A new tight end could do wonders for this offense...

[Memento]

I did like his physicality but that was against inferior competition. Can he do that in the NFL? No idea

I love that he blocks like a beast, and I believe he has underrated receiving ability. Floor is a blocking tight end in the mold of Higbee; ceiling is our own George Kittle.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

I love that he blocks like a beast, and I believe he has underrated receiving ability. Floor is a blocking tight end in the mold of Higbee; ceiling is our own George Kittle.

I wouldn't necessarily be mad if they took a chance on the kid. I like the passion and physicality he plays with for sure. If we decide to wait til the later rounds to get a TE, hopefully he falls due to the level of competition he played against so we can pick him up. I personally like the D Washington kid the most followed by Kincaid, but we may not be able to get them based on our needs.

 

[Loyal]

I love that he blocks like a beast, and I believe he has underrated receiving ability. Floor is a blocking tight end in the mold of Higbee; ceiling is our own George Kittle.

"and you know I love me some Kittle!" ~ Memento

 

[Memento]

"and you know I love me some Kittle!" ~ Memento

If he was on the Rams, we’d all
like him, let’s be homest.

 

[Hobgoblin]

Anyone else notice that Higs catches the ball and it always looks like he’s tripping after the catch. I know statically he’s not bad but it feels like he could be better. Always falling short of the first down.

He’s big but gets taken down by a CB when he should be able to truck them 1 on 1.

 

[fanotodd]

Anyone else notice that Higs catches the ball and it always looks like he’s tripping after the catch. I know statically he’s not bad but it feels like he could be better. Always falling short of the first down.

He’s big but gets taken down by a CB when he should be able to truck them 1 on 1.

I have noticed his “glass knees” the last couple seasons. Let’s face it, Higbee has been banged up and THAT is why this discussion is relevant. It’s really not about the $$. He’s been a solid player for the Rams but his time is winding down just like Stafford, Donald, and Floyd.

 

[CGI_Ram]

BTW, I think that if the Rams put 15-25 pounds on Skowronek, he'd make a decent TE.

This.

Do it, Rams.

 

[PARAM]

In 26 yrs.....from 1996-2022.....Rams #1 TEs >>>>> Conwell, Williams, Manumaleuna, Cleeland*, Klopfenstein, McMichael*, Kendricks, Cook* and Higbee......doesn't include a Kelce or even a Engram. IMO #1 and #2 are Higbee and Conwell. But both are/were well rounded with a penchant for getting dinged up. Among all, some were drafted and some were signed as free agents*. But even the free agents, who came in as accomplished TEs didn't produce the way we expected save Cook, for a season or two.

It doesn't matter where tight ends are drafted, it matters how you evaluate and employ them. I was hoping the Rams were going to draft Isiah Likely or Jelani Woods. Having said that there were 7 potentially good TEs who had moderately (25+) to significantly (39+ rec) productive rookie seasons in last years draft. Only 1 was taken higher than the third round.

So with the group of TEs available, the Rams collection of picks and the need for a TE, there's a good chance we grab one in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th (provided we obtain a 4th via trade down or comp pick). At least I'm hoping. Because we absolutely need one.

 

[madrid311]

can you imagine this offense with a healthy line, qb and T.E. beast that blocks and has hands like glue and can run over people and get yards? we need one really bad. go rams!

 

[PARAM]

I'm hoping they have a good plan for the draft. Perhaps trade down in the second and pick Nolan Smith. Then get a TE or C next. Then a TE or C with the next pick followed closely by a RB and CB. Of course all plans are good until things actually begin to happen.

 

[dang]

BTW, I think that if the Rams put 15-25 pounds on Skowronek, he'd make a decent TE.

That’s kinda my point. Higbee has been decent and has looked good for spurts in his career but I think it’s time for a Plan B (including more 2TE sets). Skow, Hopkins, Round 4/5 draft pick this year or next should do the trick. I’m sure Rams will keep Higbee this year but start executing Plan B.

 

[Corbin]

Good thread.

On the topic of Higbee it’s a real possibility he could be traded for a fourth or fifth and we save on cap how things are going and we target 2 cheap talented TE’s in the draft.

Don’t discount us going TE in the second round. Remember McVays first draft with us drafting Gerald Everett? He’s got that 12 personal set up in his mind still, I can guarantee it.

I’m really liking Musgrave, La Porta, Washington, Tucker Kraft ( thinking the best shot to be with us with our multitude of late rounders)

 

[Memento]

If he was on the Rams, we’d all
like him, let’s be homest.

Shit, sorry, was typing on my phone then. My apologies for the improper format and misspelled word.

 

[Ram65]

I’m no analyst but it seems Higbee was a decent safety valve but not a weapon this year. In addition, it seemed a good chunk of the middle of the year we saw a sluggish, stone-handed TE. Perhaps he was injured. He definitely contributed at the end of the season but the season was over. I believe we saw the peak of Higbee several years ago and I’d like to see much more of a 2 TE set. So I’d be in favor of trading Higbee for a 4th.

Anyone else notice that Higs catches the ball and it always looks like he’s tripping after the catch. I know statically he’s not bad but it feels like he could be better. Always falling short of the first down.

He’s big but gets taken down by a CB when he should be able to truck them 1 on 1.

I think was hurt last year thus the appearance of weak legs not being able to make sharp cuts and seemly being off balance. He looked stronger late in the year.

 

[Ram65]

One way or another the Rams need to improve the run game. A solid blocking TE to combine with Higbee would be a good idea.

Let's see how things shake out with trades. A TE or a possible starting offensive lineman I would go OL.

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Tight end

Utah's Dalton Kincaid and Notre Dame's Michael Mayer headline PFF's 2023 NFL Draft tight end rankings.

www.pff.com

 

[ottoman89]

I like Higbee, but man he's so hit or miss. He disappears for 1/4 of the season, has 2 strong weeks and disappears again. Not sure if it's usage or just his consistency.

DEFINITELY need another weapon at TE.

 

[dieterbrock]

Higbee in 2022 for Tight Ends
8th in rec yards
4th in receptions
10th in 1st down catches
14th in TD catches

Basically top 10 categorically

I dont see why we would look to replace that as opposed to adding to it. He may not be the All Star that fans want to have at each position, but he's decent and isnt costing big $$. What is deplorable is the #2 TE position, I'd look to improve that prior to considering replacing Higs

 

[ottoman89]

Higbee in 2022 for Tight Ends
8th in rec yards
4th in receptions
10th in 1st down catches
14th in TD catches

Basically top 10 categorically

I dont see why we would look to replace that as opposed to adding to it. He may not be the All Star that fans want to have at each position, but he's decent and isnt costing big $$. What is deplorable is the #2 TE position, I'd look to improve that prior to considering replacing Higs

I definitely wouldn't get rid of him. But I'd look at a TE in the draft to add to him.

 

[Merlin]

Remember McVays first draft with us drafting Gerald Everett?

Unfortunately I do. It concerns me.

I don't think McVay is a good source for either RB or TE. In other words I think Snead needs to identify guys who have shit that McVay overlooks and/or does not prioritize.

As it pertains to TE there are some real ones that should be on the board when we're up. That is very exciting to me. But what is equally terrifying is McVay telling him what they need is some passcatchy sumbish who will play like a pussy on the edge in the run game. Some guy who is all weapon like Everett, or Hopkins, or Harris. Fucking enough with those guys man. Enough already.

 

[Corbin]

Unfortunately I do. It concerns me.

I don't think McVay is a good source for either RB or TE. In other words I think Snead needs to identify guys who have shit that McVay overlooks and/or does not prioritize.

As it pertains to TE there are some real ones that should be on the board when we're up. That is very exciting to me. But what is equally terrifying is McVay telling him what they need is some passcatchy sumbish who will play like a pussy on the edge in the run game. Some guy who is all weapon like Everett, or Hopkins, or Harris. Fucking enough with those guys man. Enough already.

Exactly! The coaches I grew up playing exemplified this, if you are are a RB, TE, WR you must learn/know how to block proficiently or you’re never sniffing the field!

Now I know there are offensive systems predicated to TE’s ( Antonio Gates etc.) that never was a full blown blocker but with the type of offense McVay’s system is designed to run optimally, is where every player knows how to block and contribute. That’s what got McVay our HC job and how we blasted out the beginning of his HC career.

I think he’s gone away from that a bit, hopefully Snead can make some beastly trades/picks and get us with some young talent again on the offensive side of the ball.

( Also we need to rebuild this O-Line and get a bell cow again Charbonnet or Miller this draft )