TE Nugget from GBN

[HoosierCat]

from their latest players to watch report...

August 12: TEs Charles Davis, 6-6, 260, Purdue; and Erik Gill, 6-5, 270, Pittsburgh, SRs… We made the point earlier in the series that while the early consensus is that LB and OT will be the positions of choice at the 2006 draft, TE is something of a ‘sleeper’ position; indeed, TE could have one of its deepest classes in years, if not ever headed by stars like Mercedes Lewis of UCLA and Georgia junior Leonard Pope both of whom are potential top 15 picks at the upcoming draft. Lewis and Pope, though, are just the tip of the iceberg at the position which also includes a strong second-tier group of TEs featuring both size and receiving skills. Charles Davis of Purdue, for example, another big, athletic target. The 6-6 Davis is a sometime basketball player with soft hands who had 34 receptions last fall; and for good measure, the 260-pound Davis, who attracted some unwanted attention last seasons when his controversial cut block injured star Wisconsin DE Erasmus James, is also a rugged in-line blocker. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s Erik Gill is a 270-pounder who has always been a terrific blocker, however, the physical 6-5, 270-pounder, also emerged last fall as a quality receiver with field-stretching speed when he averaged over 17 yards per reception on 25 total catches.

Sounds like some prospects right up the Bengals' alley in Gill and Davis: solid blockers who can also catch.

[JPW]

Sounds like some prospects right up the Bengals' alley in Gill and Davis: solid blockers who can also catch.

Yea it sure does ...

I still feel that a Good-All-Around TE is the one missing component in the Bengals' Offense.

Let's hope that we grab one of these guys next April.

[Stripes]

A new TE would be welcome, but I hope they think block before catch when they go to drafting. With our wideouts, I can't imagine a big difference out of a pass catcher, but more good blockers is always welcome, especially in this division.

[DesperateDerelict]

A new TE would be welcome, but I hope they think block before catch when they go to drafting. With our wideouts, I can't imagine a big difference out of a pass catcher, but more good blockers is always welcome, especially in this division.

I agree, they need to block first. However, Marvin likes big targets (KW, Henry, T.Perry), and a great blocking TE that can run and catch (or catch and run) and occasionally get BEHIND the defense will cause all sorts of problems with the opposing 'D's. It's hard for Troy Palomino or Ed Reed to double CJ or jump other routes when he's the only guy in Blitzburg that can stay with our TE. WHO DEY!

[alleycat]

I hope one of them is available in the third because our first picks should go to SS or D-line if any are rated high enough.

[AGrizzlyBaer]

i like davis, i mean having him play basketball and football that was cool, but i think he would still be around in the 3rd just one boilers opinion

[HoosierCat]

I agree we're looking for block first, catch second at TE. And both these guys look like that going into the season. Something to keep an eye on on Saturdays...

As for taking a TE is the first round, I think it would ber a fine use for our #32 selection...

[schweinhart]

From the blur of the past season I'd have to say Lewis is hands down the best of those TEs -- maybe even a Top 10 pick.

Seems like Davis showed well vs. Wisconsin, but I was tripping on how well Badger CB Brett Bell was blanketing Taylor Stubblefield in that game.

Gill didn't strike me as particluarly agile in Bowl game vs. Utah but more looks are coming.

I'd like get a few looks at Pope this year.

The TE factor does seem more and more important from a blocking rather than pass catching standpoint as CP and his WR further develop their chemistry, but it'd be great to have a TE who helps keep defenses guessing by being rounded enough to do both.