So Bengals not gonna keep schobel

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

The material I have on Klop say he is not a good blocker....and to me, any TE we draft HAS to be a good blocker

From what I've heard and the bit I saw he play, he's a good blocker but not a great blocker.

[TJJackson]

Another point here is it is no longer an issue of if player X is an upgrade over Schobel. Schobel is all likelihood (unless he takes a big pay cut) has played his last game in stripes.

The question is rather one of "can this player come in here, earn a spot, and contribute (I'll assume Reggie Kelly is the starter for now) in two and three TE sets primarily as a blocker but also as a possession receiver?"

I think Fasano is that guy, based on everything I have read about him. Perhaps Tim Day to a lesser extent as well, but find his injury history more than a little troubling.

In the later rounds, should we not draft our TE early, I am liking Auburn's Cooper Wallace

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingr...perwallace.html

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Hello?!? It IS an issue of a player being an upgrade over Schobel. Yes, we are likely to be rid of his dead weight. HOWEVER, if we draft someone who isn't at least better than him, you'll all be whining and crying for the next 4 years.

[kingwilly]

TJ...if I'm readin you right, you are suggesting we take Fasano before a Pope, Lewis, Byrd, etc. in an earlier round (r2-3) or Maybe Wallace later (r4-6)?

I think lewis is an underrated blocker, as Maurice Drew was a very successful RB who made his name on getting to the corner...which relies heavily on the TE blocking...and we all acknowledge that Lewis is a very good reciever.

Pope is also a decent blocker, especially when you look at his size, can make an impact.

Of the top TE's I don't think we can go wrong...but I'd rate them this way. If we can;t get one fo the top 4, then wait and burn a pick late...

1. V. Davis (gone in first 12)

2. Pope (late R1-early r2)

3. Lewis (same)

4. Dominique Byrd (mid r2)

5. Fasano (late r2-early r3)

6. Klopfenstien (r3)

7. Bienemann (late r3-early r4)

8. Day (r4)

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Don't want Byrd at all. Heard his a dope fiend or a thief or something.

[rwalling]

TJ...if I'm readin you right, you are suggesting we take Fasano before a Pope, Lewis, Byrd, etc. in an earlier round (r2-3) or Maybe Wallace later (r4-6)?

I think lewis is an underrated blocker, as Maurice Drew was a very successful RB who made his name on getting to the corner...which relies heavily on the TE blocking...and we all acknowledge that Lewis is a very good reciever.

Pope is also a decent blocker, especially when you look at his size, can make an impact.

Of the top TE's I don't think we can go wrong...but I'd rate them this way. If we can;t get one fo the top 4, then wait and burn a pick late...

1. V. Davis (gone in first 12)

2. Pope (late R1-early r2)

3. Lewis (same)

4. Dominique Byrd (mid r2)

5. Fasano (late r2-early r3)

6. Klopfenstien (r3)

7. Bienemann (late r3-early r4)

8. Day (r4)

I really like the Klop as a thrid rounder.

[TJJackson]

Hello?!? It IS an issue of a player being an upgrade over Schobel. Yes, we are likely to be rid of his dead weight. HOWEVER, if we draft someone who isn't at least better than him, you'll all be whining and crying for the next 4 years.

No....it isn't.....it's a question of providing an upgrade at the position, which includes Reggie Kelly and potentially Ronnie Ghent at the moment.

TJ...if I'm readin you right, you are suggesting we take Fasano before a Pope, Lewis, Byrd, etc. in an earlier round (r2-3) or Maybe Wallace later (r4-6)?

Fasano is a 2 or a 3. Not sure about the exact slotting. Would obviously rather have him at 3 :-)

Wallace is a 6 or 7, I think, and I should add only if we didn't take a TE earlier. I only see us taking one TE, and signing an experienced blocking TE in FA, heck, might even be resigning T Stewart if he'll do a min contract.

I think lewis is an underrated blocker, as Maurice Drew was a very successful RB who made his name on getting to the corner...which relies heavily on the TE blocking...and we all acknowledge that Lewis is a very good reciever.

I tend to agree Lewis could fit....but not in r1. If he's there in 2, I'd say grab him. I just think he'll be taken earlier by a team who needs a receiving TE...his strength is receiving.

Pope is also a decent blocker, especially when you look at his size, can make an impact.

Everything I know of Pope tells me he has the size to become a good blocker, but isn't one right now. Ergo, to me, he's just a tall redzone target. I know this puts me at odds with many readers here, but I don't want Pope even in round 5 or later, not that he'd ever drop that low, as some other team would grab him earlier based on upside.