I keep thinking Jared Wiley (TE-TCU) would be a really good understudy to Travis Kelce.
Both former QBs, both very good option-route guys who understand spacing and timing, and Wiley has an athletic profile similar to Kelce (long, lean, vertical speed). Wiley isn't the blocker…
Kyle Pitts: 68 rec, 1,026 yards, 1 TD (how the hell did he only have 1 TD?)
Evan Engram: 64 rec, 722 yards, 6 TDs
Noah Fant, TJ Hockenson, and Irv Smith all had pretty decent rookie years in 2019, as well.
Historically, you're correct. But over the past years, that has become a position that more and more teams are focused on in college, and it's translating to better "ready to play" TEs coming into the leage. [Reply]
Originally Posted by RockChalk:
I would not say that's completely accurate. They can succeed right away in the right situation. Here's a few from last year and over the last 5 years.
Kyle Pitts: 68 rec, 1,026 yards, 1 TD (how the hell did he only have 1 TD?)
Evan Engram: 64 rec, 722 yards, 6 TDs
Noah Fant, TJ Hockenson, and Irv Smith all had pretty decent rookie years in 2019, as well.
Historically, you're correct. But over the past years, that has become a position that more and more teams are focused on in college, and it's translating to better "ready to play" TEs coming into the leage.
Most don't do what LaPorta did and come in fully formed as an in-line TE, though.
Move TEs do seem to be a little more common than they used to. Makes me think Bowers may be more impactful as a rookie than Mayer was. But Mayer had a pretty solid season as a rookie 'traditional' TE in his own right. [Reply]
Originally Posted by RockChalk:
I would not say that's completely accurate. They can succeed right away in the right situation. Here's a few from last year and over the last 5 years.
Kyle Pitts: 68 rec, 1,026 yards, 1 TD (how the hell did he only have 1 TD?)
Evan Engram: 64 rec, 722 yards, 6 TDs
Noah Fant, TJ Hockenson, and Irv Smith all had pretty decent rookie years in 2019, as well.
Historically, you're correct. But over the past years, that has become a position that more and more teams are focused on in college, and it's translating to better "ready to play" TEs coming into the leage.
In fairness most of the above were first round picks or high seconds and a lot on bad teams without a lot of competition at that position. [Reply]
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut:
I think it's also reasonable to assume we won't have Kelce for 2-3 games this season.
And I think it's possible that Wiley goes from 3rd to 1st on the depth chart if that happens. Not likely, but if you want bulk snaps at a move TE position, I'm thinking you may be better served to move Wiley into that spot with Gray staying at 2.
If Kelce stays healthy I'm thinking you may see 250 yards and a couple scores on 15-20 catches. Nothing much, but a couple little flashes here and there. But if Kelce goes down, there's a chance you see him go out there for like 6 catches for 85 yards and a tuddy in a game.
I really think Reid will turn this kid into a 1,000 yard receiver someday.
Also think the team would really like to keep Kelce on a snap count. The days Kelce plays 90% of the offensive snaps during the regular season are over. Guessing if Wiley comes on it would allow them to keep Kelce at 75%. A fresh Kelce in the playoffs is hard to stop. [Reply]
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut:
Most don't do what LaPorta did and come in fully formed as an in-line TE, though.
Move TEs do seem to be a little more common than they used to. Makes me think Bowers may be more impactful as a rookie than Mayer was. But Mayer had a pretty solid season as a rookie 'traditional' TE in his own right.
Bowers is probably going to do fine, the Raiders don't have all that much and yes he's probably going to essentially be a slot. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mecca:
Bowers is probably going to do fine, the Raiders don't have all that much and yes he's probably going to essentially be a slot.
12 personnel should be pretty effective for them.
Though they probably should've held onto Jacobs if they intended to feature it. Hard for me to get two worried about Zamir White/Alexander Mattison. [Reply]
Honestly...I quite liked the look of Cupp in these preseason games. I know he's playing against the backups to backups, but he looked pretty decent. Certainly showed more than Irv Smith and honestly maybe Wiley. Again, level of competition matters I guess [Reply]
Originally Posted by Discuss Thrower:
A month removed from the preseason, are there any thoughts on whether or not Wiley "flashed" enough to potentially carve out a role with Rice broken?
Does he have burst, et cetera.
Well, I saw him absolutely whiff on a backside block yesterday, so he has that going for him. He's been targeted 1 time this season. Given our offensive struggles, I'm guessing we would have brought him out of hiding by now if there was something there that we could expose. Maybe they unleash Wiley Package of Greatness on MNF against the Saints? [Reply]