Rosario and Yeatman are two completely different guys. Rosario is a guy that might help now, not in a year or two. Yeatman is that developmental guy. I don't know if they are very serious about Rosario, but he can catch the ball. He might be a good complement to the TE position on this team. Mastrud is more of a blocking TE. However, we have to keep Yeatman on the roster for at least a period of 3 weeks, so Rosario is probably not an option at this point.
I think Yeatman is a better blocker than Mastrud now. Rosario is competition for Mastrud, not Yeatman. Rosario is a more balanced tight end than Mastrud.
Yeatman seems to me to be a guy you would want if you were more like the old Henning offense. Another inline blocker for two TE sets. Rosario is a good pass receiver primarily and would seem to me better suited for this offense.
So ... I am not one for spy theories , but that was an odd signing to me. Does Miami really feel Yeatmen will add on the field elements to this season , or as a TE can he shed some light on how NE may approach the season opener and knowing that being burned by TE's has been a reoccurring problem for this team? Double TE' formations don't seem to be a priority and not sure what he would be able to provide unless they see long term development?
Why do we need our 2nd TE to be a guy who is mainly a blocker and who's best routes are a 6 yd curl or hook? They have some kind of aversion to any TE who may challenge Fasano for being the best pass catching TE.
did we ever worked someone out and signed him up on the spot ? , another 3 weeks maybe and roasrio could be ours
What are the chances Rosario makes it through waivers and is available in three weeks? Sounds more like what we need than Yeatman.
Rosario is one of those guys who seems to have everything he needs to be damn good but just can't get his head to align with his body. He had some pretty good catches against us in 2009 IIRC and he's fairly athletic. He needs a coach maybe.
I like Dante Rosario, especially as a guy in 2 TE sets with Fasano. He isn't Anthony Fasano when it comes to blocking, but they're both in the 6'4 250 range, so I think he could be taught that. Nor, do I think he's that bad, as he had to be decent at it while getting playing time in the run heavy offense of Carolina. We keep seeing these flex TE's become available. We all want this type of player, but Miami has shown time and time again, that they value blocking and holding the point of attack in higher regard than a guy shooting down the seam. Even with David Martin, he was a guy that had to block to get onto the field. I think it'd be a mistake passing up Rosario for Mastrud.
My guess is that they want TEs that similar skills Fasano (inline blocker) while offering a bigger target on his routes. A flex TE negates the advantage of Reggie Bush as defenses are likely to replace a LB and be able to more effectively disguise their coverage. Moreover, the Jets-Patriots playoff game showed how crowded the middle of the field becomes when outside WRs do not get open. With Henne's strengths and weaknesses, it's less risky to have him try to gain some success with outside throws of 10-25 yards; rather than trying to fit the ball in the middle of the field to a speedy TE. As for the TE position, Less is More can lead to better execution if the back-ups maintain Fasano's skill level while he reduces his snaps. The TEs take lots of shots so hopefully if all works out, Fasano uses his experience to find soft spot in coverage, Mastrud uses height to catch ball behind LBs and seam, and Yeatman is a safety value that can absorb hit and gain a few more yards to put offense in favorable 2nd or 3rd down situation. This can change in few weeks if Mastrud performs like Nalbone. If he holds his own, then Yeatman can solidify his role as blocking TE and safety value.
There are no waivers with Rosario. He is a UFA, and can sign with whomever he comes to an agreement with.