Roster Evaluation: The Tight Ends

by Jimmy on Jan 19, 2008 11:38 AM CST in News Comment 13 comments

Tight end is another position where the Titans are going to need help this offseason. The best thing you can do for a young quarterback is give him a safety valve at the tight end position. Bo Scaife has proven that he can make some catches in this league, but he doesn't have the ability to make the game changing play. Scaife finished the season with with 46 catches for 421 yards and 1 touchdown. He missed the playoff game in San Diego with a lacerated liver. Hopefully that isn't as serious as it sounds, and he will be ready to go when camp opens.

Ben Troupe, another widely debated player on this site, has probably played his final game in the two toned blue. Troupe showed the ability to make some plays in the Chargers game, but he also showed his inability to block anyone. He seems like a genuinely good guy, and I hope he gets a shot with another team.

Ben Hartsock is a free agent, but the Titans should be able to bring him back for a good price. He isn't much of a pass catcher, but he can catch the ball when it is thrown his direction. His main function in this offense is the 2nd tight end in two tight end formations. Hartsock is a beast in the running game.

The Titans' offense was at its best when Frank Wycheck was in his prime. Jeff Fisher and Mike Heimerdinger know they need a tight end that can make some big plays. I think the Titans will take a receiving tight end early in the 2008 draft.

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Another reason to hang on to Ben Troupe for 1 more shot: his only productive year was in Dinger's offense... maybe being reunited will get Ben focused.

DEAR M. REINFELDT: PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS GOOD DRAFT EARL BENNETT!!!

by August West on Jan 19, 2008 11:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hartsock is great.

I loved watching that dude blow Merriman up. I also love how confused he looks when he catches the ball in open space and has to run. Damn the Torpedoes!!! Full speed ahead!!!

He may not be the greatest, but I hope we keep him.

Big Bill "You never lose a game if the opponent doesn't score." Darell K. Royal

by Hook em Titans on Jan 19, 2008 12:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I agree 100%

Titans Blogger at Music City Miracles

by Jimmy on Jan 19, 2008 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn the Torpedoes!!! Full speed ahead!!!

Thats hilarious! And so true in his case.

by Big Bad Bulluck on Jan 19, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like Hartsock as well.

As for Troupe, I could do without him. But... I'm starting to wonder if Chow was just too soft on all these young players. It seems like some of these guys just need somebody who can motivate them in a no-nonsense kind of way. I could easily see Troupe being that kind of guy. All natural talent, no natural motivation. Maybe he just needs someone chewing on his ass to perform?

DannoE

Go read FRIDAY MAD SCIENCE at www.paperbackreader.com
Thanks!

by DannoE on Jan 19, 2008 12:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ben Troupe's talent

= Ben Watson anyone? Or Marc Bavaro maybe? Can someone get him to play up to his potential though?

by Houston Titan on Jan 19, 2008 3:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think Troupe

is more athletic and bigger than both. He is 1 of more athletic TEs I've ever seen. I just don't think he has the drive you need to be a great player.

by Big Bad Bulluck on Jan 19, 2008 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bavaro was a GREAT blocker.

As are Shockey and most of the other truly top-flight TE's in the League. Troupe is not. Which is why he hasn't been such a good fit in TN.

IMO his agent ought to call the 49ers and offer to play a one year deal there at the League minimum. If anyone can figure out how to use his skills, it'll be Mike Martz.

DannoE

Go read FRIDAY MAD SCIENCE at www.paperbackreader.com
Thanks!

by DannoE on Jan 22, 2008 6:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

not even enough drive to be a good player.

by Big Bad Bulluck on Jan 19, 2008 4:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One Man's Biased Opinion!

Troupe is a personal friend. Many of you know my stance on him. He can be a GREAT game changing RECIEVEING TE. That being said, even though he is my boy he is not a blocker. Sadly that is a key element of being a TE in this league. I would love to keep him. I know Dinger knows how to get a lot out of him. His work ethic is amazing he boxes to improve his reflexes and is a physical monster.

He does not believe that he will be brought back and has not had any contact from other teams as of yet. I really really hope he is given one more shot. But it doesnt look good.

Scaife is VY's boy and will be around for the long haul. I can see us taking a TE in the first 2 rounds.

Someone once said "Vince Young bleeds two toned blue!" But I disagree, because The Great One Doesnt Bleed!!

by Vincanity on Jan 19, 2008 5:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's still early.

I'd imagine that most teams would want to see how the draft goes and that Troupe's opportunities will come after that when teams are assessing the needs they couldn't fill. I'll be really surprised if he can't find someplace to play where there is desperate need for a pass-catching TE.

DannoE

Go read FRIDAY MAD SCIENCE at www.paperbackreader.com
Thanks!

by DannoE on Jan 22, 2008 6:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i

mean hes got the talent to play but why does he not play up to his potential? i mean if hes as big as you say why cant he block? does he not want to block cus he just dosnt want to. maybe hes not getting paid enough to block what is it? does he forget who to block? i think he needs to spend some time with munchunk and let him teach him how to block or move him to reciever and forget about blocking. seems like when he gets the ball he can run with it real well and shows off his athletsism.
but i agree we are going to get a reciever and a tightend shortly there after and i think your boy there deserves one more shot at making it happen this next year. its proablly chows fault anyway he hasnt been doing good this year.
i think chow was the major factor in the problems the offence had this year. everybody was scrathing their heads as to why we could not score touchdowns well ding dong i was calling for his head half way though the season.

by dentureboy on Jan 19, 2008 8:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ben Troupe Superstar?

I find it hard to believe that no team is interested in Troupe, but I'll take your word for it. I love him as a player and everything I've heard about him from others is glowingly positive. Now, if Ben Troupe can make plays on a regular basis, this team's offense will improve exponetially. He will be a pro bowl player, a media darling and a VERY rich man.

Tell him I know that for a fact.

by Houston Titan on Jan 20, 2008 10:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs