This offseason, TE needs to be a priority.

[SoulfishHawk]

TE NOT a priority.
Please delete thread before JS has a chance to see it.
But I would authorize an OT capable of a tackle eligible on day 3 if that makes you feel better.

Solid

 

[CalgaryFan05]

Ah, yes, TE the often forgot position on the Seahawks. We've had a few come through here that were good or showed promise but none that stuck. Our TE have been nothing but glorified blockers and they weren't even good at that. I'd even argue that this needs to be a priority above having a third receiver, which is what I see many clamoring for here on .NET.

Why is this position so important? First of all, TE is a jack of all trades. Most TE's are adept blockers and good pass catchers, as well as giant targets for the QB to hit in key goal line and third down situations. They add a great deal of versatility to what an offense can do.

Want to play smashmouth football? Great! Want to look to emulate the air raid offense in the NFL? Sick! Want to run a balanced offense? Even better, a good TE can help facilitate all of these things. The first thing a TE adds is an invaluable outlet receiver. They can be an inline blocker, adding extra time for the QB, then disengage, sneak out and catch a pass. Want to run the football? Well, it sure helps having a 250+ pound 6'3+ behemoth on the line rather than a wide receiver for blocking. In addition teams will rotate their top TE's to the H BACK position and have them function like a FB.

This adds a great deal of extra blocking, but also with play actions they can also be deadly in this context, or just used to buy extra time.

A TE is a great remedy to an ailing line and above all else, a good TE can be had at a fraction of the price as a good WR. This means if you find a good one there is potentially huge salary cap savings.

Our current guys aren't really the greatest. Not really impressed by Noah Fant from a blocking or pass catching prospective. Brown is just a depth guy and functions more like a blocking TE than anything.

I think that we need to draft a TE this year and make more usage of them. Why we haven't been using them more as outlet receivers, especially with a QB like Smith who likes operating within the confines of the offense. TE's are invaluable safety nets for the trenches and in the passing game.

The TLDR version of this is Seattle could use better TE's.

My optics could be muddy - but I don't think our problem has been 'having' people at TE.

It's been USING them. Heard about it for 2 years under Waldron. Grubb? Pffft.

 

[OneLofaTatupu]

I guess it depends on what your definition of "priority" is. Our TEs were pretty serviceable when healthy. Barner did well for a rookie, he should get even better as he gains experience. The Seahawks have a weird history at the TE position, having had a few pretty good ones go through here, but never really finding a lot of use for them. Hopefully the new regime can improve on that.

As for priorities, there are certainly other areas that I would go before we worry about TE. but 2d/3d day, yeah snag one.

It’s like the difference between vacuuming your car versus replacing worn out brakes - priorities are different depending on what is valued

Day 3 - sure - UDFA - sure - but oline and edge LB for me everyday

Someone can start a thread about how we can trade Geno and a 5th for Brock Bowers. I’m shocked it hasnt happened yet

 

[cymatica]

It will be interesting though if they see an elite difference maker in round 1 at TE. Kubiak uses a lot of two TE sets so having a stud there could be massive for the offense and you can still improve the line in the following rounds. Not saying that’s what they will do but it’s a possibility.

I hope they don't waste a pick on TE in round 1. Barner and Fant can be used in 2 TE sets

 

[Seattle Person]

I hope they don't waste a pick on TE in round 1. Barner and Fant can be used in 2 TE sets

But Fant cost over $13m...

I think they'll be fine if they had Barner and a rookie TE. Yes...the TE position is crucial in the Kubiak system for the versatility and not necessarily for high end production.

 

[SeaWolv]

He was okay, he did well with opportunities given to him -- but I'm still lukewarm on him. I see us as having a bunch of depth pieces. I want a TE that is a legitimate receiving threat, I'm not sure if I'd consider Barner that.

I'm not saying AJ is the next Kelce but he did pretty well for his rookie season with the limited targets he saw. He had a significantly better reception % than Kelce (81.1 vs 74) with about the same yards per reception (8.2 vs 8.5) and a better YAC per reception (5.8 vs 3.5). You give him Kelce targets (37 vs 131) he might give you Kelce yardage (245 vs 823), 131/37=3.54x245=867 yds. I'm not against looking for a TE in the mid rounds but OLine is the priority and I think AJ has a lot of ceiling that we could see more of next season.

 

[Rat]

I wouldnt necessarily target a TE early, but I think Warren is one of the best players in the draft regardless of position. If he's available, we should be sprinting to the podium. If Warren isn't there and Loveland is, I think there's a good chance he'd be BPA too.

 

[onanygivensunday]

Seems like anytime that Fant is called to block on an outside zone run, he gets pushed back 5 yards and the play goes for a loss.

It's happened way too many times imo. I'm not impressed at all with his blocking ability.

As an all-around TE, Zach Miller was the best we've had imo.

 

[Sperrydogg]

Ah AJ Barner called and has a few words for you.

We need more than just AJ. He’s good but another one like him would be great. I would love to see us be able to line up in tight formation and still be a serious passing threat

 

[Sperrydogg]

Seems like anytime that Fant is called to block on an outside zone run, he gets pushed back 5 yards and the play goes for a loss.

It's happened way too many times imo. I'm not impressed at all with his blocking ability.

As an all-around TE, Zach Miller was the best we've had imo.

Uncle Will was good too if he coulda stayed healthy

 

[Sperrydogg]

TE? An undersized OT + oversized slot WR ?

Noah Fant has all the measurables:
6 ft 4 in · 249 lb · prototype or a slight bit undersized?
Fant's 40-yard dash time 4.5 sec was in the 96th percentile for tight ends.
He also had a 39.5 inch vertical jump, which was in the 96th percentile.
Fant's 3-cone drill time was 6.81 seconds, which was in the 96th percentile.
His broad jump was 127 inches, which was in the 95th percentile.

May be time to use Fant more as a slot WR?

Why did fant always look like he was running in concrete

 

[Wizofwest]

Seattle should have the possibility to add a TE in the first round given how the draft falls. Do they feel highly about Dart or Howard at #18. If they're there pull the trigger. Is there is a guard available they think high of available, pull the trigger. If neither of these are options and there is more value for a TE (Tyler Warren), take him and use as an extra blocker, pass catcher, used for misdirection in motion. All of this depends on how the draft falls where values of position changes with each draft pick.

 

[DarkVictory23]

Seems like anytime that Fant is called to block on an outside zone run, he gets pushed back 5 yards and the play goes for a loss.

It's happened way too many times imo. I'm not impressed at all with his blocking ability.

As an all-around TE, Zach Miller was the best we've had imo.

Fant is not a great blocker. (Barner improved as the season went along but had some whiffs.)

If you roll with those 2, your 3rd TE needs to be perhaps a better blocker than receiving threat, which I think is what Pharaoh Brown was supposed to be, but he seemed to be somewhat of a non-factor in the offense this year.

 

[TheLegendOfBoom]

Tight ends among all NFL teams are somewhat limited.

You only have a handful of teams, maybe, 5-6 teams at most that have dedicated game plans each game that the tight end gets the ball frequently enough.

It’s very hard to just shift an offensive focus to incorporate the tight ends for every game. Seattle, even when they got Jimmy Graham, was used primarily as a red zone target.

I wouldn’t say Seattle needs to make tight end a top priority cause AJ Barner and Noah Fant is “enough” for a team that wants to clearly run the ball as the main offensive identity.

If you have a Brock Bowers of the Raiders or the Cardinals tight end or La Porta of the Lions, then, you have a solid TE but most teams do not have a league top echelon tight end and they are able to make their offense work just fine.

Seattle’s number one need will always be offensive line….

 

[Jville]

Ah, yes, TE the often forgot position on the Seahawks. We've had a few come through here that were good or showed promise but none that stuck. Our TE have been nothing but glorified blockers and they weren't even good at that. I'd even argue that this needs to be a priority above having a third receiver, which is what I see many clamoring for here on .NET.

Why is this position so important? First of all, TE is a jack of all trades. Most TE's are adept blockers and good pass catchers, as well as giant targets for the QB to hit in key goal line and third down situations. They add a great deal of versatility to what an offense can do.

Want to play smashmouth football? Great! Want to look to emulate the air raid offense in the NFL? Sick! Want to run a balanced offense? Even better, a good TE can help facilitate all of these things. The first thing a TE adds is an invaluable outlet receiver. They can be an inline blocker, adding extra time for the QB, then disengage, sneak out and catch a pass. Want to run the football? Well, it sure helps having a 250+ pound 6'3+ behemoth on the line rather than a wide receiver for blocking. In addition teams will rotate their top TE's to the H BACK position and have them function like a FB.

This adds a great deal of extra blocking, but also with play actions they can also be deadly in this context, or just used to buy extra time.

A TE is a great remedy to an ailing line and above all else, a good TE can be had at a fraction of the price as a good WR. This means if you find a good one there is potentially huge salary cap savings.

Our current guys aren't really the greatest. Not really impressed by Noah Fant from a blocking or pass catching prospective. Brown is just a depth guy and functions more like a blocking TE than anything.

I think that we need to draft a TE this year and make more usage of them. Why we haven't been using them more as outlet receivers, especially with a QB like Smith who likes operating within the confines of the offense. TE's are invaluable safety nets for the trenches and in the passing game.

The TLDR version of this is Seattle could use better TE's.

Are you thinking TE Juwan Johnson a free agent from the New Orleans Saints? I don't know that another hybrid receiver is ideal.

Noah Fant may no longer be a good fit for the new offense. And, Noah is identified as the 9th highest cap number among tight ends. His top end speed is only available when healthy. Rookie AJ Barner had 4 touch downs. Where as Fant had only one. He may no longer be a good fit for a changing offense. Particularly if a rhythm and timing passing scheme along with good dose of max protect becomes more prevalent. And then there is a running game that demands reliable blocking from the tight end group. I'm guessing his current contract will be renegotiated or terminated.

Pharaoh Brown was a disappointment. He under preformed both of the 2023 Seahawk tight ends that signed else where. No reason to resign He's viewed as an unrestricted free agent depth candidate.

AJ Barner exceeded my first year expectations. He continued to grow his game as the season ended. One would think there is more to come. With regards to cost, he proved to be a bargain. Both in cap and draft cost. Two thumbs way up!

Brady Russell should definitely return from his toe injury and pick up where he left off in expanding his role on the team. I'll be looking for some resourceful spot match up roles for Brady in 2025.

If I understand the offensive style the team is chasing, a roster of four tight ends seems desirable. There is also the possibility of blocking reinforcement via a tackle eligible player from within offensive line personnel.

So, I'm anticipating the need to add 2 tight ends to the active rooster. That means they need to bring in four or five candidates during the off season.

Run the Football in 2025!

 

[toffee]

Why did fant always look like he was running in concrete

That is true, maybe technique? Is he not good at getting separations? Can someone with more football knowledge chime in?

 

[toffee]

Tight ends among all NFL teams are somewhat limited.

You only have a handful of teams, maybe, 5-6 teams at most that have dedicated game plans each game that the tight end gets the ball frequently enough.

It’s very hard to just shift an offensive focus to incorporate the tight ends for every game. Seattle, even when they got Jimmy Graham, was used primarily as a red zone target.

I wouldn’t say Seattle needs to make tight end a top priority cause AJ Barner and Noah Fant is “enough” for a team that wants to clearly run the ball as the main offensive identity.

If you have a Brock Bowers of the Raiders or the Cardinals tight end or La Porta of the Lions, then, you have a solid TE but most teams do not have a league top echelon tight end and they are able to make their offense work just fine.

Seattle’s number one need will always be offensive line….

We have Fant, who on paper, or combine-results should be up there with the best, but he isn't.

 

[SeaWolv]

Seattle should have the possibility to add a TE in the first round given how the draft falls. Do they feel highly about Dart or Howard at #18. If they're there pull the trigger. Is there is a guard available they think high of available, pull the trigger. If neither of these are options and there is more value for a TE (Tyler Warren), take him and use as an extra blocker, pass catcher, used for misdirection in motion. All of this depends on how the draft falls where values of position changes with each draft pick.

Because the Hawks have specific needs but have talent at a lot of other positions I'd prefer they trade down and target those needs than take a best available approach. At least with the early picks, in the later rounds target depth with best available.

 

[Scout]

This is a phenomenal TE draft. I hope we can get one.

I think the Seahawks should because this is a great way to add to skill talent on offense while also helping Kubiak's run game concepts.

 

[Jville]

Because the Hawks have specific needs but have talent at a lot of other positions I'd prefer they trade down and target those needs than take a best available approach. At least with the early picks, in the later rounds target depth with best available.

IMHO, Third and fourth and fifth round picks provide the best return on draft capital. Lots of position options to address team needs. As the AJ Barner selection demonstrated last year.