Reedy: Bengals have zeroed in on their top three prospects at tight end

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 8, 2010 6:56 PM EDT in NFL Draft

Reggie Kelly - unsigned. Ben Utecht and J.P. Foschi - released and unemployed. All three tight ends that were once Bengals, are no longer. In Kelly's case, his contract expired. In Utecht's case, he was released after suffering a major concussion. In Foschi's case, the Bengals didn't bother to tender him (boy that doesn't sound right). So you search, wondering just what the makeup of the team's roster is at tight end. There they are. I found them. Daniel Coats, Chase Coffman, Darius Hill. Once more. Daniel Coats, Chase Coffman, Darius Hill. I'm not feeling it. Are you feeling it? I'm not feeling it. Are you sure we found them?

One could argue right then and there, the Bengals most desperate need during the 2010 NFL Draft is tight ends. No kidding, Josh. Strictly looking at the roster right now, debating the merits of tight ends that can't block or can't catch, sure, tight end is a problem. Add another variable to the equation. Reggie Kelly will more than likely return. Chase Coffman could be further along than we're being led to believe. And finally a point that's been made countless times; the Bengals want blockers for tight end, not game-changing receivers. Historically, that's true. Philosophically, that appears true. But once he returns, the Bengals have that with Kelly and will have the hands with Coffman; if everyone is willing to let him develop.

If the Bengals elect to draft a tight end in the first two rounds, then they have their top three prospects. According to Joe Reedy, the Bengals have asked for medical files on tight ends "Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham, Florida’s Aaron Hernandez and Pittsburgh’s Dorin Dickerson."

In terms of evaluating tight ends, it appears as if the Bengals have zeroed in on three prospects — Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham, Florida’s Aaron Hernandez and Pittsburgh’s Dorin Dickerson. According to a league source, the Bengals have requested the medical files from all three prospects.

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What about the trojan?

by JamesShively on Apr 8, 2010 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

Daniel Coats, Chase Coffman, Darius Hill

Look at those names and remember: Safety is our most pressing need.

by bodacio zk on Apr 8, 2010 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

RE:

I would argue that in terms of how the team uses each position, that safety would have a much greater impact on the team. But I’m sure you guys are tired of me saying the same thing.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 8, 2010 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

same thing..

by WHYUS!! on Apr 8, 2010 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

But one has to ask...

Given the problems on 3rd down, the red zone, and the entire offense in general, why would we continue to insist on making the TE a minimal part of the offense? Takes some balls(severe delusion) to stick to your guns when it isn’t working, but that’s straight out of the Mike Brown playbook. 6….7 bottom 5 offenses in a row before Brat realizes it’s not 2005?

by bodacio zk on Apr 8, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

Imagine if the Bengals draft a TE in round 1. Now imagine they take a safety in round 1. By far, the safety will be a bigger improvement and make a larger impact on the team. Gresham is good, but he’s not much of a blocker either. First round talent, but for Cincinnati he’s not a first-round upgrade over Coffman (and probably Kelly).

Safety first – or BPA, if it’s a great player who fell like Dez or JPP.

by Pardon_My_French on Apr 8, 2010 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions

That's absurd

Crocker/Williams/Chinny vs. Coffman/Coats/Hill

The safeties can, by far, boast more talent and achievement than our pathetic group of tight ends. Throw in a 33 year old Reggie Kelly coming off a major injury and not much changes.

Read the scouting reports on Gresham. “Adequate” blocking is a hell of an upgrade over Chase Coffman’s “Zero” blocking.

by bodacio zk on Apr 9, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Ali Villanueva

would love to see them pick him up in the 6th or 7th, 6’9" 277lbs, out of Army, was the starting left tackle, lost 30 lbs, and was converted to a WIDE RECEIVER. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but if he was a starting left tackle, he should know how to block? The fact that he was converted to a WR and Not a TE should be an easy sell for athleticism? All things considered he finished with 34 catches for 522 yards for 15.4 avg with 5 tds, not bad for someone learning a new position, a LT for 3 years prior

by joeb698 on Apr 8, 2010 8:18 PM EDT reply actions

Probably won't be available for at least 2 years though

by jim0ijk on Apr 8, 2010 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I just looked up some info on Dorin Dickerson

cause hes the one I knew the least about and kinda liked what I saw. He played some fullback slash goal line back in Pitts system and could be a good value pick in the 3-4 round range. His lack of size is a little concerning though…

by CincyMike56 on Apr 8, 2010 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

Seems to me

That at #21, the consensus opinion is that they should draft Gresham, Mays, Iupati, Thomas, Pierre-Paul or Bryant. It’s very realistic that only Mays and Gresham would be available to them at that spot. So you’d have the consensus #1 TE or #3 Safety. It seems to me that if it comes down to those two, Gresham would have to be the pick—bigger need and getting the best player at his position in the draft.

by Anthony Cosenza on Apr 8, 2010 8:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

RE:

I agree with ya. But you have to ask yourself who would have the greater impact.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 8, 2010 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Bizarre that the knock on Mays is his coverage skills, considering his speed. Isn’t that what people around here are groaning about the most when it comes to our safeties?

by bodacio zk on Apr 8, 2010 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve just heard bad things about his footwork and change of direction ability. He’s got speed, and he’d definitely be an upgrade over Tom Nelson. I wouldn’t complain if we got him, I’d probably be thrilled. There are other players out there who I covet more though. I’m hoping somebody will slip.

This is our year!

by Paul Cannon on Apr 8, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions

for the record

I’d probably take Mays over Gresham, but the more I think about Gresham, the more I’d love to have him on our team (and not on the Ravens or Steelers)

This is our year!

by Paul Cannon on Apr 8, 2010 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I would be hesitant to consider Mays or Pierre-Paul at #21. Thomas, Bryant and Iupati should be the top three prospects; I would advocate for Brian Price as the fourth: he appears to be undervalued. Like him better as a fit for us than Gresham.

by Mr. X on Apr 8, 2010 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

i would love to see the bengals get garrett graham out of wisconsin in the 3rd or 4th round. he may not be the most athletic guy but he just finds a way to get the job done.

by big red47 on Apr 8, 2010 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

O-LINE STILL NEEDS A SOLID YOUNG ATHLETIC GUARD WITH SMITH !.

YES I feel better about Cook & Williams singing but they still should draft an athletic O-LINEMAN in the first {GUARD} then draft an tightend in the second round. From then on some d-fences players no more rookie wide-outs……Give T.O a two year deal,and on GAME day in the JUNGLE it will be standing room only for two years.PLUS like it or not T.O is still a game breaker in the SLOT. BOY OH BOY Chad/Bryant/Benson/Coffman & T.O that offensive will be unstopable!. And the bengals shoujd save some money and sign ODELL THURMAN again he will work out just look at Benson & Tank they realize that N.F.L money is way better than a reagular 9-5 plus he is playing the game he loves and everyone knows he is a first round talent that hits hard. I know he makes bad life choices but that can be strighten out.

by kingbengal on Apr 8, 2010 9:29 PM EDT reply actions

Dickerson

At 6-2", 230, Dickerson is no NFL tight end but, with that same size, a 4.4 40, and, apparently, excellent strength, leaping ability, and route running, I think I’d take him over even Dez Bryant and run him out there at WR. Hell, he’s Andre Johnson but bigger and stronger. Plus, he’d probably be available with our comp. pick in the 3rd.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 8, 2010 10:19 PM EDT reply actions

Dickerson is

Dickerson is a heck of a player. Living in Pittsburgh I have seen him grow up to be a slash player. Dickerson can fulfill many roles. Stating that Dickerson may be a bit small but this kid plays very much taller. I think he would be a great pick up in the Third… although he may not be there. Dickerson is also a stand up guy and would be a great asset in the lockerroom and on the field! I still think the Bengals will be looking at Gilyard in the Third if he is still available. I just see so much potential in this kid. Plus we will need a flamboyant player to replace Chad once he hits his retirement. Who better then Gilyard? But before the third round… NO WAY! Gilyard is a third-fourth rounder. Can’t wait to be at the Bengals v. Steelers game this year! Is it football season yet?

by Child Pleeez on Apr 9, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm a heretic

I’d rather have Kyle Wilson or even Maurkice Pouncey than Gresham. I believe that those two are better at their positions than Gresham is at TE, in terms of being complete players.

My ideal is Earl Thomas, and I’m softening towards Dez Bryant. But I’m steeling myself for Gresham or Mays.

by Big Sky Bengal on Apr 8, 2010 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

+1

Were not getting lame-o gresham… friggin two knee surguries alreadyyy??!!

85 + 15 = 100...

by Trevor Long on Apr 9, 2010 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

I would be stunned and thoroughly disappointed if we take Gresham . He has two-year career written all over him. I don’t think we even need to draft a TE before rd 4, unless Bob is going to grow a brain a work the position into the offensive scheme.

How do you all feel about the chances of Bob growing a brain?

by Bengals NFL Champs on Apr 9, 2010 8:26 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

slim chances

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Apr 9, 2010 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions

What if he gets a brain transplant instead of growing one?

by WHYUS!! on Apr 9, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions

i dt like i idea of drafting gresham…i say make the defense stronger by drafting mays at 21….we are in the afc north we need enforcers on our squad like mays to go out there and lay da wood on fools…our offense will find its way back dominence….they keep saying who we got to replace chris but matt jones is 6’6 and runs a 4.35 and hes ready to prove the league and jaguars wrong…players with chip on there shoulders tend to feul this team…if we draft rite this year we could win 12 games easy

by rawdawg78 on Apr 9, 2010 1:10 AM EDT reply actions

Gresham and Hernandez

God no. What do these two players bring to the table that we don’t already have in Coffman? Waste of a pick.

by Jaegner on Apr 9, 2010 6:16 AM EDT reply actions

Nice… Is this a list of rookie receivers that can’t block?

by kirby28 on Apr 9, 2010 7:27 AM EDT reply actions

...

Dickerson can block better than the other two. He played fullback

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Apr 9, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions

My concern about drafting Gersham is this..

…I have a fear that the Bengals will start next year with these three guys as our TEs.

Jermaine Gersham—never taken an NFL snap, missed all of last year with injury
Chase Coffman—never taken and NFL snap, missed all of last year with injury
Dan Coats—not a starter quality TE, situational blocker at best

Even if we scratch out Coats and insert Kelly I’m still apprehensive—aging TE who missed all of last year with an injury. Are we setting up ourselves for a replay of last years debacle at TE?

Although its becoming inreasingly unlikely, I think we need to try to sign a vet TE. The only ones out there that might be of interest are LJ Smith and Randy McMichael. Neither a great option, but might be better than what we have.

by goffchile on Apr 9, 2010 9:26 AM EDT reply actions

Mike Hoomanawanui (Illinois)

Brat is going to change his offensive scheme in the offseason…and the check is in mail.

Hoomanawauni is the guy that fits our team the best. He is a hard-nosed blocker that can catch 15-20 passes and possibly a TD or two. He is one of the best blocking TEs out there and he projects in the 5-6th round. I would be just fine using the compensatory 4th rounder to make sure we get him and draft BPA with the first 5 picks as long as we address some needs at S, G, WR, DT and ILB (Dahani isn’t getting any younger).

by THEKLINKER on Apr 9, 2010 10:15 AM EDT reply actions

I get this sense this is a smokescreen

especially with Gresham and Hernandez. I honestly don’t mind Gresham as he is a above average blocker and a receiving threat at TE but his injury history scares me.

As for Dickerson, I wonder if they would take him, have him bulk up to 250 and move him to FB. For his size, he was still one of the better blockers at TE in the NCAA this year. If he makes the transition, proves as a capable blocker, and even loses a little speed, he will still be a receiving mismatch when used in that role.

by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Apr 9, 2010 10:34 AM EDT reply actions

first thing i thought

was that this seemed like a smoke screen. Remember Lewis’s speech about TEs having to be a MAN! Well, though Hernandez is meant to be a tough guy he is hardly the classic OT-blocking ability TE Lewis wants. Plus Hernandez and Dickerson are really FB/H-Back style players who playing in the Colts system will work out but not in ours and not against our division.

And Gresham, well i already knew Brown likes the kid but liking him and drafting him the 1st is two different things. I remember all the reports comming out that the Bengals were in love with OT/OG Fenuki Tupou but they drafted other players over him repeatedly.

by Sheffieldbengal on Apr 9, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Tight End

What’s the story on Foschi?? I thought he had great hands and caught just about everything thrown his way.. Is he deficient in Blocking?
I certainly would have him over Coats who can’t catch a COLD!!!! Anyone know?

by Law1951 on Apr 9, 2010 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

good question

I never understood why they were so quick to show him the door—and I was shocked to see them sign Coats back. Isn’t anybody with a pulse a step up from this guy? Foschi made a couple of big catches, including a huge one in the San Diego game on a ball that Carson threw way high.

Maybe it’s all part of some ingenious Brown family plan that none of us are smart enough to fully comprehend yet. Or maybe Coats will drop half a dozen touchdowns this year.
Who dey.

(…sigh)

by Bengals NFL Champs on Apr 9, 2010 3:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions