just look at how the game is changing. With more teams playing 3-4 evolving hybrid tight ends are the offsetting answer on offense. Its tough putting 4 well rounded athletes out there at linebacker. There are usually more role oriented members who are pass rushers run stoppers or coverage spies. When the qb reads a linebacker/safety blitz his hot route is often the tight end over the middle. Just look at the Cheatriots: in a copy cat league they skip on pass rushers to get 2 sure handed athletic tight ends. Ben watson is a great all around tight end but he's not gunna burn you 30 yards and he is pretty anchored to the line. The pats didn't come up with this, they've never had that dominant tight end but have been burnt enough by Gates and Clark enough to know the importance. Tony Gonzalez certainly has something to do with Atlanta's success. I suppose a counter point could be made by looking at the success of the teams with vernon davis and jason witten on them but those teams have a longer list of problems the the phins and those two players are reliable. I couldnt tell you what randy mcmicheal is doing with himself or if hes even still a Ram but he was productive for us during a time when our best combo was feidler/chambers No real conclusion. Fasano is mediocre despite being the only one to break the plain last week. I havnt looked into the draft class much and would love a Locker or Ingram but I hope Henning isnt too out of touch to see where the leagues going.
Watson is very fast, yes he can burn you 30 yards down the field. He's faster than Gonzales and more athletic than Gronkowski.
We need a faster tight end to go along with Fasano. We need a fast running back too. Those, IMO, are our 2 biggest needs.
