NFL Draft Review: Tight Ends

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I wrap up my NFL Rookie skill position breakdown with the top Tight Ends.

Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions- I’m not sure how much he’ll contribute as a Rookie Tight End, but he is definitely the one to target in dynasty leagues.  Not only is he an exceptional blocker, he has good hands. 

Every young QB needs a safety valve and when Matthew Stafford gets his feet wet, the bit 6′5″ TE out of Oklahoma State will be just that.  Pettigrew caught 42 passes for 472 yards last year despite missing four games.

Richard Quinn, Denver Broncos- Quinn will mainly be utilized for his blocking ability.  It’s puzzling why he went so early, and to a team with Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham and Jeb Putzier.  New England values Tight Ends and H-Backs so perhaps Josh McDaniels is trying to borrow that philosophy.  There is some speculation that Scheffler will be dealt. 

Jared Cook, Tennessee Titans- Here’s another team with a glut of Tight Ends.  Bo Scaife recently signed his one-year franchise tender and they have veteran Alge Crumpler.

Cook was a big play TE at South Carolina catching 73 passes in his three years for 1107 yards (15.2 ypc) and seven TDs.  He’s a big target (6′5″, 240) that should develop into a solid TE in a couple years.

Chase Coffman, Cincinnati Bengals - Chase capped off an extremely productive collegiate career with 90 receptions for 987 yards and 10 TDs.  He finished with 247 receptions for 2659 yards and 30 TDs.  He could easily slide into the starter role for the Bengals and is my pick for most productive Rookie TE.

Travis Beckum, New York Giants - Beckum was limited to six games last year, but he averaged 68 receptions for 942.5 yards and 5.5 TDs his previous two years.  He’ll be used in two Tight End sets with Kevin Boss, but doesn’t offer much fantasy value initially.  Quality pick by the G-Men though.

Shawn Nelson, Buffalo Bills- Buffalo had a need for a pass-catching TE and Nelson should fit the bill.  He caught 53 passes last year for 557 yards and 3 TDs.  He averaged 514 yards per season in his stellar four years at Southern Miss. 

Cornelius Ingram, Philadelphia Eagles - It may take a year or two for Ingram to make an impact, but the potential is there.  He had 34 receptions for 508 yards and 7 TDs in 2007.  Great athlete, but is recovering from an ACL injury that cost him all of last year for the Gators.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

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