Unit Analysis: Tight Ends

July 8 issue of Sporting News...

NFC:
Cowboys - Jason Witten is one of the NFL's top young players; Dan Campbell is an ace blocker. Grade - A

Vikings - A-
Falcons - B+
Eagles - LJ. Smith is ready for a breakout - perhaps Pro Bowl-year. A backup is still needed.

49ers - B
Buccaneers - B
Redskins - Chris Cooley is poised to have a big year; Rober Royal must improve as a blocker. Grade - B

Panthers - B-
Lions - B-
Green Bay - B-
Giants - Jeremy Shockey has the talent but must step up. A reliable No.2 would be nice. Grade - B-

Rams - B-
Seahawks - C+
Bears - D
Saints - D
Cardinals - F


AFC:
Chiefs - A
Chargers - A
Dolphins - A-
Patriots - A-
Ravens - B+
Broncos - B
Texans - B
Colts - B
Titans - B
Browns - B-
Jets - B-
Bills - C+
Raiders - C+
Steelers - C+
Bengals - C
Jaguars - C

I agree that this is an area where we need improvement. Cooley is a good receiver and will only get better. He's also an adequate blocker, although we need someone to spell him in short yardage situations. Royal developed nicely as a receiver (particularly around the goal line during the last few games) but he is mediocore at best when it comes to blocking. Hopefully Manuel White can make an impact in those areas of need. Mike Sellers is a big smashmouth type fullback/H-back but contributes little to the passing game. He is more of a special teams guy but could end up replacing Cooley or Royal on running downs. Beyond these four players, we have little potential for the future. The H-B position is strong enough, but we frankly need a TE who will pancake LBs and get a pop on defensive lineman the way Don Warren used to do in the '80s and '90s.

i think those grades are about right although i hate that the cowgirls are at the top, cooley was really good last year as a reciever totally surpassed my expectations but as jermus said we need someone who can spell him and unless royal steps up thats an area we are going to have problems with