Is TE a need or a want in the 2017 draft

[Cinnjerm3000]

Our goal should be figuring how to beat the Pats** - we pretty much have everyone else's number, but, Ben's never beaten Brady in the playoffs.

the question is: is it because we can't stop them? or is it because we can't score with them?

Keep in mind, the Steelers were top-5 in both yards per game and scoring in the AFC AND are getting Martavis Bryant back, while the young WR and TE (James) continue to develop.

Personally see the impact of even a studly TE to be minimal. We can score plenty. But, we struggle to cover Pats** quick-passing game... Gimme a CB fairly early. Gimme a S who can cover to kick Mitchell to the curb...Gimme a pass rusher so Brady can't stand around.

I hear what you're saying, but when was it again (besides that lone win in 2011) that the Steelers' defense stopped Brady? Even in their best years Brady shredded them. I agree we should focus on beating the Pats, but that formula begins and ends with offense. I get that you're one of many fans that have already forgotten how good this offense is with Martavis in the lineup, but it's a lot better than the unit that showed up last year. We can have this conversation again in November when this team is the number one offense in the league with the best record in the conference.

[Shawn]

The offense was better with Green on the field. I say it's a needish want.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Time to knock that monkey off Ben's shoulder!

I guess the monkey climbed up his back to eat the chip off his shoulder.

[SS Laser]

I guess the monkey climbed up his back to eat the chip off his shoulder.

haha! Yep I screwed that up!

[Shoe]

I managed to use the words Sprinkle and Butt in the same sentence in an entirely heterosexual manner. Bonus!

Add in the young DE from Michigan, Pink Taco Charlton.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

I really think the Steelers would've taken Njoku if the Browns hadn't jumped ahead of them and picked him.

But I'm happy with Watt. Still some good TEs out there to choose from.

[steeler_george]

I really think the Steelers would've taken Njoku if the Browns hadn't jumped ahead of them and picked him.

But I'm happy with Watt. Still some good TEs out there to choose from.

Happy with WAtt pick, but I was thinking the samee. And I, probably was one of the few pushing for a early "talent" TE. I don't think you ever draft for need, but I think when you can upgrade any position, you do that, and adding a "talented TE" will improve the team. Who do they cover? opens lanes for Bell. Adds less pressure on the D, where it an keep improveing like it did last year.

[Ernie]

Happy with WAtt pick, but I was thinking the samee. And I, probably was one of the few pushing for a early "talent" TE. I don't think you ever draft for need, but I think when you can upgrade any position, you do that, and adding a "talented TE" will improve the team. Who do they cover? opens lanes for Bell. Adds less pressure on the D, where it an keep improveing like it did last year.

You make some good points. That TE is likely still out there, and will be there for the next 3-4 rounds. This group of TE's is loaded with talent...and deep.

[flippy]

IMHO, besides your QB, the TE can be the most important player on your offense. It's definitely the most versatile position if you have the a complete TE which are few and far between in this league.

Don't give me a glorified WR at the position. And don't give me the extra OLineman. The challenge is finding the right mix of capabilities.

We do need to invest in being able to consistently score to beat NE. We need to be able to put up points at will and win a shootout. As good as we want to claim this offense to be, I still don't feel confident we can win in a shootout vs Brady.

If we can find that magical complete TE at some point, this offense will only be limited by Ben. The trenches are solid. The skill players are some of the best. If you add in the perfect TE, we have no excuse not to score TDs on every single drive. And even with our current D, that can be enough to beat even the Pats.

Even in our 2nd 2 SuperBowls in the 70s, those were lead by our Offensive performance. In recent history, our D has had to be great in order for us to win SuperBowls. It's time for our O to take over. If Ben is capable.

[feltdizz]

The O isn't taking over. Never have, never will. You win with defense, short fields, etc.

[MeetJoeGreene]

I'm by no means screaming for a TE, but if Njoku is available at #30 and that is determined to be the best player available, then I have no problem taking him (once again, with the provision that our next 4 picks in rounds 2-4 address the defense).

But I can't foresee any scenario in which Evan Engram is BPA at #30, so I don't see us going that route.

Either Njoku tonight in the first, Shaheen or Butt tomorrow in the third, or Roberts or Sprinkle in the later rounds on Saturday.

I managed to use the words Sprinkle and Butt in the same sentence in an entirely heterosexual manner. Bonus!

That is an excellent heterosexual use of Sprinkle and Butt in the same sentence. Queerbait would be proud. Tee Hee.

[RuthlessBurgher]

We could sign this guy...fallout from the Njoku pick.

Browns parting ways with Gary Barnidge

Posted by Josh Alper on April 28, 2017, 2:22 PM EDT

The Browns traded back into the first round on Thursday night to take tight end David Njoku and that move had immediate repercussions for a veteran member of the team.

Tight end Gary Barnidge posted a welcome to Cleveland message to Njoku on his Twitter account Thursday night. He was back on Twitter Friday afternoon amid multiple reports that the Browns are releasing him from their 90-man roster.


I want to thank the Cleveland Browns for giving me my opportunity and looking forward to seeing the change. Time for the next step.
— Gary Barnidge (@garybarnidge) April 28, 2017


Barnidge had a huge 2015 season — 79 catches for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns — and signed a contract extension through the 2018 season before the year was out. His production dropped in 2016 and the team will get over $2.1 million in cap space as a result of parting ways with him now.

That 2015 season wasn’t too long ago, obviously, and it’s no secret that any pass catcher’s production was going to be hurt by the quarterback play the Browns got last year. Those two things should help Barnidge as he tries to latch on with another team in the near future.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/04/28/browns-parting-ways-with-gary-barnidge/