throwing to your WR's in the slot is nothing like throwing to the TE. when teams see you go with a TE or multiple TEs they match personel, putting less defensive backs on the field. going with more wide recievers only tips your hand you are passing and puts more coverage guys and pass rushers in for the defense.
You definitely have a point, and in general, I agree. I think that neither Tanny nor Rex valued either position. Some regimes have made TE a priority, however. That's how we wound up with Johnny Mitchell, Kyle Brady, Anthony Blecht, and Mulligan Stew.
Perhaps, and I've been one wanting an OLB taken high since way before the bust from OSU, but think of where we'd be if the Jets hadn't taken Williams, with Richardson suspended for 4 games. I think over time, Williams will prove to be the better player and have a greater impact. Beasley scared me.
Jets had a chance to draft Randy Gregory last year. Devin Smith vs Randy Gregory - that's a hard one. I'd have preferred Gregory, if he didn't have the mental problems. Gregory and Mauldin off both edges, backed by Leonard/Mo - that was some scene to salivate. [But then it didn't materialize.]
Since we only value a TE in the running game to seal the edge or open holes, or in the passing game as a 6th lineman to pass protect, why not just put a 6th lineman out there on the end of the line??? When Colon comes back, why not put Winters on the line as our TE eligible? Let him seal the edge, run block on the next level, pass protect, and hell, throw him a 2 yard pass once a game. Winters did a good job stunting and pulling last game, he'd probably do A LOT better on the line than anything we have at TE. Especially how we use them. DO IT!!!! It worked with Jumbo Elliot. Does anyone have Bowles number? I'll call him.
Tanny drafted Dustin Keller (actually moved up to get him), who in my opinion, was a pretty good TE and may have been even better had he not played on a team with a developmental QB (Sanchez) and a run first offense. Rex drafted Amaro who was considered the second best TE in that draft (2014.) Amaro actually put up better numbers last season than the #1 TE (Ebron) and that's with Geno at QB! Jets also had a pretty good TE in Chris Baker (drafted by Bradway.) So I think the TE's have been there. What was missing, was the QB play to get them the ball.
Those saying "oh it's fine and well, gailey doesn't use tight ends." Fitz checks down lots another option would be wonderful. We essentially have 1 less option on check downs.
Some talk of the 49ers trading Vernon Davis....Would be a huge upgrade for us even though he's not as good as he used to be
You're right, at least somewhat, about Keller. He wasn't much of a blocker, either, was more of a receiver, and never lived up to his billing. While he might have been better with a better QB, he had problems disappearing for long stretches, and you can't put that all on the QB. I never wanted Amaro, and still think he will wind up being a dud. He's too soft and can't block. Over 90% of his catches in college were within 5 yards of the LOS and most weren't contested at all. Baker was a good blocker but had stone hands. He was nothing special.
100% The fact that Gailey doesn't use the TE isn't the point. Just having a big target sitting down in an open area behind the LBs has to help Fitz just a bit, no? _
Funny how in all the Smith Fan arguments they don't acknowledge that at least at TE the Jets' Qb has fewer support this year than last and I say that not being a fan of Amaro. But at least he contributed something to the passing game, and not just his catches as you allude to. Right now opponents do not have to fear and prepare for a Jet TE catching a pass. If they did, Fitzpatrick would have an option Smith had that is missing from this year's team.
