Tight End class in draft

[Memphis Ram]

Maybe. You don’t know if they would have excelled in those offenses or not. Physically they look like they could but how do you know that they could still get open despite being the primary weapon in the passing game? Most tight ends operate as a secondary pass threat. They don’t get the focus of the opponents defense. That’s akin to saying any tight ends play on the Chiefs could do what Kelce does, or what Kittle does for the 49ers because it’s only about the scheme.

The Chiefs and the 49ers situations with Kelce and Kittle goes to my statement regarding talent being necessary for production. You can't just stick anybody out there. I'm saying that there are some very talented players in this draft class.

A talented player getting open as the primary weapon in the passing game is far easier at TE. And especially with a creative offensive mind scheming and moving him all over the formations as that's difficult for most college defenses to handle. TEs aren't typically going up against a defenses best coverage guy. It's just the nature of the position.

On a side note: I'm even beginning to question my love for Brock Bowers last year whom I believe is better than everyone in this draft class. Great season. But was he really that much better or impactful than Trey McBride last year? Maybe 1st round picks should be geared towards the BPA at premium positions.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

The Chiefs and the 49ers situations with Kelce and Kittle goes to my statement regarding talent being necessary for production. You can't just stick anybody out there. I'm saying that there are some very talented players in this draft class.

A talented player getting open as the primary weapon in the passing game is far easier at TE. And especially with a creative offensive mind scheming and moving him all over the formations as that's difficult for most college defenses to handle. TEs aren't typically going up against a defenses best coverage guy. It's just the nature of the position.

On a side note: I'm even beginning to question my love for Brock Bowers last year whom I believe is better than everyone in this draft class. Great season. But was he really that much better or impactful than Trey McBride last year? Maybe 1st round picks should be geared towards the BPA at premium positions.

Kelce has an uncanny ability to get open. He credits that to what he learned from Mahomes. Sometimes it’s the mental part that makes the difference. Sometimes it’s all physical. I said in another reply that Warren was better in 2022-2023 than both drafted tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart. He wasn’t executing good before Kotelnicki. But yes, Kotelnicki’s offensive mind made him shine. At his previous coaching spots Kotelnicki mostly used receivers to make his offense go, but he felt Warren was too good of a weapon not to feature him. He called him the smartest player he’s ever coached. So is it possible that Tyler Warren has an exceptional football IQ, which sets him apart from the rest of the group and lead to his success in that offense?

But I understand your point. Without Kotelnicki Warren plays a more bland role under Yurcich and his skills don’t draw as much attention. However, , I said last year, that Warren is the tight end I hope the Rams will draft. I did think he’d be noticed by NFL teams as a top TE.

Unfortunately, we won’t find out if what he did at PSU will be able to be duplicated in the NFL until he plays, but he has proven to excel at the game in the college level, so someone will pick him based on that.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

The Chiefs and the 49ers situations with Kelce and Kittle goes to my statement regarding talent being necessary for production. You can't just stick anybody out there. I'm saying that there are some very talented players in this draft class.

A talented player getting open as the primary weapon in the passing game is far easier at TE. And especially with a creative offensive mind scheming and moving him all over the formations as that's difficult for most college defenses to handle. TEs aren't typically going up against a defenses best coverage guy. It's just the nature of the position.

On a side note: I'm even beginning to question my love for Brock Bowers last year whom I believe is better than everyone in this draft class. Great season. But was he really that much better or impactful than Trey McBride last year? Maybe 1st round picks should be geared towards the BPA at premium positions.

I’ll add, does it matter where a guy is drafted? This goes back to your points about Bech. If a coach thinks the player can make a huge difference in his system does it matter where they take him? Tight ends have taken a leap in value lately. McBride has a huge impact for the Cardinals, just like Kelce and Bowers. I’d say that with the right situation they are worthy of a first round pick. But if you watch Kincaid, or even Hockenson you can argue it’s a secondary position, not worth picking early. Bowers speed sets him apart and he was THE weapon in Las Vegas. So it all depends on if a team sees more potential in a TE that sets him apart. Warren has done that, so has Fanin. Plus this isn’t a draft filled with stars. That helps boost Warren’s stock.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I’ll add, does it matter where a guy is drafted? This goes back to your points about Bech. If a coach thinks the player can make a huge difference in his system does it matter where they take him? Tight ends have taken a leap in value lately. McBride has a huge impact for the Cardinals, just like Kelce and Bowers. I’d say that with the right situation they are worthy of a first round pick. But if you watch Kincaid, or even Hockenson you can argue it’s a secondary position, not worth picking early. Bowers speed sets him apart and he was THE weapon in Las Vegas. So it all depends on if a team sees more potential in a TE that sets him apart. Warren has done that, so has Fanin. Plus this isn’t a draft filled with stars. That helps boost Warren’s stock.

If a team believes that a player is clearly the BPA at their selection, I'm all for it. But trading up for a non-premium position is VERY questionable to me.

I'm just saying that I'm seeing now that the impact and difficulty in filling premium positions has to be considered especially if it's easier to fill non premium positions later.

Giants took Malik Nabors. Great rookie season. Looks like they'd be better of today if the took a QB.
Bears took Rome Odunze. Decent rookie season. Looks like they would have been better off taking the LT.
I was all about Brock Bowers, but I can see that Jared Verse (whom I didn't think would be available) impacted the team more than Bowers ever could.

 

[Ramstien]

To me success in the 1st round of the draft is taking the best player available at a position of need and that looks like TE or CB, at this time. I just have a feeling the Rams are going all in on offense so I believe it will be TE.

 

[Merlin]

I think Warren is potentially a Gronk type TE. With Gronk he was big enough and moved so well plus had the hands and ability to come down with contested catches. And the total sum of those traits was a nightmare for opposing defenses with a top QB who trusts him giving him opportunities.

Warren has that same size and movement type combo on film. The DBs can't handle his size. The LBs and Edge types can't cover him. If he were to fall into the teens I am certain McVay would go apeshit trying to get Snead to move up and get him. But in this class, where there isn't really a slam dunk bluechip group, where it's moreso a couple bluechip players, it just feels like Warren's that sure thing some team will take.

In this draft he's sort of what Alt was in last year's draft. The big and stable pick you know makes you better, who likely goes off in the top ten. Now that said he has to run still at his pro day, and the TEs as a group seemed to pass on the workouts at the combine, so that will affect things. I think the only way he ends up anywhere close to us is if he tanks his workout.

 

[Mojo Ram]

If we miss out on the top guys I like Helm on day three.

To me, Warren is clearly the top guy. TE can be tough to project into the NFL. Arroyo is interesting. Could be special.

 

[So Ram]

I think Warren is potentially a Gronk type TE. With Gronk he was big enough and moved so well plus had the hands and ability to come down with contested catches. And the total sum of those traits was a nightmare for opposing defenses with a top QB who trusts him giving him opportunities.

Warren has that same size and movement type combo on film. The DBs can't handle his size. The LBs and Edge types can't cover him. If he were to fall into the teens I am certain McVay would go apeshit trying to get Snead to move up and get him. But in this class, where there isn't really a slam dunk bluechip group, where it's moreso a couple bluechip players, it just feels like Warren's that sure thing some team will take.

In this draft he's sort of what Alt was in last year's draft. The big and stable pick you know makes you better, who likely goes off in the top ten. Now that said he has to run still at his pro day, and the TEs as a group seemed to pass on the workouts at the combine, so that will affect things. I think the only way he ends up anywhere close to us is if he tanks his workout.

After the draft, who do you think the Chargers would draft in 2025.

Alt or Bowers ??

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

If a team believes that a player is clearly the BPA at their selection, I'm all for it. But trading up for a non-premium position is VERY questionable to me.

I'm just saying that I'm seeing now that the impact and difficulty in filling premium positions has to be considered especially if it's easier to fill non premium positions later.

Giants took Malik Nabors. Great rookie season. Looks like they'd be better of today if the took a QB.
Bears took Rome Odunze. Decent rookie season. Looks like they would have been better off taking the LT.
I was all about Brock Bowers, but I can see that Jared Verse (whom I didn't think would be available) impacted the team more than Bowers ever could.

I agree that Verse did more for the Rams than Bowers could have. But McVay still wanted Bowers more. So, there’s a chance that he will push hard for Warren. DLine was a bigger need for sure.

But what premiere position do the Rams currently have a big enough need in that it takes priority over a universal offensive weapon like a top tight end? And, if they drafted a player at that position who do you have in mind?

I proposed a top off ball linebacker like Campbell or Knight. To help with run defense and pass coverage. Or a SS like Emmanwori to do the same. But I doubt they ever go that route. Keep in mind this team seems to be in All-in mode to make a run for another Super Bowl. A starter makes more sense than a bench player.

BTW, Comparing the Bears or Giants, who are terrible teams with lots of holes, to a contender like the Rams isn’t apples to apples.
Some teams are in better position to take chances.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I agree that Verse did more for the Rams than Bowers could have. But McVay still wanted Bowers more. So, there’s a chance that he will push hard for Warren. DLine was a bigger need for sure.

But what premiere position do the Rams currently have a big enough need in that it takes priority over a universal offensive weapon like a top tight end? And, if they drafted a player at that position who do you have in mind?

I proposed a top off ball linebacker like Campbell or Knight. To help with run defense and pass coverage. Or a SS like Emmanwori to do the same. But I doubt they ever go that route. Keep in mind this team seems to be in All-in mode to make a run for another Super Bowl. A starter makes more sense than a bench player.

BTW, Comparing the Bears or Giants, who are terrible teams with lots of holes, to a contender like the Rams isn’t apples to apples.
Some teams are in better position to take chances.

That's just it. I'm not sure how much of an impact All-in mode to make a run for a another Super Bowl should be utilized as then the team is banking on rookies for success.

But here is my thought process today for the 1st round.

The premium positions.

1. Quarterback - 37 year old QB and no option for the future. IF, and only IF the team loves someone available at #26 I believe they should take him. Why? How often do teams have a chance at obtaining someone they love at the position. And there's no guarantee one they love would be available at their selection next year.

2. Offensive Tackle - The team has a non mobile QB 37 year old QB and a soon to be 33 year old RT who hasn't played a full season in a couple years. We saw the how offense looked without starting quality tackles last year. IF, and only IF, there is deemed a stud OT, and especially one capable of playing both sides effectively, I believe they should take him. Example. If Ohio State's Josh Simmons still on the board and cleared medically, I believe the Rams should take him. He could take over for Havenstein and in a pinch cover LT if Jackson went down.

3. Pass Rusher - I may be in the minority, but I truly believe that a team should have at least 3 EFFECTIVE EDGE pass rushers who are also at least solid vs. the run to keep my rotation fresh and the pressure on if all are healthy or just covered if one goes down. IF the team sees a pass rusher they love at #26, I hope they take him. Note: That player can be a linebacker who can double as a pass rusher ala Alabama's Jihaad Campbell.

4. Cornerback - There probably really isn't a such thing as a lock down CB anymore, but IF the team sees a player they deem capable of being effectively left alone on an island vs. the opponents top WR while also being strong vs. the run, they should take him. These guys are hard to find.

5. Non Slot Wide Receiver - Non slot is the category because slot WRs are easier to find. But here I'm leaning towards someone capable of being a team's #1 WR / Target and not just the best WR on a bad team. This is a guy that defensive coordinators lose sleep over and must gameplan.

IF, and only IF, there isn't one player that fits the above listed criteria then simply go BPA which potentially includes TEs.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

That's just it. I'm not sure how much of an impact All-in mode to make a run for a another Super Bowl should be utilized as then the team is banking on rookies for success.

But here is my thought process today for the 1st round.

The premium positions.

1. Quarterback - 37 year old QB and no option for the future. IF, and only IF the team loves someone available at #26 I believe they should take him. Why? How often do teams have a chance at obtaining someone they love at the position. And there's no guarantee one they love would be available at their selection next year.

2. Offensive Tackle - The team has a non mobile QB 37 year old QB and a soon to be 33 year old RT who hasn't played a full season in a couple years. We saw the how offense looked without starting quality tackles last year. IF, and only IF, there is deemed a stud OT, and especially one capable of playing both sides effectively, I believe they should take him. Example. If Ohio State's Josh Simmons still on the board and cleared medically, I believe the Rams should take him. He could take over for Havenstein and in a pinch cover LT if Jackson went down.

3. Pass Rusher - I may be in the minority, but I truly believe that a team should have at least 3 EFFECTIVE EDGE pass rushers who are also at least solid vs. the run to keep my rotation fresh and the pressure on if all are healthy or just covered if one goes down. IF the team sees a pass rusher they love at #26, I hope they take him. Note: That player can be a linebacker who can double as a pass rusher ala Alabama's Jihaad Campbell.

4. Cornerback - There probably really isn't a such thing as a lock down CB anymore, but IF the team sees a player they deem capable of being effectively left alone on an island vs. the opponents top WR while also being strong vs. the run, they should take him. These guys are hard to find.

5. Non Slot Wide Receiver - Non slot is the category because slot WRs are easier to find. But here I'm leaning towards someone capable of being a team's #1 WR / Target and not just the best WR on a bad team. This is a guy that defensive coordinators lose sleep over and must gameplan.

IF, and only IF, there isn't one player that fits the above listed criteria then simply go BPA which potentially includes TEs.

It makes sense, but you assume that Snead and crew like a lot of players with that # 26 pick. Last year they had 3 players they really liked in round 1. Only 3 desirable players that they thought they may be able to reach with a trade or by standing pat, in a draft loaded with potential stars. One of those was TE Bowers. What’s the chances that they love even three players in round one with this draft, which lacks star power?

I’m going to guess their main priority is to either move up and take an impact player that they love, or trade back. That seems to have been the plan last year, based on post draft reports.

Remember, they emphasize leadership, a real love for the game and ‘dawg’ mentality. I believe it’s what lead them to two successful drafts. Jourdan calls it ‘Drafting Rams’. That process eliminates a lot of players that we may like, based on their film and athletic traits. So where you may see 8 possibilities they may only see two. If they only see two in the top 40 and have to trade up to get one, I think they should

 

[Memphis Ram]

It makes sense, but you assume that Snead and crew like a lot of players with that # 26 pick. Last year they had 3 players they really liked in round 1. Only 3 desirable players that they thought they may be able to reach with a trade or by standing pat, in a draft loaded with potential stars. One of those was TE Bowers. What’s the chances that they love even three players in round one with this draft, which lacks star power?

I’m going to guess their main priority is to either move up and take an impact player that they love, or trade back. That seems to have been the plan last year, based on post draft reports.

Remember, they emphasize leadership, a real love for the game and ‘dawg’ mentality. I believe it’s what lead them to two successful drafts. Jourdan calls it ‘Drafting Rams’. That process eliminates a lot of players that we may like, based on their film and athletic traits. So where you may see 8 possibilities they may only see two. If they only see two in the top 40 and have to trade up to get one, I think they should

No. I'm not assuming that Snead a crew like a lot of players at all. That's why I kept stating IF, and only IF, the team ......

I just provided a, I guess, a blueprint of how I would look at things in order ending at simply going BPA.

The chances they love even three players in round one? No idea. But, there are a few players that appear to emphasize leadership, a real love for the game and "dawg' mentality throughout the draft class based upon the limited information of which we have access.

BTW, I can't help but to think that McSnead may have learned something and are now thankful that attempted trade up attempts for Bowers didn't go through given the success of the draft class. And I like the team's chances of coming close to or even exceeding the impact of a TE later in this draft class against one drafted in the 1st round FAR more than just about any other position besides maybe RB.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I’ll add, does it matter where a guy is drafted? This goes back to your points about Bech. If a coach thinks the player can make a huge difference in his system does it matter where they take him? Tight ends have taken a leap in value lately. McBride has a huge impact for the Cardinals, just like Kelce and Bowers. I’d say that with the right situation they are worthy of a first round pick. But if you watch Kincaid, or even Hockenson you can argue it’s a secondary position, not worth picking early. Bowers speed sets him apart and he was THE weapon in Las Vegas. So it all depends on if a team sees more potential in a TE that sets him apart. Warren has done that, so has Fanin. Plus this isn’t a draft filled with stars. That helps boost Warren’s stock.

A lot of these conversations are revolving around move TE's but if you get a Clark, Graham, or Gronk type, your whole world can change.

They're kinda the white whales at TE that can do it all. That would be amazing.

 

[dang]

I agree that Verse did more for the Rams than Bowers could have. But McVay still wanted Bowers more. So, there’s a chance that he will push hard for Warren. DLine was a bigger need for sure.

But what premiere position do the Rams currently have a big enough need in that it takes priority over a universal offensive weapon like a top tight end? And, if they drafted a player at that position who do you have in mind?

I proposed a top off ball linebacker like Campbell or Knight. To help with run defense and pass coverage. Or a SS like Emmanwori to do the same. But I doubt they ever go that route. Keep in mind this team seems to be in All-in mode to make a run for another Super Bowl. A starter makes more sense than a bench player.

BTW, Comparing the Bears or Giants, who are terrible teams with lots of holes, to a contender like the Rams isn’t apples to apples.
Some teams are in better position to take chances.

Emmanwori may be the best pick to improve the second level tackling and TE coverage issues that was the Rams defense Achilles heel last year. Problem is he might take more than the R1.26 pick.

 

[DzRams]

Emmanwori may be the best pick to improve the second level tackling and TE coverage issues that was the Rams defense Achilles heel last year. Problem is he might take more than the R1.26 pick.

I haven't gotten into researching him yet but my initial question is, where would he play? Who would sit?

 

[dang]

I haven't gotten into researching him yet but my initial question is, where would he play? Who would sit?

Situationally SS/NB/ILB(shit he’s 6.3/227). A Swiss Army knife player that appears to be a physical game changer like a Ramsey or Budda Baker.

 

[LA_Rams_#29]

I haven't seen that we're moving on from Parkinson.. so we still have 3 TEs now. I think we have other needs more pressing than TE.... id look to get one in the later rounds.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Situationally SS/NB/ILB(shit he’s 6.3/227). A Swiss Army knife player that appears to be a physical game changer like a Ramsey or Budda Baker.

Doesn't he have trouble tackling?

 

[WestCoastRam]

I haven't seen that we're moving on from Parkinson.. so we still have 3 TEs now. I think we have other needs more pressing than TE.... id look to get one in the later rounds.

I think the argument for TE is the talent in this class, our need for pass catcher ahead of FA - so you can discount this slightly, and future prep as this is Higbee's final year and Parkinson's contract is basically only a two year deal as they can cut him next year for savings.

 

[dang]

Doesn't he have trouble tackling?

Draft analysis strengths indicate the opposite:
“Loves to tackle”
“Carries a linebacker physique”
“Tenacious effort. Demands more from teammates”
“Sheds blocks with arm length and determination”
“Can erase tight ends”….etc

Weaknesses:
“Susceptible to explosive smaller receivers”
“Prefers to play the ball in front of him”

Pro Comp:
Kyle Hamilton/Ravens.