Cardinals' fan were hopeful that Ben Patrick's spectacular catch in the Super Bowl would help him cement him as the future starter but a four game suspension has derailed those plans for now. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

With the projections of the offensive line complete (you can check out previous projections here), we move on to the most questionable position group on the Arizona Cardinals' roster: tight ends. Last year four different players would start multiple games at the tight end for the Cardinals and they enter training camp without a clear cut starter or even a front runner. Three of the four guys previously mentioned return this year, with Jerame Tuman being the only exception, and the team did bring in a couple new faces in an attempt to breed some competition and sustain some level of effectiveness. It'll likely be towards the end of camp before we have any kind of clarity at this position but we'll try to wade through the possibilities.

Locks

Stephen Spach, Ben Patrick

On the Bubble

Leonard Pope, Anthony Becht, Dominique Byrd, Alex Shor

It might seem weird that the two guys who might not even be able to start the season with the club are considered locks but hear me out. Spach became the best tight end on the roster almost as soon as he was signed last year and there's not much of a reason to think that he can't return to that level once he's fully healed, even if it means starting the season on the PUP list. He's been adamant that he'll be ready by the start of training camp but eight months is a quick turnaround from an ACL injury. My thought process on Patrick, who will miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension, is that if the team were going to cut him, they would have already made the move. The team knew about his upcoming suspension when they tendered him this off season so it wouldn't make a great deal of sense to turn around and cut him after camp. He's the best receiving tight end on the roster by far, with possibly Byrd being the only exception. The next four guys we'll hit after the jump but just for the record, only Alex Shor is eligible for the practice squad.

Leonard Pope: Pope, a third round pick in 2006, has never quite lived up to expectations although he showed some promise in 2007 when he caught five touchdowns balls. Last season was supposed to be a breakout year for the 6' 8" tight end but injuries and inconsistency limited him to just nine receptions in eight starts. His height, once thought to make him a great red zone threat, has never materialized into a weapon and instead has kept him from becoming much of a force in either run blocking or pass protection. Despite his struggles though Pope did start the most games at tight end for the Cardinals last season and with question marks surrounding the health of Spach and Patrick's unavaliability, the door is open for Pope to finally play up to his potentional. Either way though the four year pro is in the midst of a make-or-break season.

Anthony Becht: Becht has two assets that might just set him apart from every other tight end in this group. He's extremely durable and he's a very good blocker. The last time this former first round pick missed a game due to injury, Ken Whisenhunt was his tight end coach (2000) and since then he's gone on to play in 136 consecutive games. As a blocker, Becht is almost a third offensive tackle and that's the primary reason why the soon to be 32 year old is still in the league. He doesn't offer much as a reciever but that doesn't mean that his hands are terrible. He's capable of catching the ball just don't expect him to become a threat to stretch the field or run away from defenders (as evidence by his yards per reception of 8.1). Regardless of his limitations though, with the emphasis that Whisenhunt places on blocking, some consider Becht to be the favorite heading into training camp.

Dominique Byrd: The signing of Byrd seemingly came out of the blue. The front office and scouting department went to USC's pro day and Byrd just happen to be there working out in hopes of resurrecting his defunct NFL career. The former third round pick, also in 2006, lasted just two seasons with the St. Louis Rams before they grew tired of his lack of desire or work ethic. Apparently a year outside of the league has Byrd looking like a changed man though and he's spent the off season working out with Larry Fitzgerald. Byrd has always been a decent threat in the passing game and with Patrick out for the first four games, Byrd might just get a shot at proving he can still play. He'll have to prove to Whisenhunt that he can hold his own in the running game and pass protection though.

Alex Shor: Shor, despite being in the organization since 2006, is still an unkown. He was signed after being undrafted in 2006 but didn't make the team or practice squad that season. He was resigned after the 2006 season and spent the 2007 summer playing in NFL Europe (played in nine games with one start). He was again cut during training camp and didn't find his way back to the practice squad until the week of the regular season finale. Shor repeated the same cycle during training camp although he did spend the entire 2008 season on the practice squad. On one hand you'd think that he's well thought of by the coaching staff because they keep bringing him back every year. At the same time though you've got to wonder why the team felt more comfortable bringing in a newcomer (Spach) last year instead of calling up a guy who already knew the offense. To his credit, Shor is thought of as an above average blocker.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If there is one thing that stands out, it should be that the Cardinals have options at tight end. With five experienced veterans and a sixth player very familiar with the system, you'd have to think that the team can find some combination of players that will resemble an effective unit. It'll be interesting to see who is left standing once the dust settles in mid to late August. Who do you think will make the final roster? Will Spach start the season on the PUP list? Will the Cardinals carry three or four tight ends?

NFC West Roundtable: Tight End

John Morgan — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:26:32 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

This picture has nothing to to with John Carlson, but look! Novelty!

Browse more photos »

In which I tap into my inner Robert and gush about John Carlson.

Seattle Seahawks
Blogger: John Morgan

Combining age, health, production, support skills and cost it’s tempting to award Seattle and "A"— ah hell I’ll do it. Why is John Carlson and truly just John Carlson worth an "A"?

He’s 25 (as of May 12) at a position that tends to decline after age 29. That means he has more productive seasons ahead of him than almost any other tight end of his capability.

He was healthy his rookie season and has no outstanding health concerns.

As part of a totally failed pass offense that lacked weapons of any kind before Deion Branch’s late season resurgence, Carlson was not only productive, catching 55 passes for 627 yards and five touchdowns, but important, Seattle’s leading receiver by receptions, yards, touchdowns, and efficient. It’s the efficiency that’s so remarkable. On an offense that couldn’t produce, Carlson did. Passes targeting Carlson were worth 143 DYAR, 9th best among all tight ends. He produced with three different quarterbacks, one named Charlie Frye. He produced when NFL teams adjusted to the Seahawks’ only weapon, assigning safeties to stop him and linebackers to bracket him. He produced like a top veteran at a position that’s famously tough on rookies.

Carlson isn’t a great pass blocker, but he’s developing. He’s already a pretty good run blocker and relative to his more-slot-receiver-than-tight-

end contemporaries, an excellent run blocker. He’s a hard worker with a pronounced competitive streak. He’ll work and he’ll improve.

Despite all that, he’s not yet as on-field valuable as the truly elite at his position: Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow and Chris Cooley, but he has a substantial off-field advantage. Carlson cost Seattle $770,000 against the cap in 2008. His four-year contract is worth only $4.52 million. That means he will cost Seattle less in four years than Gonzalez or Winslow cost in 2008, and has less remaining through 2011 than Vernon Davis will make in 2009 alone.

So it’s a qualified "A", yes, and behind Carlson is only a blocking tight end, John Owens, potential, Cameron Morrah, and busted potential, Joe Newton, but Carlson, like Heath Miller in 2008, Brandon Jacobs in 2007 and Bob Sanders in 2006, is the kind of low cost/high value talent that defines "Championship Caliber".

Grade: A

San Francisco 49ers
Blogger: Fooch

The 49ers tight ends have created great frustration for 49ers fans for much of this decade. Lately, this frustration has come in the form of Vernon Davis. Davis is a physically gifted athlete. There are few athletes in the NFL that combine his speed and size. Of course, few athletes share his ability to talk smack while not producing at the level you'd expect from said talk.

A lot of fans have written off Vernon Davis as a loudmouth, over-hyped workout warrior. I can understand this viewpoint, but I remain convinced that Davis is a unique weapon that is essential for the 49ers future success. Although Davis has great speed and size, he often struggles to make plays on deeper routes. I remain convinced that he can be most effective in plays where the QB gets the ball in his hands as soon after the snap as possible. This is a man you can line up anywhere on the field, from TE to WR to RB and utilize his speed and size to make plays. When he's used in swing passes, screens or even reverses, he has made things happen.

I gave the 49ers a C in large part because Vernon Davis has at times been able to capitalize on the mountain of potential. In 2007, his second season, Davis finished 4th among NFC tight ends in receptions and sixth in yards. However, more than that is his blocking ability. He's pointed to as one of the best blocking tight ends in the game and he's actually said he felt he could be a Pro Bowl offensive tackle if he put on some weight. And while, those outside the 49ers flock might write that off as continued smack talk, I can tell you he's probably correct.

This past season saw him held back to block significantly more than his first two seasons in part because of the Martz offense's proclivity to give up sacks. Since the hiring of Jimmy Raye, the talk has been of using Davis in a more traditional receiving tight end role. Raye worked extensively with Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City and so it will be interesting to see how he utilizes Davis in 2009. I can guarantee you that at least Davis's receiving numbers will go up across the board. If the 49ers can properly utilize his rare physical gifts, he will be a very solid threat on offense.

The primary backup to Davis has been Delanie Walker. Walker is a wide receiver converted to tight end. He's got some solid hands, but has never quite reached the next level outside of the preseason. Aside from having a cult following, Walker's biggest claim to fame is that he's one of the few (if only) tight ends utilized on kick returns. Allen Rossum is the 49ers primary return man, but when he went down with an injury, Walker got a lot of time as a kick returner. Although injury forced it, Walker has a good deal of speed for a tight end and thus was not the worst choice in the world. However, in terms of the offense, his blocking is limited and thus he does not get as much of an opportunity as he might otherwise see.

The 49ers drafted Bear Pascoe out of Fresno State in the sixth round this year to replace blocking tight end Billy Bajema. It didn't take long for the cowboy (he actually participates in rodeos!) to gain a big fan following among 49ers fans. As a sixth round pick there's certainly a reason he was passed on by so many teams. As the replacement for Bajema, I'd imagine his primary task this year will be in the run game. However, he might turn into an upgrade over Bajema in the receiving game. Bajema had two receptions last season, which was two more than the previous two seasons combined. When Bajema was on the field, it was safe to cheat off him as a defender. Bear appeared to be a solid receiver at Fresno State, so hopefully he can keep defenders a little more honest.

Turf Show Times
Blogger: VanRam

With the coaching situation and the offense finally looking like they'll have some much needed stability, the Rams are counting on Randy McMichael to regain 60+ reception ability this season. He was sorely missed last season, leaving in week four with a broken leg. In the seasons prior to that, he was utilized more as a blocker - an area where he's "good enough" - to help compensate for the sorry state of the offensive line. He's also, officially, the team's most experienced receiver, revealing just how much the team will be counting on him. The new West Coast play book will have plenty of seam routes for McMichael and used to create mismatches in the middle on plays that use the speedy receivers like Donnie Avery to stretch the field and keep safeties honest. We know McMichael has the ability to be a useful 60 reception guy, but, needless to say, he has to stay healthy, something you can't take for granted with a TE entering his age-30 year. He is now practicing at full speed, with no limitations, but the hitting has yet to begin.

If McMichael does succumb to injury, the next receiving TE on the Rams depth chart is the 6'4" 270 lbs Cal-Davis product Daniel Fells, a mid-season pick up from the Tampa Bay practice squad. Fells flashed some potential during the 2008 season, but has really impressed with his hands in practice. Fells still has to answer charges that he doesn't play physical enough. His spot is by no means guaranteed, but he does seem to have leaped over 2006 second round pick Joe Klopfenstein, a fan icon for lost draft picks and a guy who probably won't be on the team come September.

Third on the depth chart at TE is blocking specialist Billy Bajema, signed away from the 49ers as a free agent this spring to be younger version of last year's free agent blocking TE Anthony Becht...who's now with the Cardinals in what surely must be the league's most incestuous division for tight ends.

I'm giving this unit a B. We know that McMichael is capable of being among the best of that group of TEs just below the elite guys that even the novices in your fantasy league know of. With an improved offensive line he'll get to do what he does best more often, while the other guys fill the roles.

Arizona Cardinals
Blogger: cgolden

After struggling to find an adequate and healthy starter last year, the Cardinals seem to be taking the Jon Gruden QB approach, with their tight ends this off season. During last season four different players started multiple games at tight end for the Cardinals, Ben Patrick, Leonard Pope, Jerame Tuman and Stephen Spach. If you could summarize the talent at tight end last season in one sentance, it would be that the team signed a guy off the streets in October who became far and away the best guy on the depth chart in less than three weeks. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt, a former tight end himself, brought in two more tight ends this off season although surprisingly they didn't select one in the draft.

The current depth chart is without a star but there's more than a handful of warm bodies. Stephen Spach would have to enter camp as the early favorite to win the starting job, if he's fully healed from a torn ACL in the playoff game against the Panthers. Spach was signed mid-season and almost instantly shot to the top of the depth chart thanks to injuries and his steady play. He's not a great blocker or a great receiver but he does both adequetely, which is more than anyone else could say last year. The other two returning 'part-time' starters Ben Patrick and Leonard Pope will have to prove they can stay healthy before much is expected out of either. Patrick is the best receiver of the bunch (only TE with double digit receptions) and he's probably still got the highest ceiling of any returning tight ends, but the former 7th round pick will have to improve in the running game before Whiz warms up to his game. Leonard Pope is the one of the most aggravating players on the roster and plenty consider this a make or break year for the three year vet. After showing some promise down the stretch in 2007, Pope struggled to stay healthy or effective in 2008. His heighth (6'8) hasn't helped him become the red zone threat that most envisioned and it makes him almost a complete liability as a blocker. His propensity for false starts is equally frustrating. The final returning player, Alex Shor, is a career practice squad guy who's considered a long shot, at best, to make the roster. When the organization chose to sign a free agent in the middle of the season instead of 'call up' Shor, it was a pretty clear sign that they're not overly hopeful about his abilities.

The two additions to the roster, Anthony Becht and Dominique Byrd, are both former Rams. At 280 pounds, Becht is essentially a third offensive tackle but considering Whiz's desire for a running game, some consider Becht the favorite to win the starting job. Byrd is a former third round pick in 2006 who was underwhelming to say the least in St. Louis and didn't win over many fans or coaches with his desire or work ethic. Still though the Cardinals saw something that they liked when he showed up at USC's pro day this spring and he's got a shot to make the team.

All in all the Cardinals are throwing mud against the wall and hoping that something will stick. Maybe someone will stay healthy and provide some decent production or maybe we'll be scouring the free agent cast offs come mid season. Grade: D

NFC West Position-by-Position: Tight Ends

Hawkwind — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:02:57 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

6 months ago: Arizona Cardinals' Anthony Becht makes a catch during practice at Cardinals mini-camp at Cardinals' training facility, Tuesday, June 2, 2009, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

Our last installment the NFC West position by position analysis covered one of, if not the best, positions groups on the roster so perhaps it's only logical that we follow that up with covering one of the weakest positions on the Arizona Cardinals roster. The tight end position has been anything but a strength for this team and we enter the 2009 season with just as many question marks as answers, but how does the rest of the position look?

Arizona Cardinals

After struggling to find an adequate and healthy starter last year, the Cardinals seem to be taking the Jon Gruden QB approach, with their tight ends this off season. During last season four different players started multiple games at tight end for the Cardinals, Ben Patrick, Leonard Pope, Jerame Tuman and Stephen Spach. If you could summarize the talent at tight end last season in one sentence, it would be that the team signed a guy off the streets in October who became far and away the best guy on the depth chart in less than three weeks. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt, a former tight end himself, brought in two more tight ends this off season although surprisingly they didn't select one in the draft.

The current depth chart is without a star but there's more than a handful of warm bodies. Stephen Spach would have to enter camp as the early favorite to win the starting job, if he's fully healed from a torn ACL in the playoff game against the Panthers. Spach was signed mid-season and almost instantly shot to the top of the depth chart thanks to injuries and his steady play. He's not a great blocker or a great receiver but he does both adequately, which is more than anyone else could say last year. The other two returning 'part-time' starters Ben Patrick and Leonard Pope will have to prove they can stay healthy before much is expected out of either. Patrick is the best receiver of the bunch (only TE with double digit receptions) and he's probably still got the highest ceiling of any returning tight ends, but the former 7th round pick will have to improve in the running game before Whiz warms up to his game. Leonard Pope is the one of the most aggravating players on the roster and plenty consider this a make or break year for the three year vet. After showing some promise down the stretch in 2007, Pope struggled to stay healthy or effective in 2008. His height (6'8) hasn't helped him become the red zone threat that most envisioned and it makes him almost a complete liability as a blocker. His propensity for false starts is equally frustrating. The final returning player, Alex Shor, is a career practice squad guy who's considered a long shot, at best, to make the roster. When the organization chose to sign a free agent in the middle of the season instead of 'call up' Shor, it was a pretty clear sign that they're not overly hopeful about his abilities.

The two additions to the roster, Anthony Becht and Dominique Byrd, are both former Rams. At 280 pounds, Becht is essentially a third offensive tackle but considering Whiz's desire for a running game, some consider Becht the favorite to win the starting job. Byrd is a former third round pick in 2006 who was underwhelming to say the least in St. Louis and didn't win over many fans or coaches with his desire or work ethic. Still though the Cardinals saw something that they liked when he showed up at USC's pro day this spring and he's got a shot to make the team.

All in all the Cardinals are throwing mud against the wall and hoping that something will stick. Maybe someone will stay healthy and provide some decent production or maybe we'll be scouring the free agent cast offs come mid season. Grade: D

San Francisco 49ers - Niners Nation

The 49ers tight ends have created great frustration for 49ers fans for much of this decade. Lately, this frustration has come in the form of Vernon Davis. Davis is a physically gifted athlete. There are few athletes in the NFL that combine his speed and size. Of course, few athletes share his ability to talk smack while not producing at the level you'd expect from said talk.

A lot of fans have written off Vernon Davis as a loudmouth, over-hyped workout warrior. I can understand this viewpoint, but I remain convinced that Davis is a unique weapon that is essential for the 49ers future success. Although Davis has great speed and size, he often struggles to make plays on deeper routes. I remain convinced that he can be most effective in plays where the QB gets the ball in his hands as soon after the snap as possible. This is a man you can line up anywhere on the field, from TE to WR to RB and utilize his speed and size to make plays. When he's used in swing passes, screens or even reverses, he has made things happen.

I gave the 49ers a C in large part because Vernon Davis has at times been able to capitalize on the mountain of potential. In 2007, his second season, Davis finished 4th among NFC tight ends in receptions and sixth in yards. However, more than that is his blocking ability. He's pointed to as one of the best blocking tight ends in the game and he's actually said he felt he could be a Pro Bowl offensive tackle if he put on some weight. And while, those outside the 49ers flock might write that off as continued smack talk, I can tell you he's probably correct.

This past season saw him held back to block significantly more than his first two seasons in part because of the Martz offense's proclivity to give up sacks. Since the hiring of Jimmy Raye, the talk has been of using Davis in a more traditional receiving tight end role. Raye worked extensively with Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City and so it will be interesting to see how he utilizes Davis in 2009. I can guarantee you that at least Davis's receiving numbers will go up across the board. If the 49ers can properly utilize his rare physical gifts, he will be a very solid threat on offense.

The primary backup to Davis has been Delanie Walker. Walker is a wide receiver converted to tight end. He's got some solid hands, but has never quite reached the next level outside of the preseason. Aside from having a cult following, Walker's biggest claim to fame is that he's one of the few (if only) tight ends utilized on kick returns. Allen Rossum is the 49ers primary return man, but when he went down with an injury, Walker got a lot of time as a kick returner. Although injury forced it, Walker has a good deal of speed for a tight end and thus was not the worst choice in the world. However, in terms of the offense, his blocking is limited and thus he does not get as much of an opportunity as he might otherwise see.

The 49ers drafted Bear Pascoe out of Fresno State in the sixth round this year to replace blocking tight end Billy Bajema. It didn't take long for the cowboy (he actually participates in rodeos!) to gain a big fan following among 49ers fans. As a sixth round pick there's certainly a reason he was passed on by so many teams. As the replacement for Bajema, I'd imagine his primary task this year will be in the run game. However, he might turn into an upgrade over Bajema in the receiving game. Bajema had two receptions last season, which was two more than the previous two seasons combined. When Bajema was on the field, it was safe to cheat off him as a defender. Bear appeared to be a solid receiver at Fresno State, so hopefully he can keep defenders a little more honest.

Grade C

St. Louis Rams - Turf Show Times

With the coaching situation and the offense finally looking like they'll have some much needed stability, the Rams are counting on Randy McMichael to regain 60+ reception ability this season. He was sorely missed last season, leaving in week four with a broken leg. In the seasons prior to that, he was utilized more as a blocker - an area where he's "good enough" - to help compensate for the sorry state of the offensive line. He's also, officially, the team's most experienced receiver, revealing just how much the team will be counting on him. The new West Coast play book will have plenty of seam routes for McMichael and used to create mismatches in the middle on plays that use the speedy receivers like Donnie Avery to stretch the field and keep safeties honest. We know McMichael has the ability to be a useful 60 reception guy, but, needless to say, he has to stay healthy, something you can't take for granted with a TE entering his age-30 year. He is now practicing at full speed, with no limitations, but the hitting has yet to begin.

If McMichael does succumb to injury, the next receiving TE on the Rams depth chart is the 6'4" 270 lbs Cal-Davis product Daniel Fells, a mid-season pick up from the Tampa Bay practice squad. Fells flashed some potential during the 2008 season, but has really impressed with his hands in practice. Fells still has to answer charges that he doesn't play physical enough. His spot is by no means guaranteed, but he does seem to have leaped over 2006 second round pick Joe Klopfenstein, a fan icon for lost draft picks and a guy who probably won't be on the team come September.

Third on the depth chart at TE is blocking specialist Billy Bajema, signed away from the 49ers as a free agent this spring to be younger version of last year's free agent blocking TE Anthony Becht...who's now with the Cardinals in what surely must be the league's most incestuous division for tight ends.

I'm giving this unit a B. We know that McMichael is capable of being among the best of that group of TEs just below the elite guys that even the novices in your fantasy league know of. With an improved offensive line he'll get to do what he does best more often, while the other guys fill the roles.

Seattle Seahawks - Field Gulls

Combining age, health, production, support skills and cost it's tempting to award Seattle and "A"- ah hell I'll do it. Why is John Carlson and truly just John Carlson worth an "A"?

He's 25 (as of May 12) at a position that tends to decline after age 29. That means he has more productive seasons ahead of him than almost any other tight end of his capability.

He was healthy his rookie season and has no outstanding health concerns.

As part of a totally failed pass offense that lacked weapons of any kind before Deion Branch's late season resurgence, Carlson was not only productive, catching 55 passes for 627 yards and five touchdowns, but important, Seattle's leading receiver by receptions, yards, touchdowns, and efficient. It's the efficiency that's so remarkable. On an offense that couldn't produce, Carlson did. Passes targeting Carlson were worth 143 DYAR, 9th best among all tight ends. He produced with three different quarterbacks, one named Charlie Frye. He produced when NFL teams adjusted to the Seahawks' only weapon, assigning safeties to stop him and linebackers to bracket him. He produced like a top veteran at a position that's famously tough on rookies.

Carlson isn't a great pass blocker, but he's developing. He's already a pretty good run blocker and relative to his more-slot-receiver-than-tight-end contemporaries, an excellent run blocker. He's a hard worker with a pronounced competitive streak. He'll work and he'll improve.

Despite all that, he's not yet as on-field valuable as the truly elite at his position: Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow and Chris Cooley, but he has a substantial off-field advantage. Carlson cost Seattle $770,000 against the cap in 2008. His four-year contract is worth only $4.52 million. That means he will cost Seattle less in four years than Gonzalez or Winslow cost in 2008, and has less remaining through 2011 than Vernon Davis will make in 2009 alone.

So it's a qualified "A", yes, and behind Carlson is only a blocking tight end, John Owens, potential, Cameron Morrah, and busted potential, Joe Newton, but Carlson, like Heath Miller in 2008, Brandon Jacobs in 2007 and Bob Sanders in 2006, is the kind of low cost/high value talent that defines "Championship Caliber".

Grade: A

Ranking the top and bottom of the division were relatively easy but the middle two caused some debate:

Seahawks
49ers
Rams
Cardinals

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So what do you guys think? How would you rank the division? Just for kicks, how many tight ends will start at least one game for the Cardinals?

Poll

How many tight ends will start at least one game for the Cardinals?

One

2 votes

Two

40 votes

Three

114 votes

Four

39 votes

Five

10 votes

I can't even count that high

29 votes

234 votes | Poll has closed

NFC West Position-by-Position: Tight Ends

Fooch — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:00:27 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

Browse more photos »

A month into this discussion and we've discussed the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. Now, we reach a position that causes a good deal of stress among 49ers fans: tight end. As divisive as the QB position is, there is probably just as big a divide in the pro/con Vernon Davis camps. He's a physically gifted athlete, but he has been wildly inconsistent. He'll make a huge play and follow that up with an absolute bonehead decision.

We decided to go with tight end for today's discussion and came up with the rankings below. A healthy Randy McMichael could possibly move the Rams to second, but for now I think the 49ers are at least second best in the division. Maybe better? Guess it depends on your thoughts on second year Seahawks TE John Carlson.

1. Seattle Seahawks
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. St. Louis Rams
4. Arizona Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks
Blogger: John Morgan
Combining age, health, production, support skills and cost it’s tempting to award Seattle and "A"— ah hell I’ll do it. Why is John Carlson and truly just John Carlson worth an "A"? He’s 25 (as of May 12) at a position that tends to decline after age 29. That means he has more productive seasons ahead of him than almost any other tight end of his capability. He was healthy his rookie season and has no outstanding health concerns.

As part of a totally failed pass offense that lacked weapons of any kind before Deion Branch’s late season resurgence, Carlson was not only productive, catching 55 passes for 627 yards and five touchdowns, but important, Seattle’s leading receiver by receptions, yards, touchdowns, and efficient. It’s the efficiency that’s so remarkable. On an offense that couldn’t produce, Carlson did. Passes targeting Carlson were worth 143 DYAR, 9th best among all tight ends. He produced with three different quarterbacks, one named Charlie Frye. He produced when NFL teams adjusted to the Seahawks’ only weapon, assigning safeties to stop him and linebackers to bracket him. He produced like a top veteran at a position that’s famously tough on rookies.

Carlson isn’t a great pass blocker, but he’s developing. He’s already a pretty good run blocker and relative to his more-slot-receiver-than-tight-end contemporaries, an excellent run blocker. He’s a hard worker with a pronounced competitive streak. He’ll work and he’ll improve.

Despite all that, he’s not yet as on-field valuable as the truly elite at his position: Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow and Chris Cooley, but he has a substantial off-field advantage. Carlson cost Seattle $770,000 against the cap in 2008. His four-year contract is worth only $4.52 million. That means he will cost Seattle less in four years than Gonzalez or Winslow cost in 2008, and has less remaining through 2011 than Vernon Davis will make in 2009 alone.

So it’s a qualified "A", yes, and behind Carlson is only a blocking tight end, John Owens, potential, Cameron Morrah, and busted potential, Joe Newton, but Carlson, like Heath Miller in 2008, Brandon Jacobs in 2007 and Bob Sanders in 2006, is the kind of low cost/high value talent that defines "Championship Caliber".

Grade: A

San Francisco 49ers
Blogger: Fooch
The 49ers tight ends have created great frustration for 49ers fans for much of this decade. Lately, this frustration has come in the form of Vernon Davis. Davis is a physically gifted athlete. There are few athletes in the NFL that combine his speed and size. Of course, few athletes share his ability to talk smack while not producing at the level you'd expect from said talk.

I gave the 49ers a C in large part because Vernon Davis has at times been able to capitalize on the mountain of potential. In 2007, his second season, Davis finished 4th among NFC tight ends in receptions and sixth in yards. However, more than that is his blocking ability. He's pointed to as one of the best blocking tight ends in the game and he's actually said he felt he could be a Pro Bowl offensive tackle if he put on some weight. And while, those outside the 49ers flock might write that off as continued smack talk, I can tell you he's probably correct.

St. Louis Rams

Blogger: VanRam
With the coaching situation and the offense finally looking like they'll have some much needed stability, the Rams are counting on Randy McMichael to regain 60+ reception ability this season. He was sorely missed last season, leaving in week four with a broken leg. In the seasons prior to that, he was utilized more as a blocker - an area where he's "good enough" - to help compensate for the sorry state of the offensive line. He's also, officially, the team's most experienced receiver, revealing just how much the team will be counting on him. The new West Coast play book will have plenty of seam routes for McMichael and used to create mismatches in the middle on plays that use the speedy receivers like Donnie Avery to stretch the field and keep safeties honest. We know McMichael has the ability to be a useful 60 reception guy, but, needless to say, he has to stay healthy, something you can't take for granted with a TE entering his age-30 year. He is now practicing at full speed, with no limitations, but the hitting has yet to begin.

If McMichael does succumb to injury, the next receiving TE on the Rams depth chart is the 6'4" 270 lbs Cal-Davis product Daniel Fells, a mid-season pick up from the Tampa Bay practice squad. Fells flashed some potential during the 2008 season, but has really impressed with his hands in practice. Fells still has to answer charges that he doesn't play physical enough. His spot is by no means guaranteed, but he does seem to have leaped over 2006 second round pick Joe Klopfenstein, a fan icon for lost draft picks and a guy who probably won't be on the team come September.

Third on the depth chart at TE is blocking specialist Billy Bajema, signed away from the 49ers as a free agent this spring to be younger version of last year's free agent blocking TE Anthony Becht...who's now with the Cardinals in what surely must be the league's most incestuous division for tight ends.

I'm giving this unit a B. We know that McMichael is capable of being among the best of that group of TEs just below the elite guys that even the novices in your fantasy league know of. With an improved offensive line he'll get to do what he does best more often, while the other guys fill the roles.

Arizona Cardinals
Blogger: cgolden
After struggling to find an adequate and healthy starter last year, the Cardinals seem to be taking the Jon Gruden QB approach, with their tight ends this off season. During last season four different players started multiple games at tight end for the Cardinals, Ben Patrick, Leonard Pope, Jerame Tuman and Stephen Spach. If you could summarize the talent at tight end last season in one sentance, it would be that the team signed a guy off the streets in October who became far and away the best guy on the depth chart in less than three weeks. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt, a former tight end himself, brought in two more tight ends this off season although surprisingly they didn't select one in the draft.

The current depth chart is without a star but there's more than a handful of warm bodies. Stephen Spach would have to enter camp as the early favorite to win the starting job, if he's fully healed from a torn ACL in the playoff game against the Panthers. Spach was signed mid-season and almost instantly shot to the top of the depth chart thanks to injuries and his steady play. He's not a great blocker or a great receiver but he does both adequetely, which is more than anyone else could say last year. The other two returning 'part-time' starters Ben Patrick and Leonard Pope will have to prove they can stay healthy before much is expected out of either. Patrick is the best receiver of the bunch (only TE with double digit receptions) and he's probably still got the highest ceiling of any returning tight ends, but the former 7th round pick will have to improve in the running game before Whiz warms up to his game. Leonard Pope is the one of the most aggravating players on the roster and plenty consider this a make or break year for the three year vet. After showing some promise down the stretch in 2007, Pope struggled to stay healthy or effective in 2008. His heighth (6'8) hasn't helped him become the red zone threat that most envisioned and it makes him almost a complete liability as a blocker. His propensity for false starts is equally frustrating. The final returning player, Alex Shor, is a career practice squad guy who's considered a long shot, at best, to make the roster. When the organization chose to sign a free agent in the middle of the season instead of 'call up' Shor, it was a pretty clear sign that they're not overly hopeful about his abilities.

The two additions to the roster, Anthony Becht and Dominique Byrd, are both former Rams. At 280 pounds, Becht is essentially a third offensive tackle but considering Whiz's desire for a running game, some consider Becht the favorite to win the starting job. Byrd is a former third round pick in 2006 who was underwhelming to say the least in St. Louis and didn't win over many fans or coaches with his desire or work ethic. Still though the Cardinals saw something that they liked when he showed up at USC's pro day this spring and he's got a shot to make the team.

All in all the Cardinals are throwing mud against the wall and hoping that something will stick. Maybe someone will stay healthy and provide some decent production or maybe we'll be scouring the free agent cast offs come mid season. Grade: D

Poll

Who has the best tight ends in the division?

Arizona

7 votes

St. Louis

6 votes

San Francisco

442 votes

Seattle

85 votes

540 votes | Poll has closed

Will the Pioli/Parcells/Haley Connection Bring Any Remaining Free Agents to the Chiefs?

Joel Thorman — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:37:19 -0000

Note: Primetime did the leg work on the tables and I did the writing. -Chris

If you're been reading Arrowhead Pride for a little while now, you know that Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are big on bringing in coaches and players that they've worked with before. Which makes perfect sense. It's a natural human instinct to take the known over the unknown.

It's gotten to the point where as soon as we hear of a new player the Chiefs have signed or are interested in, we look for the Pioli/Parcells/Haley connection and it's inevitably there.

Why look for a Bill Parcells connection in addition to a Pioli/Haley connection?

Well because the legendary coach has had some big time influence on the Chiefs current GM and head coach.

Todd Haley began his career as the New York Jets' wide receivers coach under Parcells in 1997. Haley also coached under Parcells from 2004 to 2005 as the wide receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, while Parcells was the head coach.

Todd is the son of Dick Haley, who is the current Player Personnel Analyst for the Miami Dolphins and former Director of Player Personnel for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. Haley, his father Dick and Parcells all worked together in New York from 1997 to 1999. Haley was the Jets wide receiver coach; Parcells was the head coach; and Dick Haley as the Personnel Director.

Haley and Scott Pioli worked together from 1997 to 2000, when Pioli was the Director of Pro Personnel for the New York Jets.

As far as Parcells and Pioli go, both worked together in New York for the Jets in the late 1990s while Parcells was the head coach there. Oh, and Scott Pioli also married Bill Parcells' daughter. They're probably pretty tight.

So it's one big happy family over there at One Arrowhead Drive nowadays.

Every single coach hired by the new Kansas City Chiefs' brass has had some sort of Scott Piloli/Todd Haley/Bill Parcells connection.

Special teams coach Steve Hoffman (Parcells)
WR coach Dedric Ward (Haley, Parcells and Pioli)
Defensive quality control coach Pat Perles (Haley)
Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast (Haley)
Offensive line coach Bill Muir (Pioli and Haley)
LB coach Gary Gibbs (Parcells and Haley)
Joel Collier (Pioli)

It's the same thing with the free agents the Chiefs have signed this off season:

LB Monty Beisel - Played for Arizona in 2008 under Chiefs' DC Clancy Pendergast
QB Matt Cassel - Former New England Patriot under Pioli
WR Terrance Copper - Signed to the Cowboys by Bill Parcells when Todd Haley was working with the wide receivers
CB Travis Daniels - Former Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel, who coached under Belichick and Pioli in New England, traded for him prior to the 2008 campaign
WR Bobby Engram -Played for the Bears when Todd Haley worked with wide receivers
LB Darrell Robertson - New England practice squad in 2008 and a former Georgia Tech player under Chan Gailey
TE Sean Ryan - Played last year in Miami for Bill Parcells and for Haley and Parcells in Dallas from 2004 to 2005
TE Tony Curtis - Played for Haley and Parcells in Dallas from 2005 to 2006

Is that enough evidence that these guys prefer working with people they've worked with before?

It makes sense to take a look at who the top remaining free agents and see where the Pioli/Haley/Parcells connection is. It's likely that any future free agent signings will come from this group.

The top offensive and defensive free agents connected to Pioli, Haley and Parcells are after the jump.

Offense
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Age	Pioli	Haley	Parcells
Rex Grossman	QB	6'1"	222	28		CHI 03-04
Lorenzo Neal	FB	5'11"	255	39		NYJ 97	NYJ 97
Marty Booker	WR	6'0"	212	32		CHI 01-03
Kelley Washington	WR	6'3"	218	29	NE 07-08
Jerame Tuman	TE	6'4"	255	33		AZ 08
Brandon Gorin	RT	6'6"	308	30	NE 03-05
Rob Petitti	RT	6'6"	347	26		DAL 05	DAL 05
Terrence Metcalf	G-T	6'3"	325	31		CHI 02-04
Evan Mathis	G	6'5"	304	27			MIA 08
Grey Ruegamer	G-C	6'4"	310	32	NE 00-02
Matt Lehr	G-C	6'3"	300	30			DAL 03-04
Edgerrin James	RB	6'0"	219	30		AZ 07-08

Back on Monday, I asked you what was the biggest positional need for the Chiefs after the draft. You responded by saying that wide receiver, offensive tackle and outside linebacker were the Chiefs' biggest needs.

WR Marty Booker has already had a workout with the Chiefs and left without a contract offer (We assume).

Former 3rd round pick Kelley Washington is an option too I guess, although I'm not sure what he would bring to the table considering his poor career numbers.

At best, I think any of the offensive line free agents out there would be back ups to our current crop of linemen.

The defensive free agents are pretty slim pickings as well. Check them out.

Defense
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Age	Pioli	Haley	Parcells
La'Roi Glover	DT-NT	6'2"	285	34		DAL 05	DAL 03-05
Chris Cooper	DT-DE	6'5"	275	31		AZ 07	DAL 04
Vonnie Holliday	DT-DE	6'5"	290	33			MIA 08
Rosevelt Colvin	DE-LB	6'3"	250	31	NE 03-08	CHI 01-02
Ebenezer Ekuban	DE	6'3"	265	32			DAL 03
Derek Smith	ILB	6'2"	245	34			MIA 08
Junior Seau	ILB	6'3"	250	40	NE 06-08
Willie McGinest	OLB-DE	6'5"	270	37	NE 00-05
Mike Brown	S	5'10"	210	31		CHI 01-04
Rodney Harrison	S	6'1"	220	36	NE 03-08
Lawyer Milloy	S	6'0"	210	34	NE 00-03
Roy Williams	S	6'0"	235	28		DAL 05-06	DAL 03-06
Keith Davis	S	5'10"	193	30		DAL 05-06	DAL 03-06
Terrence Holt	S	6'2"	208	29		AZ 07
Cameron Worrell	S	5'11"	199	29		CHI 03-04
Mike Green	S	6'0"	195	32		CHI 01-04
Deltha O'Neal	CB	5'11"	194	32	NE 08
Jason Webster	CB	5'9"	187	31	NE 08
R.W. McQuarters	CB	5'10"	198	32		CHI 01-04
Lewis Sanders	CB	6'1"	190	29	NE 08
Aaron Glenn	CB	5'9"	185	36		NYJ 95-00, DAL 05-06	NYJ 97-99, DAL 05-06
Roderick Hood	DB	5'11"	198	27		AZ 07-08
Travis LaBoy	DE	6'3"	250	27		AZ 08

Considering that the top remaining linebackers are all over 34-years old and that the Chiefs have already signed two veteran LBs, I don't see the Chiefs signing Junior Seau, Willie McGinest or Derek Smith. McGinest could theoretically fill at defensive end in addition to linebacker but his age prohibits most investments in him.

S Keith Davis left KC without a contract offer after a private visit to KC back in March.

DE Travis LaBoy, like Primetime wrote this morning, really does seem to be the most viable option for the Chiefs on this list, although I'm not sure what the odds of him coming to KC truly are.

Last year, we would have crossed off any one on this list that was over the age of 27 but that's no longer the case. Now, with the draft over and compensation for many of these players at a minimum, we could be looking at more signings.

Would you like to see any of these free agents signed by the Kansas City Chiefs?

Poll

How many of these free agents will the Chiefs sign?

0

52 votes

1

108 votes

2

212 votes

3

154 votes

4

71 votes

5+

86 votes

683 votes | Poll has closed

Arizona Cardinals and Bertrand Berry Agree on One Year Contract

Hawkwind — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:37:03 -0000

The Arizona Cardinals continue to take care of their own, as they signed another of their veteran free agent. Bertrand Berry signed a one year contract yesterday, but financial terms were not disclosed. Berry had a bounce back year in 2008 after being plagued by injuries in the previous three seasons. He was the Cardinals best pass rusher in 2008 and he figures to still be a force on passing downs despite not being a starter.

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Bertrand Berry	13	5.0	27	0	0	0	15	7	22

Berry will be 34 years old before the season starts but, as he showed last season, he's still got some left in the tank. With Berry resigned the only remaining free agents who were on the team last year include offensive linemen Elton Brown and Scott Peters, tight end Jerame Tuman, fullback Terrelle Smith and cornerback Ralph Brown.

------------------------------------------------------

The Cardinals also signed a free agent defensive/nose tackle Rodney Leisle. He's a 6'3 315 pound tackle who hasn't played in an NFL regular season game since 2006. He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2004 draft by the Saints and played in 17 games over his first three seasons before being cut in the training camp of 2007. He resurfaced with the Giants during their training camp last year but a rib injury ended his season before it even got started. He spent some time in Canadian football with the Saskatchewan Roughriders during their 2008 season. At best, this could be a way to push Alan Branch further down the depth chart.

Arizona Cardinals Offensive Free Agents: Who Should be Re-Signed?

Hawkwind — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:44:04 -0000

The Arizona Cardinals have their share of unrestricted free agents on both sides of the ball this off season and we looked at the defensive free agents earlier in the week. That of course, leaves the offensive side of the ball for us to shift through. The guys on the offensive side are quite as noticeable as their defensive mates, with the one obvious exception, but there are still some critical decisions to be made.

Kurt Warner - The biggest name by about three miles is Kurt Warner, aka Grey Beard. He put up, arguably, the best season ever by a Cardinal quarterback and he topped the season off by having a spectacular playoff run that culminated in the franchises first Super Bowl. Warner was an MVP candidate for most of the season and was primarily responsible for the fueling the team's high octane offense. So what's the problem? Why hasn't a deal already by signed? Well Kurt wants a dump truck full of money and he's not hearing any of the "well you're about to be 38 years old" talk. He has stated that he really only wants to be in Arizona if he plays in 2009 so the pressure in on Graves to get this deal done. How high the final number will be is the question....

Prediction: Kurt re-signs a two year deal worth $25 million, but $15 is paid in the first year and just $10 in the second.

Terrelle Smith - Ah the sledge-hammer known as Terrelle Smith. The true, blocking full back is a dying breed, but Whisenhunt is very fond of the power running game that suits Smith's style. He's a bruiser who doesn't want the ball, just contact. The problem is though is that the Cardinals offense isn't built for a power ground game and Kurt Warner isn't being re-signed to quarterback a team that runs a Power-I. Smith is a valuable commodity but not to a team that runs more out of a shotgun formation instead of an I-set.

Prediction: Smith signs a two year deal worth $1 million per season with a team trying to establish a ground game.

J.J. Arrington - Arrington had a solid season and finally looked like a reliable NFL back. He's still young (26) and extremely quick and fast but the Cardinals have to decide how much they're willing to pay for a guy who underachieved for three seasons and then broke out in a contract year. If they believed that he truly turned a corner, then he's worth a decent contract and could be a big part of their future. With Sproles receiving the franchise tag, Arrington jumps to the forefront of quick free agent backs who can also return kicks.

Prediction: Arrington signs a four year deal worth $11 million total, elsewhere after turning down a modest offer from the Cardinals.

Elton Brown - Brown's a versatile backup lineman who didn't get a chance to prove himself this season because the top five starters were healthy all season long. He's had playing time at guard and tackle, which will drive up his price in free agency. He's waited around for a chance to compete for a starting job and he's probably looking for that opportunity in free agency. For the Cardinals to retain him, they'll probably have to promise him a serious chance to compete for Lutui's job as well as give him a pay raise. They've seen him in practice for four seasons so they know exactly what he can and can not do well. In the end, he might be too valuable to let go.

Prediction: Brown re-signs a three year deal worth $8 million total.

Jerame Tuman - Tuman suffered through an injury ravaged season and couldn't ever get on track. He's about to turn 33 years old and has played in a total of nine games over the past two seasons. His time in Arizona is most likely done and he might be on the verge of retirement.

Prediction: Tuman signs a one year contract for the veterans minimum elsewhere but gets cut at the end of camp. He announces his retirement but the Cardinals come calling around mid season after Pope and Patrick
are both nursing various ailments.

Brian St. Pierre - At some point the prospect label has to be removed and you're either a player or you aren't. That point could be fast approaching for St. Pierre. The 29 year old has appeared in one game during his six year career and it may be time to find a young guy to develop as the third QB. If the Cardinals don't resign him, his NFL days could be over as they were the only suitor last off season.

Prediction: St. Pierre signs a one year deal with a team like Chicago, St. Louis or the Jets but doesn't make it through training camp.

Scott Peters - Peters is a 30 year old center who hasn't played in a game since 2003 and he's coming off an injury his season on August 1st. Peters will likely have to wait around and see if a team gets a rash of injuries during camp.

Prediction: Peters waits by the phone during camp but no one calls.

Ben Graham - The Cardinals picked up the Aussie punter off the scrap heap after he was cut by the Jets. He finished the 2008 season with decent numbers but still won't command much attention on the open market. The Cardinals will likely bring him back but also bring in some competition during camp.

Prediction: Graham re-signs on a two year deal for the veteran minimum.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I'm sure you all know, the free agent flood gates open tonight at midnight (or 10pm AZ time) so tomorrow should be an interesting day. For now though, who would you keep? Who would say "See-Ya" to? Care to guess the contracts?

State of the Arizona Cardinals Roster: Tight Ends

Hawkwind — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:57:29 -0000

Ah....the tight ends. No other position group on the Arizona Cardinals roster drew as much scorn as the tight ends and for good reason. Between injuries, mental mistakes and flat out ineffectiveness, the Cardinals group of tight ends, once considered a talented and deep position, is now one of the biggest question marks heading into 2009. The ineptitude of the tight ends as whole can be summed up in one sentence, they signed a guy who completely unemployed and in less than 20 days he was not only the starter but by far the best player at the position.

Stephen Spach

Age and 2008 Stats: 26 years old (7/18/82) - 2 receptions, 15 yards

Contract Status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Spach didn't join the Cardinals until October 28th but he won the starting job by the first Seattle game (11/16) and never looked back. He wasn't a big receiving threat but he was a definite upgrade as a blocker and he didn't make the bone-head mistakes that we've come to expect from our tight ends. Spach saved his best game for the playoff game with the Falcons when he caught three passes for 34 yards, including a huge third down catch to seal the win. His performance was impressive enough for him to garner serious consideration for ROTB's most prestigious award, Cardinal of the Week. Sadly Spach's season would end just one week later though when he tore his ACL against the Panthers.

2009 Outlook: The good news is that the Cardinals have exclusive negotiating rights with Spach, so if they want him back they'll get him. The bad news is that he tore his ACL in the middle of January so it's a stretch to say he'll be 100% by the beginning of the season (roughly eight months). A more likely scenario is for him to start the season on the PUP list and rejoin the team after six more weeks of rehab. He's still a young guy though and he'll be cheap enough that I can't imagine why he won't be a solid contributor for 2009 (even if we have to wait a month or two to see him).

Ben Patrick

Age and 2008 Stats: 24 years old (8/23/84) - 11 receptions for 104 yards

Contract Status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Patrick, like most of tight end mates, spent as much time in the training room as he did on the field in 2008. He got off to a fast start with eight receptions and 71 yards in the first five games (three starts) but injuries would keep him out of the next five games and he wouldn't start another game for the rest of the season, including the playoffs. Patrick's never been considered a great blocker, in fact adequate might be a stretch), but he struggled to get anything going in the passing game either, averaging less than ten yards per reception. He did have a good catch in the Super Bowl when he went up and got a ball on a short one yard touchdown.

2009 Outlook: Patrick will be back in 2009 and his roster spot should be safe. Unless the Cardinals add a couple of tight ends during the off season, they simply don't have the depth to cut a guy of Patrick's ability. He's always had the ability to be a decent receiving option and he's young enough to have the opportunity to develop into an all-around tight end, but he's got to stay healthy.

Leonard Pope

Age and 2008 Stats: 25 years old (9/10/83) - 9 receptions for 77 yards

Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent

2008 Analysis: There was some hope that Pope could have a breakout year in 2008 but early on we learned that was faulty logic. Pope struggled through various injuries during training camp and he might never have been 100% during the season. He only missed three games but he didn't start three games in a row until the playoffs. He still struggles with blocking, in the passing game and running game, and stupid penalties, namely jumping off sides.

2009 Outlook: Pope will be back on a one year deal and he'll be the 2009 version of Eric Green. I wouldn't be surprised to see him open training camp as the starter but be well buried on depth chart (or just inactive as Green was) by mid-season. Pope will not only stay healthy, something he's never managed to do, but he also has to improve every part of his game. Pope is playing for his NFL future in 2009.

Jerame Tuman

Age and 2008 Stats: 32 years old (3/2476) - 3 receptions for 41 yards

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Tuman was brought in as another former Steeler who was supposed to be a veteran presence and leader of the younger guys at his position. Instead apparently drank the same water as the rest of the tight ends because he struggled injuries the entire year. He was even cut at the end of December but returned after Spach went down in the playoffs. He finished season appearing in just eight games with three starts and all three of his receptions came in a single game (regular season CAR game).

2009 Outlook: I'd be shocked to see Tuman in a Cardinal jersey in 2009. He's always been a blocking tight end who offered very little in the passing game and Spach proved that he was a major upgrade over Tuman. He'll end up somewhere but unless Spach is expected to miss most of the season and they don't bring in anyone else, I doubt the Cardinals even try to re-sign him.

Alex Shor

Age and 2008 Stats: 26 years old (1/29/83) - 0 games

Contract Status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Shor has been on the Cardinals practice squad for two seasons (2006 & 2008) and been to camp with the team for three consecutive seasons.

2009 Outlook: We learned everything that we needed to know about Shor when they signed Spach off the street. Shor had was familiar with the system, having been with the team for two full seasons, but the coaching staff still felt more comfortable picking up a completely unknown player. Shor's days with the Cardinals should be finished.

Overview and Needs: Oh man, where to start? First, if the season started today the Cardinals wouldn't have a single tight end under contract so it's obvious that they've got to sign some guys and most likely bring in at least one free agent or rookie. Considering that it's a long shot (at best) for Spach to be healthy by the start of the season, they're more likely to bring in at least two guys. I'm sure some fans would rather clean house and bring in three or four new faces and start from scratch and with that in mind, here are the free agent tight ends (buyer beware, the tight end crop is very weak):

Jim Kleinsasser: Kleinsasser is a fullback stuck in a tight ends body but he's never had a problem sticking his nose in the trenches and getting his hands dirty. He's also been remarkably healthy considering he hasn't missed a game in the past four seasons. He's not a pass threat at all but at his size (6'3 272) it's like having six lineman on the field. His age (32) is a concern but a two year deal should suit him nicely.
Chris Baker: The 29 year old was released by the Jets earlier this month and some question whether he's starting material at all in the NFL. He's an adequate blocker, although nothing special, and he's been a decent receiver at points in his career (41 receptions in 2007). He's also managed to play in at least 15 games in five of the last six seasons.
L.J. Smith: Smith's name might get him a contract that's a bit above his actual abilities. He was franchised last year by the Eagles but lost his job at the end of the season and for the playoffs. Smith is a better receiver than a blocker but he's got a reputation in Philly for dropping passes and jumping off sides. He's still somewhat young (28) and he's got decent size (6'3 258) but he might be too high priced for the Cardinals taste.
Quinn Sypniewski: The 26 year old is pretty much an unknown but he's a solid blocker and he started nine games in 2008 for the Ravens. He's got good size (6'6 270) and could be the kind of second or third tier free agent that the Cardinals are looking for.
Jerramy Stevens: We know enough about this guy to stay away right?

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The tight ends took a lot of abuse last season and hopefully we'll have better things to say this time next year. Am I being too hard on a group that struggled with injuries the entire year? How many tight ends would you bring in? Any news on Spach's recovery?

49ers-Cardinals: Wednesday Injury Report

Fooch — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:27:50 -0000

I just received the injury report following today's practice:

San Francisco 49ers

Out: S Dashon Goldson (knee)

Did Not Participate in Practice: WR Arnaz Battle (foot), OT Barry Sims (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice: OT Jonas Jennings (shoulder), DE Ray McDonald (knee)

Full Participation in Practice: TE Delanie Walker (elbow)

Arizona Cardinals

Did Not Participate in Practice: TE Leonard Pope (ankle)

Limited Participation in Practice: TE Ben Patrick (knee), DE Travis LaBoy (groin), OT Mike Gandy (ankle), CB Eric Green (knee), WR Sean Morey (hamstring), TE Jerame Tuman (ankle), WR Larry Fitzgerald (thumb)

I remain disappointed by the absence of Dashon Goldson. I really think he could be making a big impact with Shawntae Spencer gone. Such is life.