FanPost

Some OTHER TE options

Yesterday the Hawks lost out on former Pats tight-end Daniel Graham, and everyone over at Sando's blog began the crying (not all of them, but a good portion).  Graham is now the one of the highest paid tight-ends in the NFL..if not the highest!

I don't dislike Graham, but did we REALLY want to make him the highest paid tight-end in the NFL?? My vote would be no.

John has pretty much hammered out all the detials in why Graham would not have been a great fit for Seattle, so there is nothing I need to add.

Eric Johnson was signed to a 1-year deal today by the Saints.  I was never a huge fan with the major injury history and all, but I think a 1 year deal would of been ok, but whatever I won't cry over it.

Randy McMichael is the next option.  I would be shocked if Ruskell brings him in.  Ruskell has made a point about bringing in high character guys (Wistrom, Fisher, Joey J, Kerney and others) while letting guys go that aren't really known for their character..cough..K-rob..cough.

McMichael might be a good pick-up, but for me it's just to big a risk with his character issues and I think he's going to demand a pretty big deal.  He had twice as many catches as Graham over his career, so im sure he will use that to his advantage when looking for a contract.

So..where do we go?
I say go draft for the tight-end spot!!

We have already touched on Michael Allen.  He was impressive at the combines and he's a "local boy".  He's got the type of character Ruskell and Holmgren seem to like and I think he would be a good mid draft pick.  He used to play wide-out which makes me think he has the ability to get down field (something that is key in our offense).  Plus I can't see him having the mental lapses that we've see from Stevens.

The next player that we haven't mentioned is Matt Spaeth from Minnesota.  Im gonna be honest, I have no clue where is is projected to go, he may be a lock for the 1st round and out of our reach, or scouts may have him going in the later rounds.

Spaeth was second on the team in receptions..impressive for a tight-end!. He caught 47 passes for 565 yards and 4 td's.  He's listed as 6'7 265, so he has the hight and size.  He's had some big games including 6 catches for 99 yards and a TD against Penn st.

Spaeth was the 2006 John Mackey award winner, which goes to the nations top tight-end.

Are either of these guys Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates? No, certainly not right now, but they are both solid options and in my mind better than Graham and probably more reliable than Stevens.

Im sure some people will be upset because neither of these guys are big name, 1st round picks, but that shouldn't be an issue.  Ruskell has had two outstanding drafts and he's gotten some truly awesome players in rounds 2-7. Tatupu, Hill, R-plack, Tapp, Sims and some that im probably missing.  There is no reason Allen or Spaeth can't fall into that category.


Matt Spaeth