Watching these playoff games has really driven home the importance of having a competent tight end. The emergence of our own Kaden Smith was an unexpected surprise and also gave a big boost to the running game. I think Smith ultimately lacks elite skills but can be a useful player and a good running mate for a front line player.
I have had my eye on Austin Hooper as a possible target in free agency. The Falcons are up against it big time with cap space. They will have a difficult time keeping their better free agents. Since entering the league 4 years ago, Hooper has made steady improvement. He is a solid two way player, has good size at 6'4 255 lbs, is only 25 yrs old and his stock is on the rise. This year, he caught 75 balls which was 4th among TEs. He amassed 787 YRDS total for 6th on the list and had 6 TDs. He accomplished this in only 13 games. Another stat I like is out of the 13 games he played, he caught 6 or more balls in 8 of those games.
I don't know if this guy is on anybody else's radar, but I like the idea of having two young tight ends going forward that can be utilized in multiple sets. It is a positive in assisting the OL in the running game while adding versatility to the passing game. Anyone have any thoughts or insights on this player?
Yeah, I'd love to sign Hooper if we could, but with Williams and our other needs, I don't know if we'd be able to make it happen.
I'd like to draft another TE, too, but we're already down one pick as it is, so I don't know if that's doable, either.
DG gets credit for jumping on him when he became available....like getting another 5th rd pick off waivers.
If you guys think Engram is hurt often, Henry is the poster child for being on the DL
Like the Steelers' Vance McDonald, somebody that can move people and has good enough hands to get a first down when you need one.
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Plus there is yet another Stanford TE in this years draft in Colby Parkinson. I would rather spend the FA money to fix the defense but I am in full support of using a draft pick on a TE.
Yeah, I'd love to sign Hooper if we could, but with Williams and our other needs, I don't know if we'd be able to make it happen.
I'd like to draft another TE, too, but we're already down one pick as it is, so I don't know if that's doable, either.
I wouldn't want them to use a pick in the first two days on a TE, unless they traded Engram. I wouldn't be opposed to them taking one at some point on day 3. Try to target a solid blocker who was underutilized in college ala Kittle.
I wouldn't want them to use a pick in the first two days on a TE, unless they traded Engram. I wouldn't be opposed to them taking one at some point on day 3. Try to target a solid blocker who was underutilized in college ala Kittle.
My last post was unclear. I would only look to draft a TE if we didn't sign one in free agency. If that was the case, I wouldn't rule out a day two pick if a good prospect happened to fall to us. Have to see how the draft shakes out.
I figure Ellison's a goner. As for Engram...no one wanted to draft him more than I did, but he's been a big disappointment to say the least. Might have been better if we'd been able to move him last season. Now he's damaged goods...again. Lousy situation.
We’re good with Engram and Smith. One of the few positions we don’t have to worry about in 2020 is TE.
We’re good with Engram and Smith. One of the few positions we don’t have to worry about in 2020 is TE.
Engram has missed 14 games in the past three years. He played in 15 in 2017, 11 in 2018, and 8 in 2019. Can you really count on him to give you a full season in 2020?
Kaden Smith was a nice pickup, but he's a TE2 at best.
We’re good with Engram and Smith. One of the few positions we don’t have to worry about in 2020 is TE.
I’m not at all in favor of using free agent money on a tight end, but as someone who lives in the Atlanta market and as a result follows the falcons., your assessment of hooper is not at all accurate
8 when the were tied.
14 with the lead.
The big games he had this year were misleading. Stats the fantasy guys loved because it won fantasy football games but didn’t help that team. Several games this year where the guy did nothing for 3 qtr and padded stats late.
He’s athletic and he can catch. He’s a good player but I wouldn’t want to give him a big deal.
Like the Steelers' Vance McDonald, somebody that can move people and has good enough hands to get a first down when you need one.
McDonald might be more injury prone than Engram
If he continues to develop - I think this is one of the areas that is a relative strength for the team.