The Denver Broncos Offseason: Tight Ends

Tight Ends do not have an easy job. In fact, there could be a valid arguement that they are the most well-rounded athletes on the team. A tight end has two jobs. They must be strong enough to block big defensive ends and fast enough to catch passes. It's a lot easier said then done. The tight ends must work on two completely different aspects of the game. Denver's tight end group was looked upon as a solid group of guys heading into the season. Let us analyze this group of guys:

Tight End Analysis: Tony Scheffler

In Mike Shanahan's final year, his high octane offense resulted in career seasons for Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. However, another player who had a career season that year was Tony Scheffler. Tony caught 40 passes for 645 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2008. However, when Josh McDaniels came in, his New England roots came with him. This led to a tough year for Scheffler. In McDaniels' blocking tight end offense, Tony caught just 31 passes for 416 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adding to a tough year, in week 17, Tony was suspended by the team for his attitude. He was caught talking about how he couldn't wait for the season to be over despite still being in the running for the playoffs. Scheffler was underutilized in McDaniels' offense. He is a restricted free agent. I think it is a near certainty that we trade Scheffler this off season. I would love to get a 2nd round pick for him, but that might be asking too much. I would settle for a 3rd round pick. With a 3rd round pick, we could pick up a strong player in this very deep draft.

Tight End Analysis: Daniel Graham

Daniel Graham came to the Broncos in 2007. He signed a 5 year, 30 million dollar contract. In his 1st year in Josh McDaniel's system, he was very effective in the blocking game. Graham was never a receiving tight end. Since his days with the Patriots, he has been a solid blocking tight end. With Tony Scheffler likely being traded, it is important that Graham is kept healthy. He is a valuable piece of McDaniels offense that requires a blocking tight end. As the primary blocker, Daniel caught 28 passes for 289 yards and 1 touchdown. He is a good fit for McDaniel's system.

Tight End Analysis: Richard Quinn

Richard Quinn was taken in the last pick of the 2nd round by the Broncos who traded up to get him. Many felt that we could have picked up Quinn without trading up. Regardless, Quinn did not play enough this season to give an adequate judgement on his talent. He is regarded as a strong blocker with underestimated hands. If he gets the right training under newly hired tight end coach, Eric Studesville, he could eventually replace Daniel Graham in the offense. He will likely take a bigger step in the offense this year if Scheffler is traded.

5 Possible Solutions

1. Ben Watson Free Agent Tight End from New England Patriots.

2. Alge Crumpler Free Agent Tight End from Tennesse Titans

3. Jimmy Graham Tight End from Miami

4. Tony Moeaki Tight End from Iowa

5. Nate Byham Tight End from Pittsburgh

Ben Watson seems like a big possibility. If I had to bet on one move this offseason, it would be to pick up Watson. He comes from the New England offense that Josh McDaniels has incorporated in Denver. Josh likes to bring in former Patriot players and I would look out for Watson coming to Denver. Alge is a strong blocker who can also be a good receiving threat. Jimmy Graham is a project. However, he has the most potential in this tight end class. He is full of heart and could turn into a good player in the future. Tony Moeaki is a good passer and blocker. He could come in and replace Tony Scheffler. Nate Byham is a blocking tight end. WalterFootball.com literally says, "A blocking tight end, so Josh McDaniels could be interested in the second round." Seriously.

There you go. Another section of our Broncos is down. The next group that will be analyzed is the Defensive Line. Stay Tuned for the next in the series.