T.J. Hockenson

[gonzo1105]

I’m actually surprised how split this thread is on him. I was expecting much more negativity tbh when I started this thread. 

[CuddyDark]

This is the position they truly need. They need a TE more then a WR, IMO.

[blacklabel]

The kid is a pretty complete TE right out of the gate. He's versatile and doesn't mind doing the dirty work for the run game. He's a chess piece you can move around and I'm sure Daboll would love to have a player like him. That said, I don't know if you take him inside the top 10 picks. I would like to see them grab one of these TEs this year, though. Bills have never really drafted high on a TE which says most regimes haven't valued the position that much. However, they have Daboll now who worked with Gronk and McBeane saw how valuable a guy like Greg Olsen was down in Carolina. So, yeah, hopefully they snag one of these guys because they need to be well equipped at all the offensive skill positions if they want Allen to take the next step.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

14 hours ago, BuffAlone said:

When was the last TE drafted 10 -15? He's a beast, but its like RB....D-line , edge, QB.maybe O-line. T hats first round talent these days. That said...give me him at 25, and a 2nd rounder, I'm game. Please don't let NE or KC draft him. Actually, BOTH those Iowa TE's are worthy of a 1st rd pick in my opinion

 

 

think Ebron was #9....

[PIZ]

I get trying to get an extra pick in a trade down, and then take the guy you would have taken at #9, but if trading down prevents you from getting him, is the extra pick worth it?

 

If they have him targeted at #9, just take him at #9.  I like Jawaan Taylor OT better though, but TJ Hockenson has far fewer red flags than any of the receivers, and he would provide a nice boost to the offense.

 

Didn't Seattle try to get cute in 2002 when they wanted Daniel Graham TE?  They trade down and took Jeremy Stephens TE at #28, because New England took Graham at #21.

[mjt328]

Last year's offense didn't use the Tight Ends very much in the passing game. 

Maybe that would change under Brian Daboll if we gave him a better TE to use.  I don't know.

 

If we are going to utilize his skills, then I'm OK with taking a top TE prospect in the late first round.

 

But TE is just not a position that should go in the Top 10, unless he's a can't-miss "next Tony Gonzalez" player who is fantastic at both blocking and receiving.

[947]

1 hour ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

 

think Ebron was #9....

Yep, Ebron was the last "Complete TE" draft prospect. He went #9 to the Lions, and in 4 years in Detroit became merely a marginal starter, despite being in a passing offense. He did literally nothing to justify being drafted in the first round, let alone top-10, and was run out of town.

 

It seems like most 1st round TEs disappoint. I'd feel better drafting one in the 2nd or 3rd round.

[billspro]

12 hours ago, Buffalo Junction said:

He’s not transcendent enough at that position to warrant a top 10 pick. He’s not Gonzalez or Vernon Davis. I could see him at 15 though. I doubt he could drop past NE. Heck, he might not get past GB if all the good edge guys are gone by then. At 9 though... Nah. There’s probably better value at edge, corner, OT, or DT unless the kids pulls a 4.4 40. 

 

Are you sure? I think he will be the best TE in the NFL by year 3.

[ndirish1978]

1 hour ago, PIZ said:

I get trying to get an extra pick in a trade down, and then take the guy you would have taken at #9, but if trading down prevents you from getting him, is the extra pick worth it?

 

If they have him targeted at #9, just take him at #9.  I like Jawaan Taylor OT better though, but TJ Hockenson has far fewer red flags than any of the receivers, and he would provide a nice boost to the offense.

 

Didn't Seattle try to get cute in 2002 when they wanted Daniel Graham TE?  They trade down and took Jeremy Stephens TE at #28, because New England took Graham at #21.

 

Taylor is a RT though. Seems like we could solve the "must get a tackle early" by signing Daryl Williams. We sign Williams and Morse/Paradis and we're open to making an investment in the office like Hockenson or a WR at 9.

[billspro]

8 minutes ago, 947 said:

Yep, Ebron was the last "Complete TE" draft prospect. He went #9 to the Lions, and in 4 years in Detroit became merely a marginal starter, despite being in a passing offense. He did literally nothing to justify being drafted in the first round, let alone top-10, and was run out of town.

 

It seems like most 1st round TEs disappoint. I'd feel better drafting one in the 2nd or 3rd round.

 

Ebron is no where near the prospect Hockenson is. He did look like a top ten TE in Indy this year.

1 minute ago, ndirish1978 said:

 

Taylor is a RT though. Seems like we could solve the "must get a tackle early" by signing Daryl Williams. We sign Williams and Morse/Paradis and we're open to making an investment in the office like Hockenson or a WR at 9.

 

Signing two OL would allow us to take the best pass catcher in the draft. Hockenson is that guy, I also love that he played for Iowa. He would solidify that position for a decade. 

3 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

I’m actually surprised how split this thread is on him. I was expecting much more negativity tbh when I started this thread. 

 

He is my safest prospect in the draft. I think you are getting a pro bowl TE as his floor. 

[Alphadawg7]

This is what I would do:

 

First:  Shore up OL in Free agency, sign 3 key guys.  

Second:  Sign Humphries, WR in FA too to give us a Kupp/Edelman type slot weapon for Allen.  Also sign Cordalle Patterson as WR and gadget player depth, but mostly to substantially upgrade our return game.

Third:  Trade down with Washington to #15 (I know its hard to mock trade downs, but I think there is a lot of potential for this to be a reality) and pick up their 2nd.  

 

Draft:

#15 - Hockenson, TE.  

#40 - (Top WR available) - Butler, WR

#46 (from Was) - Oshane Ximines, EDGE

From there on, draft a RB like Love or Henderson in the 3rd or 4th round too.

 

Boom.  What we accomplish is:

• Allen gets an established and reliable slot weapon in the mold of Kupp/Edelman
• Allen gets a bonafide Kelce like weapon in Hockenson
• We add a high level WR prospect along side either Foster or maybe even Duke (I think he has a legit shot to compete for a starting spot here where Foster may be more the big play guy).  Still have Zay and Patterson rounding out the WR room at 5 and 6 (yes, if we have Humphries, Butler, Foster, and Duke, I think Zay falls to 5th on depth chart as a rotational player in that group)
• We get an under the radar stud EDGE rushing prospect (small school) who is a big time leader on the field too
• We add some youthful explosion that can catch and run in our RB room.  And our OL was shored up through established vets to make an immediate improvement to Allens protection and our Run Game.

And most importantly...a deep playoff run in 2019!

 

FOOTNOTE:  We can STILL do this without a trade down with Washington.  To pick up that extra 2nd round pick, we could trade our 3rd and one of our 4ths to get back into the 2nd round to get someone like Ximines still (or obviously a player they covet).  I do not think Beane intends to make 10 draft choices and I certainly think a trade up at some point is even more likely if we do make a trade down and end up with 11 or 12 draft choices.  

 

#Alpha4GM #GoBills

Edited February 14, 2019 by Alphadawg7

[John from Riverside]

2 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

This is what I would do:

 

First:  Shore up OL in Free agency, sign 3 key guys.  

Second:  Sign Humphries, WR in FA too to give us a Kupp/Edelman type slot weapon for Allen.  Also sign Cordalle Patterson as WR and gadget player depth, but mostly to substantially upgrade our return game.

Third:  Trade down with Washington to #15 (I know its hard to mock trade downs, but I think there is a lot of potential for this to be a reality) and pick up their 2nd.  

 

Draft:

#15 - Hockenson, TE.  

#40 - (Top WR available) - Butler, WR

#46 (from Was) - Oshane Ximines, EDGE

From there on, draft a RB like Love or Henderson in the 3rd or 4th round too.

 

Boom.  What we accomplish is:

• Allen gets an established and reliable slot weapon in the mold of Kupp/Edelman
• Allen gets a bonafide Kelce like weapon in Hockenson
• We add a high level WR prospect along side either Foster or maybe even Duke (I think he has a legit shot to compete for a starting spot here where Foster may be more the big play guy).  Still have Zay and Patterson rounding out the WR room at 5 and 6 (yes, if we have Humphries, Butler, Foster, and Duke, I think Zay falls to 5th on depth chart as a rotational player in that group)
• We get an under the radar stud EDGE rushing prospect (small school) who is a big time leader on the field too
• We add some youthful explosion that can catch and run in our RB room.  And our OL was shored up through established vets to make an immediate improvement to Allens protection and our Run Game.

And most importantly...a deep playoff run in 2019!

 

FOOTNOTE:  We can STILL do this without a trade down with Washington.  To pick up that extra 2nd round pick, we could trade our 3rd and one of our 4ths to get back into the 2nd round to get someone like Ximines still (or obviously a player they covet).  I do not think Beane intends to make 10 draft choices and I certainly think a trade up at some point is even more likely if we do make a trade down and end up with 11 or 12 draft choices.  

 

#Alpha4GM #GoBills

I am in the boat where I really hope we can trade down and DO NOT trade 3rd and 4th round picks to move up this year......if anything I would like to accumulate more picks and after we gave up picks after the 1st round last year to get Josh Allen I would really like players from those rounds.

[CommonCents]

Love tore up his knee. 

[WideNine]

4 hours ago, 947 said:

Yep, Ebron was the last "Complete TE" draft prospect. He went #9 to the Lions, and in 4 years in Detroit became merely a marginal starter, despite being in a passing offense. He did literally nothing to justify being drafted in the first round, let alone top-10, and was run out of town.

 

It seems like most 1st round TEs disappoint. I'd feel better drafting one in the 2nd or 3rd round.

 

Run out of town and was arguably the biggest offensive impact weapon for Indy last year.

 

Went to the pro bowl this year and scored the AFC winning TD....so there may be more to the Ebron story.

 

Detroit was clueless on how to use him whereas Indy was not.

https://247sports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/Article/Eric-Ebron-Lions-offensive-targets--128709175/Amp/

 

That being said Ebron reminds me more of Fant with the athleticism, but concentration lapses...he will drop some passes.

 

Hockenson supposedly has the more dependable hands and blocking of the 2 Iowa prospects.

 

The Iowa HC was NE's TE's coach and that is why they have been churning out some pretty good prospects like Kittle in 2017 who broke NFL receiving records last year.

 

Not saying Hock will do the same, but TEs coming out of that program are generally well coached.

 

 

[Alphadawg7]

7 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

I am in the boat where I really hope we can trade down and DO NOT trade 3rd and 4th round picks to move up this year......if anything I would like to accumulate more picks and after we gave up picks after the 1st round last year to get Josh Allen I would really like players from those rounds.

 

I agree, and do think the trade down is legit possibility..  However, I am quite skeptical that Beane will sit tight on 10 picks.  9 picks is still quite the rookie load,  as we only would be given up one of our 4ths to do so.  Its not like we are losing a 3rd since we are essentially making that pick earlier in the 2nd round to get a premium player.  

 

For me, the 2nd round is RICH with some exciting prospects.  I just have a feeling one way or the other we will be making 3 selections in the first 2 rounds.  Either via trade down, or possible trade up.  Beane is aggressive in getting guys he covets and I think there could be some "go get em" guys in the 2nd where Beane will be motivated to have more than one pick that round.  

 

For example, lets say we stay at 9 but draft either OL or DL there.  Then enter the 2nd round where there may be multiple guys on the board they covet like Fant, Risner, several different WR's, Ximines, etc.  I very much could see Beane making a move to get another player there having those 2 fourth round picks in place.  

 

AND:  If we DO trade down and get that extra 2nd from Washington (or someone else), I can STILL see Beane moving up into the 2nd for a THIRD player.  We would have at least 11 picks at that point, and not impossible Beane picks another 4th or 5th up in the trade down too (hes a witch).  So using some of the later round ammo to move around the draft is very much in play and could see him moving a 3rd and a 4th to get back into the 2nd for a third player...or maybe packing up some of the additional picks to get an additional pick in the 3rd.

 

Right now, Beane is sitting in a GREAT spot...plenty of cap room to shore up needs in FA and also having 10 picks, plus the #9 slot that may be a coveted trade up spot in a draft deep in areas we could use help on.  So this is a great place to load up in the 2nd round in my opinion and he has a lot of opportunity to gain extra picks in 2nd and 3rd rounds.

[BuffAlone]

6 hours ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

 

think Ebron was #9....

believe you are correct sir?

[stinky finger]

ad hoc

[Buffalo Junction]

6 hours ago, billspro said:

 

Are you sure? I think he will be the best TE in the NFL by year 3.

He may very well be one of the best TE's in the NFL by his third year. Those things are difficult to predict. However, he's still a TE.... which means that the positional draft value isn't there for a top 10 pick unless he puts up freak (Vernon Davis 4.38) numbers at the combine in the 40 or vertical jump. Teams would rather try and find a Gronk or George Kittle between the 2nd and 5th than spend a top 10 on a TE. It's a strange year though. Without any other sure thing playmakers or QBs in the draft his value might be bumped up and a team may pull the trigger early. Fact remains, I don't see anything about him that says he'll be a transcendent player though. Excellent, yes.... But the type of guy that completely redefines the position on his way to the Hall of Fame? No. I don't see that. Is he worth the #9 pick? Perhaps, but it's dependent upon the value of the defensive players left on the board. 

[billspro]

20 minutes ago, Buffalo Junction said:

He may very well be one of the best TE's in the NFL by his third year. Those things are difficult to predict. However, he's still a TE.... which means that the positional draft value isn't there for a top 10 pick unless he puts up freak (Vernon Davis 4.38) numbers at the combine in the 40 or vertical jump. Teams would rather try and find a Gronk or George Kittle between the 2nd and 5th than spend a top 10 on a TE. It's a strange year though. Without any other sure thing playmakers or QBs in the draft his value might be bumped up and a team may pull the trigger early. Fact remains, I don't see anything about him that says he'll be a transcendent player though. Excellent, yes.... But the type of guy that completely redefines the position on his way to the Hall of Fame? No. I don't see that. Is he worth the #9 pick? Perhaps, but it's dependent upon the value of the defensive players left on the board. 

 

For me positional value is QB, OL, DE, CB, TE, LB. If you have stars in those spots you are a championship contender. 

 

I personally would take Gronk or Kittle in the top 10. I know you can find good TEs later in the draft but I think Hockenson can be a Gonzalez type of TE. He is rare in my opinion. 

[WideNine]

11 minutes ago, Buffalo Junction said:

He may very well be one of the best TE's in the NFL by his third year. Those things are difficult to predict. However, he's still a TE.... which means that the positional draft value isn't there for a top 10 pick unless he puts up freak (Vernon Davis 4.38) numbers at the combine in the 40 or vertical jump. Teams would rather try and find a Gronk or George Kittle between the 2nd and 5th than spend a top 10 on a TE. It's a strange year though. Without any other sure thing playmakers or QBs in the draft his value might be bumped up and a team may pull the trigger early. Fact remains, I don't see anything about him that says he'll be a transcendent player though. Excellent, yes.... But the type of guy that completely redefines the position on his way to the Hall of Fame? No. I don't see that. Is he worth the #9 pick? Perhaps, but it's dependent upon the value of the defensive players left on the board. 

 

You may be right.

 

I like Hockenson a lot, but I think any other year he would probably be a 2nd round pick.

 

Because no one has really separated themselves from the pack as THE top-end receiver in this class folks are looking more at the deeper TE class and it's top-end prospects.

 

Kittle was taken in the 5th I believe, but his success now has more teams looking at that Iowa program, how they recruit and coach up their TEs.

 

These other factors I do think have caused his draft stock to rise... I don't think he will last through the first round, and neither will Irv Smith.

 

Not sure about Fant, but don't know if there was ever a year where 3 TE's went in the first...would have to do some digging.

 

I personally do not see the Bills brass taking him at 9, but there are no guarantees even at the top of the draft either.

 

I do think he should be just as much an option as the top receivers folks are batting around if they trade down in the 1st.

[gonzo1105]

51 minutes ago, Buffalo Junction said:

He may very well be one of the best TE's in the NFL by his third year. Those things are difficult to predict. However, he's still a TE.... which means that the positional draft value isn't there for a top 10 pick unless he puts up freak (Vernon Davis 4.38) numbers at the combine in the 40 or vertical jump. Teams would rather try and find a Gronk or George Kittle between the 2nd and 5th than spend a top 10 on a TE. It's a strange year though. Without any other sure thing playmakers or QBs in the draft his value might be bumped up and a team may pull the trigger early. Fact remains, I don't see anything about him that says he'll be a transcendent player though. Excellent, yes.... But the type of guy that completely redefines the position on his way to the Hall of Fame? No. I don't see that. Is he worth the #9 pick? Perhaps, but it's dependent upon the value of the defensive players left on the board. 

 

See I would agree with you in most years about Hockenson and agree in a much stronger draft maybe he goes 20-30. I keep hearing that he isn't a transcendent type and that may be true it might not be. I say this, this draft at the top stinks name me guys that you KNOW FOR SURE are going to be a star. Nick Bosa.....that might be just about it in this draft. There is no sure fire QB. There is no top 10 RB. No Top 20 WR. There now maybe 5 Edge or DT's that are worthy of the 9th overall pick(Williams, Bosa, Allen,  Gary, Oliver), 1 LB(White) and No DB's worthy of the 9th pick. Greedy Williams is now being talked about as a mid to late first round pick. Thats why I brought him up, I think he's an interesting case. I think if he runs 4.55 or 4.6 he should be in consideration. If he runs 4.7-4.8 then your probably right he's a late 1 or two. His testing results will tell a lot about him. I dont expect him to run 4.4 to justify picking him tho.

[Buffalo Junction]

2 hours ago, billspro said:

 

For me positional value is QB, OL, DE, CB, TE, LB. If you have stars in those spots you are a championship contender. 

 

I personally would take Gronk or Kittle in the top 10. I know you can find good TEs later in the draft but I think Hockenson can be a Gonzalez type of TE. He is rare in my opinion. 

I see him as more of a Witten type, and not a Gronk. I think he'll be a reliable, top end, do it all TE. I watched 5-6 Iowa games this year, and while he stood out I didn't come away with the impression that he was an overwhelmingly dominant force. That said, I think he's the best blocking TE in the draft that can reliably catch the ball... Furthermore, I think he might actually have the best hands in the draft. I would absolutely take Gronk in the top 10.... You have to remember though.... When Gronk came out he had back issues, ran a 4.65, and had occasional games where his concentration was off. Without the back problems he would have gone around 15-20. That's what I'm saying about Hoch.... Amazing prospect, but he hasn't done anything to blow everyone away. 

[Buffalo Junction]

2 hours ago, WideNine said:

 

You may be right.

 

I like Hockenson a lot, but I think any other year he would probably be a 2nd round pick.

 

Because no one has really separated themselves from the pack as THE top-end receiver in this class folks are looking more at the deeper TE class and it's top-end prospects.

 

Kittle was taken in the 5th I believe, but his success now has more teams looking at that Iowa program, how they recruit and coach up their TEs.

 

These other factors I do think have caused his draft stock to rise... I don't think he will last through the first round, and neither will Irv Smith.

 

Not sure about Fant, but don't know if there was ever a year where 3 TE's went in the first...would have to do some digging.

 

I personally do not see the Bills brass taking him at 9, but there are no guarantees even at the top of the draft either.

 

I do think he should be just as much an option as the top receivers folks are batting around if they trade down in the 1st.

I think he will be the first TE off the board, and might be the first receiving option to get drafted. Him coming out definitely pushes Fant down. I do think that Beane may be more comfortable with Smith because of the info that Daboll may have provided. I actually wouldn't rule out a trade with say GB - our 1st and 2nd for both their 1sts and whatever makes up the difference... In that case I could see us taking Smith with that second 1st rounder. 

2 hours ago, gonzo1105 said:

 

See I would agree with you in most years about Hockenson and agree in a much stronger draft maybe he goes 20-30. I keep hearing that he isn't a transcendent type and that may be true it might not be. I say this, this draft at the top stinks name me guys that you KNOW FOR SURE are going to be a star. Nick Bosa.....that might be just about it in this draft. There is no sure fire QB. There is no top 10 RB. No Top 20 WR. There now maybe 5 Edge or DT's that are worthy of the 9th overall pick(Williams, Bosa, Allen,  Gary, Oliver), 1 LB(White) and No DB's worthy of the 9th pick. Greedy Williams is now being talked about as a mid to late first round pick. Thats why I brought him up, I think he's an interesting case. I think if he runs 4.55 or 4.6 he should be in consideration. If he runs 4.7-4.8 then your probably right he's a late 1 or two. His testing results will tell a lot about him. I dont expect him to run 4.4 to justify picking him tho.

This WR class reminds me of 2008 - the James Hardy draft. All the talent was late 1st - early 3rd. There were some serious gems (Nelson and Jackson), but a lot of the talent washed out. Butler actually reminds me of Hardy to a fair degree. 

 

I absolutely agree that the weakness in top offensive talent will drive up the value for a few players. Namely Hockenson and Metcalf. Without that neck injury I think Metcalf would have been the defacto #1 WR in the class and a top 10 pick. I do think that Montez Sweat may climb after the combine. A team may take a flier on Simmons or an OT as well. It's going to be an interesting draft. If Hockenson runs a 4.55-4.6 I wouldn't be surprised to see him be the first offensive skill position player taken. Definitely a strange year. 

[Buffalo Barbarian]

Hes one of the ones i want, wish we had 6 picks in the first.

 

 

[Chandler#81]

Astro’s analysis. Ranks Rastro!

 

[ehfeuh57]

doesnt always catch correctly, but i'll take him

[formerlyofCtown]

On 2/13/2019 at 11:59 PM, Bakin said:

I think this is the point most are missing with TJ. 

Not only is he a weapon for Josh but he’s a blocking machine for his RB’s, for his adjacent tackle, and of course for his QB. 

 

Its like getting an OT and a WR for the price of one. 

 

9 may be a bit early. Historically TE’s never go this high. But I think he’s my favorite first rounder that I know we can get at 9

If course we could get him at 9, because its a reach.  He isnt a top 10 prospect at this point. Maybe we could trade down and then trade back into the first and grab him.  It would likely be expensive to trade from the second up to 20 though.

[Maynard]

On 2/14/2019 at 11:42 AM, Alphadawg7 said:

This is what I would do:

 

First:  Shore up OL in Free agency, sign 3 key guys.  

Second:  Sign Humphries, WR in FA too to give us a Kupp/Edelman type slot weapon for Allen.  Also sign Cordalle Patterson as WR and gadget player depth, but mostly to substantially upgrade our return game.

Third:  Trade down with Washington to #15 (I know its hard to mock trade downs, but I think there is a lot of potential for this to be a reality) and pick up their 2nd.  

 

Draft:

#15 - Hockenson, TE.  

#40 - (Top WR available) - Butler, WR

#46 (from Was) - Oshane Ximines, EDGE

From there on, draft a RB like Love or Henderson in the 3rd or 4th round too.

 

Boom.  What we accomplish is:

• Allen gets an established and reliable slot weapon in the mold of Kupp/Edelman
• Allen gets a bonafide Kelce like weapon in Hockenson
• We add a high level WR prospect along side either Foster or maybe even Duke (I think he has a legit shot to compete for a starting spot here where Foster may be more the big play guy).  Still have Zay and Patterson rounding out the WR room at 5 and 6 (yes, if we have Humphries, Butler, Foster, and Duke, I think Zay falls to 5th on depth chart as a rotational player in that group)
• We get an under the radar stud EDGE rushing prospect (small school) who is a big time leader on the field too
• We add some youthful explosion that can catch and run in our RB room.  And our OL was shored up through established vets to make an immediate improvement to Allens protection and our Run Game.

And most importantly...a deep playoff run in 2019!

 

FOOTNOTE:  We can STILL do this without a trade down with Washington.  To pick up that extra 2nd round pick, we could trade our 3rd and one of our 4ths to get back into the 2nd round to get someone like Ximines still (or obviously a player they covet).  I do not think Beane intends to make 10 draft choices and I certainly think a trade up at some point is even more likely if we do make a trade down and end up with 11 or 12 draft choices.  

 

#Alpha4GM #GoBills

Been thinking about the same! I’m onboard with this. I think the biggest issue will be addressing the OL in FA, but we’ll see. 

[CaptnCoke11]

Be nice to trade down a few spots pick up an extra 2nd and get Hockenson.  Then maybe trade back into late round 1 for a WR

[thebandit27]

When was the last time a first round TE was a serious contributor?

 

 I honestly can't remember 

[CEN-CAL17]

On 2/13/2019 at 7:02 PM, White Linen said:

There's been 9 TE's drafted in the first round the last 10 years and only 1, IMO, has even been remotely worth it (Evan Engram).  

 

I would never draft a TE in the first round and most definitely not at 9 or 12-15.

This kid is different....

 

Fans won’t get the instant satisfaction from the TE position from a rookie.

 

But watch, this kid will be a perineal pro bowler and be an All Pro. 

 

I could be wrong but im pretty sure in 3-4 years I’ll be saying “told you so”.... but when it’s all said and done I hope who ever we pick is a stand out as well and I could care less.

 

But I do want TJ.  Fans here need to understand he may get drafted at #7 to Jacksonville or #8 Detroit. He has the film, he has the awards, he has the potential, he has the size weight and speed. He’s gonna run a 4.5 40 yard dash. He’s an excellent route runner, best blocking TE to come out in years etc.... this kid was a 3 sport athlete in high school and excelled in all 3. Holds state records in football.

 

He’s  different 

[White Linen]

16 minutes ago, 1ZAYDAY1 said:

This kid is different....

 

Fans won’t get the instant satisfaction from the TE position from a rookie.

 

But watch, this kid will be a perineal pro bowler and be an All Pro. 

 

I could be wrong but im pretty sure in 3-4 years I’ll be saying “told you so”.... but when it’s all said and done I hope who ever we pick is a stand out as well and I could care less.

 

But I do want TJ.  Fans here need to understand he may get drafted at #7 to Jacksonville or #8 Detroit. He has the film, he has the awards, he has the potential, he has the size weight and speed. He’s gonna run a 4.5 40 yard dash. He’s an excellent route runner, best blocking TE to come out in years etc.... this kid was a 3 sport athlete in high school and excelled in all 3. Holds state records in football.

 

He’s  different 

 

It's fun to have a horse in the race.  I'm getting closer but haven't decided yet.  

[Houston's #1 Bills Fan]

On ‎2‎/‎13‎/‎2019 at 9:28 PM, BuffAlone said:

When was the last TE drafted 10 -15? He's a beast, but its like RB....D-line , edge, QB.maybe O-line. T hats first round talent these days. That said...give me him at 25, and a 2nd rounder, I'm game. Please don't let NE or KC draft him. Actually, BOTH those Iowa TE's are worthy of a 1st rd pick in my opinion

THIS!! With the strong possibility that Gronk either retires or is too injured to be an impact, this clearly would be a BB move. I say take him if we move down. Get some extra picks, but having him would be huge IMO. We haven't have a big TE target since the Superbowl years (Pete M and McKellar).

[NewEra]

On 2/14/2019 at 11:42 AM, Alphadawg7 said:

This is what I would do:

 

First:  Shore up OL in Free agency, sign 3 key guys.  

Second:  Sign Humphries, WR in FA too to give us a Kupp/Edelman type slot weapon for Allen.  Also sign Cordalle Patterson as WR and gadget player depth, but mostly to substantially upgrade our return game.

Third:  Trade down with Washington to #15 (I know its hard to mock trade downs, but I think there is a lot of potential for this to be a reality) and pick up their 2nd.  

 

Draft:

#15 - Hockenson, TE.  

#40 - (Top WR available) - Butler, WR

#46 (from Was) - Oshane Ximines, EDGE

From there on, draft a RB like Love or Henderson in the 3rd or 4th round too.

 

Boom.  What we accomplish is:

• Allen gets an established and reliable slot weapon in the mold of Kupp/Edelman
• Allen gets a bonafide Kelce like weapon in Hockenson
• We add a high level WR prospect along side either Foster or maybe even Duke (I think he has a legit shot to compete for a starting spot here where Foster may be more the big play guy).  Still have Zay and Patterson rounding out the WR room at 5 and 6 (yes, if we have Humphries, Butler, Foster, and Duke, I think Zay falls to 5th on depth chart as a rotational player in that group)
• We get an under the radar stud EDGE rushing prospect (small school) who is a big time leader on the field too
• We add some youthful explosion that can catch and run in our RB room.  And our OL was shored up through established vets to make an immediate improvement to Allens protection and our Run Game.

And most importantly...a deep playoff run in 2019!

 

FOOTNOTE:  We can STILL do this without a trade down with Washington.  To pick up that extra 2nd round pick, we could trade our 3rd and one of our 4ths to get back into the 2nd round to get someone like Ximines still (or obviously a player they covet).  I do not think Beane intends to make 10 draft choices and I certainly think a trade up at some point is even more likely if we do make a trade down and end up with 11 or 12 draft choices.  

 

#Alpha4GM #GoBills

I’d be extremely happy with this.  I just don’t know if we’re going to be able to sign 3 quality starters along the OL. Long is nice depth, but I don’t think he’s a good starting OLman.  Could happen but I just can’t see us NOT drafting an OLman in the first 3 rounds. The   

[PetermansRedemption]

TJ Hockenson is quickly becoming my primary draft crush. I prefer a trade down and getting him that way. But I wouldn’t even mind a slight reach and grabbing him at 9. 

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, NewEra said:

I’d be extremely happy with this.  I just don’t know if we’re going to be able to sign 3 quality starters along the OL. Long is nice depth, but I don’t think he’s a good starting OLman.  Could happen but I just can’t see us NOT drafting an OLman in the first 3 rounds. The   

 

I think we could pursue some of the following guys in FA along the OL:

 

Donovan Smith, Trent Brown, Mitch Morse, Rodger Saffold, Matt Paradis, Daryl Williams.  

 

We already signed Long, who I think could compete to start, but also could be a good depth player.  He was much better in Washington surrounded by more talent.  Last year with the Jets, he had an injury on his snapping hand which greatly impacted his performance.  But right now, I do think he could have a bounce back year now that hes healthy and if we have some better players around him than Jets had.  

 

But if can also sign someone like Morse/Paradis to start at C so Long can backup C and maybe even start at G, then it could be a very good signing for us.  Then go add one of those tackles and we will have the makings of a much better line already.  Be great if they also found a way to add Saffold too.  

 

That being said, I have no issues taking an OL in the draft either and think Bills may be eyeing someone like Risner who also seems to want to come to Buffalo.  I do however think OL will be one area Beane is most active in with FA so he can get some veteran help to try and immediately stabilize the line for Josh.  

[machine gun kelly]

I may be in the minority, but I’d rather stay put, take the best T in the draft or 2nd best, and bundle two picks to get this guy.  If we pick up two stud interior O Lineman on top of Long, then it’s not volume of picks but as many starters plus depth you can get.  I’m a broken record on two WR as well in FA, and outside of that I’m a happy man for this off season and we should have a better team.

 

I know it takes time for an O Line to gel so I don’t expect miracles in the first four weeks, but maybe get lucky and get some of the weaker opponents at that time.  After a month in the regular season and everything prior, we could be looking at a very talented offense to compliment this defense.  We’re only to this point losing Kyle on defense, but that’s why we picked up Phillips.

 

Just my two cents.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

3 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

I may be in the minority, but I’d rather stay put, take the best T in the draft or 2nd best, and bundle two picks to get this guy.  If we pick up two stud interior O Lineman on top of Long, then it’s not volume of picks but as many starters plus depth you can get.  I’m a broken record on two WR as well in FA, and outside of that I’m a happy man for this off season and we should have a better team.

 

I know it takes time for an O Line to gel so I don’t expect miracles in the first four weeks, but maybe get lucky and get some of the weaker opponents at that time.  After a month in the regular season and everything prior, we could be looking at a very talented offense to compliment this defense.  We’re only to this point losing Kyle on defense, but that’s why we picked up Phillips.

 

Just my two cents.

 

....see your two cents and raise you to a well done assessment......trade down into the teens and go OL shopping while grabbing an extra 2nd....to coin a Cowher quote AGAIN, " the OL is THE most important UNIT on the football field....if they fail as a unit, everything else breaks down offensively".....has to be TE & WR values later and not a helluva lot of difference between McBeane's "!" and "!A" targets......STRICTLY opinion as I don't get to see college ball...so I'll leave the actual "1" vs "1A" fall offs to those who see the collegians.....

[transplantbillsfan]

We only have one TE in Croom on our roster right now.

 

I gotta believe we'll trade back from 9 and use one of (hopefully) 2 1st round picks to draft Hockenson or Fant.

[machine gun kelly]

1 hour ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

....see your two cents and raise you to a well done assessment......trade down into the teens and go OL shopping while grabbing an extra 2nd....to coin a Cowher quote AGAIN, " the OL is THE most important UNIT on the football field....if they fail as a unit, everything else breaks down offensively".....has to be TE & WR values later and not a helluva lot of difference between McBeane's "!" and "!A" targets......STRICTLY opinion as I don't get to see college ball...so I'll leave the actual "1" vs "1A" fall offs to those who see the collegians.....

 

Thanks for making me laugh on a slow Sunday.  I guess I shouldn’t play poker with you.