Tracking the Draft Prospects: Tight End

[Phragle]

I don't follow that Bleacher Report note on Ebron.  
 
Am I supposed to believe that the "veteran front-office man" went to API and not only timed Ebron in the 40 (to determine that he has lost a step) but also stuck around to watch him catch passes (to conclude that he's still got it)?

 
Yeah it's a little weird, but he doesn't have to time Ebron to know he's slower. He could have talked to Ebron or his team and concluded that. And I think Ebron is enough of a player that he could slow down and still be a special player. The source could feel the same way.

 

[Otto]

My guess is that he saw Ebron at the Senior Bowl (he was in the stands during the week of practice), talked to his agent who said "he's working hard to get bigger and stronger to improve as a blocker," and cooked up the rest (with Gil Brandt, good call). 

 

[lambeau]

Ebron's a junior.
Agent: "BTW, don't be expecting that  4.6 from Eric at the Combine, because, uh...he's gotten bigger and better!"

 

[Otto]

I'm aware he's a junior.  He was in the stands in Mobile during the week of practice at Senior Bowl, making the rounds.

 

[Phragle]

My guess is that he saw Ebron at the Senior Bowl (he was in the stands during the week of practice), talked to his agent who said "he's working hard to get bigger and stronger to improve as a blocker," and cooked up the rest (with Gil Brandt, good call). 

 
Certainly possible. For Ebron I'd much prefer it too.
 

I'm aware he's a junior.  He was in the stands in Mobile during the week of practice at Senior Bowl, making the rounds.

 
Is this normal?

 

[Otto]

Normal?  Yes, but changing.  I think Ebron and Clowney were the only two underclassmen there this year.  In years past, there would be several underclassmen there, talking to front office guys and gaining attention, etc.  With the recent shift of top players avoiding all-star games, I think underclassmen who may have gone in the past are now thinking "if that guy skipped Senior Bowl, I should too."  Plus, with the high number of underclassmen entering the draft each year and their intentions becoming such easily accessible information, NFL Clubs have adapted and made it less useful: most of the good early entries have been evaluated as early entries all year.  Its not like NFL teams are suddenly trying to scramble and evaluate Sammy Watkins, for example.
 
(sorry for the sidetrack)

 

[Dogman]

Is it possible for you to tell us who you are representing in the draft this year, Otto?

 

[Otto]

I generally keep that close to the vest for a variety of reasons, most of which are irrational.  I think last year I mentioned one of my draft-eligible clients here before the draft (Devin Taylor, who ended up having a very solid rookie season in Detroit), so I'll go with one interesting one in this year's class, although interesting for very different reasons: Courtney Bridget, a cornerback from Hampton University.  I think he's a big time sleeper.  
 
What is unique about Bridget is that he was improperly classified as an underclassman by the NCAA and NFL until we got it corrected in December.  As a result, he wasn't graded by National until December and BLESTO never graded him.  That excluded him from all star game consideration and made combine a near-impossibility.  None of the draft analysts even knew he was out there until a couple weeks ago.  He's a complete unknown to many because of how this unfolded.  So he'll have just his on campus pro day to show what he can do, which is the exact situation I had with a very similar client a few years ago.  In that previous case, I had a 6'2" corner from a small school with no all star game and no combine.  When teams saw his pro day numbers (4.37 forty, among other things), he generated a ton of interest and ended up being drafted in the third round (Derek Cox).  Here's the thing: Bridget is bigger than Cox and will run fast (we'll see how fast at pro day).  Bridget is a rangy, nearly 6'3" corner.  Really long arms.  My phone has been ringing like crazy since early January, with teams trying to figure out who he is and what's going on.  NFLPA told me that 17 teams called after all star rosters came out, trying to figure out how he was excluded from all star game consideration and trying to get him added.  I've never had teams calling me pre-combine trying to line up work-outs for a player, and I've had a handful of those calls already. I expect a very busy March and April for him.  Will be key to capitalize (that's his job) and play our cards right (that's mine).  Should be fun.
 
If this belongs somewhere else, please feel free to move. If it interests no one but myself, please feel free to delete!

 

[Dogman]

Thanks for the info.  I will make him my binky and hope he gets drafted early. He sounds like a very interesting player.

 

[Super Nomario]

Target-by-target analysis of TEs with a significant number of targets (sorry, SSF, no CJF):
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/46280/349/peshek-te-metrics
 
Short version: ASJ showed the best hands but the worst YAC ability. Niklas, surprisingly, caught the ball downfield the most, despite spending the most time in-line. Amaro, Ebron, and Rodgers hardly played inline at all.
 
I think Niklas feels the most Patriots-y of the TE prospects; he probably has the best blend of receiving and blocking skills, and he probably won't go as high as Ebron / Amaro / ASJ.

 

[soxhop411]

I guess I should ask this here since we do not have a WR thread. Would the pats take a shot at IU's Cody Latimer?

 

[SMU_Sox]

I guess I should ask this here since we do not have a WR thread. Would the pats take a shot at IU's Cody Latimer?

 
Why not ask Matt Waldman that?

 

[soxhop411]

Why not ask Matt Waldman that?

Will do.

 

[SMU_Sox]

Thanks my friend

 

[Super Nomario]

Combine update:
Daniel Jeremiah ‏@MoveTheSticks  1h
Eric Ebron 6'4 3/8 250
 
That suggests he's a real TE, not just a glorified slot receiver. There was some concern he'd be smaller.
 
Kevin Weidl ‏@KevinW_ESPN  49m
Heard Ebron and Troy Niklas were two of the bigger winners from the weigh-ins this morning. Niklas checked in at 270 and carried it well.
 
From what I've read I think Niklas is the most Patriots-y option.

 

[SMU_Sox]

Yeah, I'm turning the corner on Niklas too. Wouldn't shock me to see them trade out of the first to get more picks. This draft is so deep that we could grab a G, C, CB, and TE in rounds 2 to 4 who would all be immediate fits.

 

[mascho]

Niklas was just measured at the Combine.  
 
@JoshNorris: Adding on to Troy Niklas' 6'6/270lbs frame, he has 34 1/8" arms and 10" hands.
 
That's a big boy.
 
 
EDIT: And in ASJ news:  @jeffphowe: Austin Seferian-Jenkins told me he met with Josh McDaniels here at the combine.

 

[Phragle]

So Ebron, Niklas, and Amaro all measured bigger than expected, and ASJ and CJ measured smaller. The only thing that stands out so far is Amaro's small hands.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins told the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe that he met with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. At 6-foot-5 1/2, 262 pounds, Seferian-Jenkins is built from the same mold as Rob Gronkowski. He was the 2013 Mackey Award winner for the nation’s best tight end. Seferian-Jenkins played basketball at Washington and was recruited by some schools as an offensive tackle for his blocking ability.
 

From Doug Kyed via Jeff Howe

http://nesn.com/2014/02/nfl-combine-live-joe-philbin-set-to-address-dolphins-wells-report/

 

[RedOctober3829]

Nick Underhill ‏@Nick_Underhill 13s
Amaro called New England an “ideal place” for him.
 

 

[mascho]

NEPatriotsDraft.com has a results tracker, for measurements, times, etc..
 
http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014/02/2014-nfl-combine-results-tracker.html

 

[RedOctober3829]

Jeff Howe ‏@jeffphowe 9m
Jace Amaro and C.J. Fiedorowicz have met with the Patriots.
 
https://twitter.com/jeffphowe/status/436602742610460672

 

[Super Nomario]

Jeff Howe ‏@jeffphowe 9m
Jace Amaro and C.J. Fiedorowicz have met with the Patriots.
 
https://twitter.com/jeffphowe/status/436602742610460672

Howe reports ASJ and Niklas did also.

 

[SpacemanzGerbil]

If nothing else, Crockett Gillmore measured out huge. 6' 6" with long arms and monster mitts.

 

[Super Nomario]

Fully on board the Niklas train (h/t to Doug Kyed):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLNUHfDhqaI&feature=youtu.be&t=6m55s
 
"WHEN I GET HYPED, I TAKE MY SHIRT OFF!!!"

 

[Reverend]

Fully on board the Niklas train (h/t to Doug Kyed):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLNUHfDhqaI&feature=youtu.be&t=6m55s
 
"WHEN I GET HYPED, I TAKE MY SHIRT OFF!!!"

 
Jeez, Mantei Te'o will just love anyone, huh?
 
Edit addendum: A two TE set with Gronk and Niklas sounds like the stuff of bad sports movie plots. Which would be awesome.

 

[lambeau]

Official 40 times:
 
Ebron  4.60
Lyerla  4.61
Amaro  4.74
Fedex  4.76
 
ASJ, Niklas do not participate.

 

[Buster Olney the Lonely]

What do you guys think about Trey Burton out of Florida? He's a bit small to be a TE (6'2, 228), but he had one of the better 40 times (4.6), the second best three cone drill time (7.14) and appeared to catch everything thrown his way?

 

[mascho]

What do you guys think about Trey Burton out of Florida? He's a bit small to be a TE (6'2, 228), but he had one of the better 40 times (4.6), the second best three cone drill time (7.14) and appeared to catch everything thrown his way?

 
Ask Matt Waldman.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Mayock has an updated positional top 5 and SoSH binkies Niklas as well as CJF make top five:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000330427/article/mike-mayocks-updated-position-rankings-for-2014-nfl-draft

With ASJ having foot surgery, is he still worthy of being #2?

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

Mayock has an updated positional top 5 and SoSH binkies Niklas as well as CJF make top five:

SOSH binkie Joel Bitonio also hits the Top 5 at OT

 

[Super Nomario]

SOSH binkie Joel Bitonio also hits the Top 5 at OT

Yeah, now I don't even think he'll be there when the Pats pick in the second.
 
Another late-round option at TE: Cameron Brate from Harvard.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhaZXr2859A
 
More of an H-Back type. The guys at Zone Reads are a fan of his subtle route-running and ball skills: http://zonereads.com/?p=1801

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Jeebuzus:
 
https://twitter.com/cpriceNFL/status/444498969184698369
 

@cpriceNFL Jace Amaro workout RT @ErikBurkhardt: .@J_ACER22 ran again at Pro Day. 4.59 & 4.62 (into wind). At 266 lbs.

 

[Super Nomario]

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014/01/2014-senior-bowl-day-four-south-practice-notes.html

From the final Senior Bowl practice, another late-round option:
"Arthur Lynch,TE, Georgia: Was the star of Thursday practice. Literally caught every ball, including two fully-extended one-handed ones."

 
 

From the 8+ games I've seen of him, Rodgers has the raw tools (good athleticism, good speed, made some nice one-handed grabs, good runs after the catch, etc.) and versatility (lined up in the slot as well as on the offensive line, was asked to run a lot of different types of routes, played special teams, and actually helped out with punting drills at one point as a punter) to make something of himself in the NFL.  Former coach Jeff Tedford thought that Rodgers could be one of the best TEs in college football...

 
Concerns: 1. Blocking: Rodgers' weakness as a blocker is a huge red flag for his potential future as an NFL TE.  Rodgers doesn't engage high on blocks and tends to go low (due to his lack of strength). He sometimes seems uncertain (almost timid?) when engaging defenders (seems to wait for the defender vs. initiating) and often gets pushed around.  He did drop from 275 to 245 from his sophomore year to this junior year after switching from TE to playing more as an inside receiver 2. Consistency: Sometimes he'll make an amazing one-handed grab play that just flashes his abilities and other times Rodgers can't seem to make the routine catch across the middle. 3. Experience: He started only 5 games this past season (as a junior) and I believe only 6 games as a sophomore and came off the bench his freshman year as a backup and on special teams. He did have some injuries (foot and shoulder surgery) between his sophomore and junior year.  

Greg Cosell mentioned Lynch and Rodgers as options beyond the top four who he liked as prospects. Rodgers is more of a move / Hernandez-type. He didn't have a good Combine but apparently looks more athletic on film. Lynch is more of a combination TE - Cosell compared him to Heath Miller in style, though he's not as good a prospect as Miller (who was a first-round pick).
 
If the 2-TE offense is a thing of the past, how high do the Pats need to take a TE? Gronk should be back at some point, and they have Hoomanawanui to fill in for a while.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

The dream is one step closer to reality. NE is one of 4 teams CJF is scheduled to visit.
 
https://twitter.com/DougKyedNESN/status/449197886560284673

Iowa TE C.J. Fiedorowicz has four team visits scheduled in the next month.
 
Those four teams are the Tampa Bay Bucs, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots. The Cowboys and Texans also have private on-campus workouts scheduled for Friday. Fiedorowicz is one of the top inline tight ends in this class, and his receiving skills were a bit underused at Iowa. He mainly focused on curl to out routes and was limited after the catch, but Fiedorowicz displayed more athleticism than anticipated at the Combine.

 

[SMU_Sox]

I have a sleeper/binkie TE prospect: Gator Hoskins (Real name Harold. Father was Crocodile Dundee). He's 6'1'' 245 pounds. This TE, I can't remember his name, but he played for the Pats a year or two ago and was really good. He was also 6'1'' and 245. Gator is a receiving TE who was a red zone threat and deep threat at Marshall. I think the kid has immense potential but he is being projected as a 7th round or FA.
 
99 catches 28 TDS - only guy who had a higher ratio in Marshall's history? Randy Moss.
 
[media]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA7ASYOdHxs
[/media]

 

[mascho]

Yeah, you aren't the only one who has noticed him.
 
I haven't seen much, but have read a lot of glowing reviews.

 

[Super Nomario]

I have a sleeper/binkie TE prospect: Gator Hoskins (Real name Harold. Father was Crocodile Dundee). He's 6'1'' 245 pounds. This TE, I can't remember his name, but he played for the Pats a year or two ago and was really good. He was also 6'1'' and 245. Gator is a receiving TE who was a red zone threat and deep threat at Marshall. I think the kid has immense potential but he is being projected as a 7th round or FA.
 
99 catches 28 TDS - only guy who had a higher ratio in Marshall's history? Randy Moss.

I like Hoskins (I actually posted him on post 30 or so of this thread). Between him, Rodgers, Leonard, Lyerla, Duncan, etc., it seems like there are a lot of intriguing late-round H-back options. I think I'd rather them focus on the lines early and grab one of these guys late than grab one of the name guys high.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

Didn't know where else to put this, but I feel this might change the priorities going into the draft.
 
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4760948/mark-harrison-as-possible-te-fit
 
According to Mike Reiss the Pats could be looking at Mark Harrison as a possible Hernandez replacement. At 6'3" 230 and running a 4.4 40 that seems to be a decent fit for him. If this is true I can see BB targeting another wideout early and possibly adding a TE much later in the draft.

 

[Super Nomario]

Didn't know where else to put this, but I feel this might change the priorities going into the draft.
 
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4760948/mark-harrison-as-possible-te-fit
 
According to Mike Reiss the Pats could be looking at Mark Harrison as a possible Hernandez replacement. At 6'3" 230 and running a 4.4 40 that seems to be a decent fit for him. If this is true I can see BB targeting another wideout early and possibly adding a TE much later in the draft.

When we talk about stuff like this, it's important to distinguish what we mean by "TE" and "WR." The Erhardt-Perkins system the Patriots run is organized by concept - they can run "ghost/tosser" with a WR in the slot, a HB, a TE, etc., and all those players are expected to understand the assignments. So from the perspective of the passing game, there's no difference between a big TE like Gronkowski in the slot or a move TE like Hernandez or a bigger receiver like LaFell or Harrison or even a slot guy like Amendola or Edelman. There may be differences in how other teams defend these guys - Gronk is going to probably get a LB in man coverage, while Amendola might draw an Arrington-type slot corner - but the routes and responsibilities are the same in the passing game.
 
So when we talk about "Harrison might play TE," what are we talking about? Are we talking about him playing in the slot and creating some size mismatches against smaller slot corners? If so, yes, Harrison is an option (as is LaFell). But if we're talking about him actually playing TE, i.e., lining up tight to the formation, I don't see it, at least as a regular thing. And while Hernandez spent a lot of time in the slot, his ability to line up tight (or even in the backfield) created mismatches in both the run and passing games.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

When we talk about stuff like this, it's important to distinguish what we mean by "TE" and "WR." The Erhardt-Perkins system the Patriots run is organized by concept - they can run "ghost/tosser" with a WR in the slot, a HB, a TE, etc., and all those players are expected to understand the assignments. So from the perspective of the passing game, there's no difference between a big TE like Gronkowski in the slot or a move TE like Hernandez or a bigger receiver like LaFell or Harrison or even a slot guy like Amendola or Edelman. There may be differences in how other teams defend these guys - Gronk is going to probably get a LB in man coverage, while Amendola might draw an Arrington-type slot corner - but the routes and responsibilities are the same in the passing game.
 
So when we talk about "Harrison might play TE," what are we talking about? Are we talking about him playing in the slot and creating some size mismatches against smaller slot corners? If so, yes, Harrison is an option (as is LaFell). But if we're talking about him actually playing TE, i.e., lining up tight to the formation, I don't see it, at least as a regular thing. And while Hernandez spent a lot of time in the slot, his ability to line up tight (or even in the backfield) created mismatches in both the run and passing games.

 
What about Harrison makes you think that he can't do what Hernandez did? Or, like the article states, what Wright did last year?

 

[Super Nomario]

 
What about Harrison makes you think that he can't do what Hernandez did? Or, like the article states, what Wright did last year?

He can probably do what Wright did - be a garbage blocker as a TE (see here and here). I'm dubious Belichick is going to use a guy like that as a TE much. Hernandez wasn't a great blocker, but he was good enough to line up in-line and block the guys who were typically asked to cover him.
 
At any rate, I can't see Harrison, who's a project at any position, influencing the Pats' draft approach one iota. He was a college underachiever with some nice physical tools that went undrafted and had a redshirt year. I can't imagine they're planning on him for 2014.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

He can probably do what Wright did - be a garbage blocker as a TE (see here and here). I'm dubious Belichick is going to use a guy like that as a TE much. Hernandez wasn't a great blocker, but he was good enough to line up in-line and block the guys who were typically asked to cover him.
 
At any rate, I can't see Harrison, who's a project at any position, influencing the Pats' draft approach one iota. He was a college underachiever with some nice physical tools that went undrafted and had a redshirt year. I can't imagine they're planning on him for 2014.

 
That's definitely a good point. I'm hoping the kid does well and can contribute this year due to his athletic ability, but I can see how that may be more wishcasting on my part. Although, relying on him to be another cog isn't much different than relying on a draft pick to do the same, so even though he may be a backup plan he could be a reason, albeit a small one, that the Pats may not think that another TE is an early round priority. With this draft class being deep at receiver it would make sense to try to find another position that Harrison can compete for.
 
Not that we have any idea what they're actual draft priorities are as far as where they're going to draft what position. Now, it wouldn't surprise me to see them go WR over TE, and it might have before reading that column.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
That's definitely a good point. I'm hoping the kid does well and can contribute this year due to his athletic ability, but I can see how that may be more wishcasting on my part. Although, relying on him to be another cog isn't much different than relying on a draft pick to do the same, so even though he may be a backup plan he could be a reason, albeit a small one, that the Pats may not think that another TE is an early round priority. With this draft class being deep at receiver it would make sense to try to find another position that Harrison can compete for.
 
Not that we have any idea what they're actual draft priorities are as far as where they're going to draft what position. Now, it wouldn't surprise me to see them go WR over TE, and it might have before reading that column.

I'm kind of leaning the way you are. I think the two-TE offense is all but dead, and with Hoomanawanui back in the fold and Gronk returning at some point I don't think TE is a pressing need. I'd rather them go for pass rush and OL early and let the value in the middle rounds fall to them, and it seems like the WR in the 3rd-4th round range are much deeper than the TE crop.

 

[bakahump]

Why do you think its all but dead?
 
I have my thoughts about why it should be "revamped".... but I can also argue why its still very much a innovative and dangerous offense that the Pats could continue to run.
 
1. They are halfway there.  Gronk will be back.
2. A deep TE class makes getting another A level TE a distinct possibility.
3. TE offense allows for quicker Passes (much like the screen game) minimizing the danger to TB.....but depending on YAC of the TEs and the potential for their injury.  This isnt to say ALL passes would be quick.  Brady would be able to read the D and determine if a streaking down the middle Gronk would be a viable call or if he should run 3 yards chuck the defender cut and catch outside the hash or across the middle.
4. Gronk and CJF (for example) would still create tremendous mismatches in the Run pass aspect due to their ability to block.
5. A 2nd TE also gives you TB insurance. With Gronk or Niklas (for example) able to stay in and help block it may be hedge against an OL that continues to concern us. (granted at the expense of 1 less target in the passing game).
 
 
A couple more thoughts. 
You notice I did not mention a smaller "move" TE  in my examples.  Both CJF and Niklas are "gronk clones".  I agree that the "big TE/Little TE" offense should be abandoned as I dont think it gives as much flexability as a "2 Big TE" offense (manned by Gronk and one of the Draftees) could.
I could buy the argument that the TE offense is a bad idea because they just take too much of a beating to keep them both healthy and effective for long periods of a season or career. (Matter of fact I have suggested this point quite often).  Losing one is also too debilitating to your offense as the talent drop from Gronk (or CJF) to Hooman is so much greater then the fall off of Amendola to Josh Boyce for example.

 

[Super Nomario]

Why do you think its all but dead?
 
I have my thoughts about why it should be "revamped".... but I can also argue why its still very much a innovative and dangerous offense that the Pats could continue to run.

To be clear: it's not philosophically dead. There's nothing wrong with the two-TE offense as long as you have the personnel to run it. But the Patriots don't.
 

1. They are halfway there.  Gronk will be back.
2. A deep TE class makes getting another A level TE a distinct possibility.

I don't see it as super deep, to be honest.
 

3. TE offense allows for quicker Passes (much like the screen game) minimizing the danger to TB.....but depending on YAC of the TEs and the potential for their injury.  This isnt to say ALL passes would be quick.  Brady would be able to read the D and determine if a streaking down the middle Gronk would be a viable call or if he should run 3 yards chuck the defender cut and catch outside the hash or across the middle.

I don't see why a second TE allows for quicker passes than a 3rd WR. If anything I would think the opposite.
 

4. Gronk and CJF (for example) would still create tremendous mismatches in the Run pass aspect due to their ability to block.
5. A 2nd TE also gives you TB insurance. With Gronk or Niklas (for example) able to stay in and help block it may be hedge against an OL that continues to concern us. (granted at the expense of 1 less target in the passing game).
 
 A couple more thoughts. 
You notice I did not mention a smaller "move" TE  in my examples.  Both CJF and Niklas are "gronk clones".  I agree that the "big TE/Little TE" offense should be abandoned as I dont think it gives as much flexability as a "2 Big TE" offense (manned by Gronk and one of the Draftees) could.

I don't know. The move TE was arguably the lynchpin of the two-TE offense, because it created the decision point for the defense. Do they go nickel and match up a DB against Hernandez? Or do they go base D and match up a LB? From there, the Pats had numbers and mismatches in either passing or rushing. A second big TE doesn't create that kind of conundrum - I think defenses would just put a LB on Niklas or Fiedorowicz. So the question is: is that a bigger mismatch for the Patriots than say, LaFell or Amendola against a slot corner? I'm dubious.
 
I'm not averse to the Pats adding another TE if he's good enough, but I think the reality is that another star-caliber TE isn't going to be available just because they want one.

 

[RedOctober3829]

This may not be specific to the draft, but this is as good of a spot as any to pose this question.  We are all looking for a 2nd TE who could be a move TE, correct?  Well, what if he's already on the roster and we don't know it yet?
 
Mark Harrison was a WR coming out of Rutgers at 6'3" and 231 lbs.  He is very big for his position.  His combine numbers were: 4.46 40, 6.99 3-cone drill, 17 reps on the bench  Mike Reiss brought it up in a blog post last week and I was rather intrigued with it.  Here is what he had to say about it. 

 

The Patriots currently have three tight ends on the roster -- Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams -- but after further inspection, it's possible they have a fourth; he's just listed as a wide receiver.

It's Mark Harrison.

The former Rutgers Scarlet Knight is 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds, which is about as big as it gets for a receiver and almost puts him into a "move tight end" classification. Harrison had some things going for him coming out of Rutgers but went undrafted and then didn't pass a physical with the Bears (foot injury). The Patriots signed him on May 20 and he ended up spending last year on season-ending injured reserve.

The expectation is that he'll be a full participant in the team's offseason program which starts April 21, and three things stood out when looking into Harrison as a possible fit into the Patriots' tight end discussion:

1. At least one other NFL team, in the pre-draft process last year, viewed Harrison as more of a "move" tight end than a receiver.

2. Harrison's former Rutgers teammate, receiver Tim Wright, made the same transition to tight end with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and totaled 54 catches under coach Greg Schiano. Harrison is actually bigger than Wright (6-4, 220).

3. The Patriots are fairly well stocked at receiver, and with a lighter tight end depth chart combined with a draft class that is sparking some questions, Harrison might have the best chance to emerge as a tight end.
 
 
 

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4760948/mark-harrison-as-possible-te-fit

 

[SMU_Sox]

1. Waldman is a big fan of Gator too, SN. Of all the TE's Gator has the 4th highest potential and Waldman is very bullish on him being an excellent receiving TE. Basically our takes were validated. So yeah, I'm all over him in the 5th round plus. Get it done Bill. Binkie mode activated.

2. This is an average TE class. This isn't particularly shallow or deep but I'd say for receiving TEs it is more shallow than deep.

3. Mark Harrison is probably noise at this point. I wouldn't count on him for anything other than depth.

4. At this moment I'd rather have a bigger receiver like LaFell than a 2nd TE given our current roster. Unless we draft a move TE high I'm more sure than not that a 3rd WR is a better option. Gator could be hernandez 2.0. If that happens we can do the 2 TE formation but realize that the plays are going to be the same or similar anyway whether it is LaFell or Gator/2nd TE.

 

[Reverend]

This may not be specific to the draft, but this is as good of a spot as any to pose this question.  We are all looking for a 2nd TE who could be a move TE, correct?  Well, what if he's already on the roster and we don't know it yet?
 
Mark Harrison was a WR coming out of Rutgers at 6'3" and 231 lbs.  He is very big for his position.  His combine numbers were: 4.46 40, 6.99 3-cone drill, 17 reps on the bench  Mike Reiss brought it up in a blog post last week and I was rather intrigued with it.  Here is what he had to say about it. 
 
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4760948/mark-harrison-as-possible-te-fit

 
Möbius post.

 

[RedOctober3829]

1. Waldman is a big fan of Gator too, SN. Of all the TE's Gator has the 4th highest potential and Waldman is very bullish on him being an excellent receiving TE. Basically our takes were validated. So yeah, I'm all over him in the 5th round plus. Get it done Bill. Binkie mode activated.

2. This is an average TE class. This isn't particularly shallow or deep but I'd say for receiving TEs it is more shallow than deep.

3. Mark Harrison is probably noise at this point. I wouldn't count on him for anything other than depth.

I'm not counting on him for anything right now SMU or saying he's a sure thing.   I'm simply saying he's an option they can try in camp and see if it works out.  We haven't seen him on the field yet in the NFL so let's wait before we discount him.