Tight Ends in the 2014 draft

[Tzimisce]

I'm sure that nobody wants to see a repeat of the first 6 games of this season in the event that Gronk gets hurt again. And I'm also sure that the Pats coaching staff would like to be able to once again use the twin TE attack that was so effective in 2011.

Unfortunately the group at the position headed for free agency next year is pretty much nothing but dented cans.
So assuming restock through the draft, what round should the team be targeting a TE? And who in particular looks like the best fit for the offense in the '14 class?
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[mcmurtry86]

Tough to say much about the TE class given that the only (IMO) starting caliber guys are juniors. The senior TE crop is awful.

I expect them to be looking for TE help at any point in the first 4 rounds but who knows how free agency will shape up at other spots.
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[I_GET_SAX]

Eric Ebron UNC Round 1/2

6'4" 245

Some say the best draft prospect at TE since Vernon Davis
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Austin Sefarian-Jenkins Washington Round 1

6'6" 276

Probably the most Gronk type TE in the class. Above average blocker and pass catcher.
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Jace Amaro Texas Tech Round 2

6'5 250

He is a very skilled pass catcher having had six straight games with at least eight receptions. He has 56 catches for 742 yards and three touchdowns this season, but his biggest weakness is his run blocking.
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Jacob Pederson Wisconsin Round 2-4

6'4" 240

Shows consistency as a pass catcher with back to back years of 30+ catch seasons for Wisconsin. He also excels at run blocking as Wisconsin is a pretty run heavy college program.
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C.J. Fiedorowicz

6'7" 270

Not a great down field threat but a reliable RZ target with his measurables.
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[Donut]

Ebron is the guy in this draft.

ASJ I've heard may fall to the 3rd because of character concerns.

Lylera sounds like an interesting player but that's just another Hernandez we don't want to deal w/.

I've heard Amaro plans on going back but he's a good receiving TE.

If Ebron is near our first I'd move up a few spots to get him. He's the guy I want in the first right now.
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[I_GET_SAX]

[mcmurtry86]

[BigTimePatsFan9]

I'd be happy with Ebron or ASJ. ASJ is an absolute athletic freak, but I've heard of some character concerns and Ebron is probably a bit more polished.

Ebron will probably be gone by our pick though. Since Gronk and Graham, everybody wants that gamebreaking TE
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[Deadpulse]

I wouldn't go first round on another TE unless it was BPA.

I's rather see a DT like Anthony Johnson out of LSU early, then maybe a 3rd round guy like Daniel McCullers out of Tenn. The team has double dipped in positions of need, CB then TE then WR now it should be DT
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Sigs
FFMD'14 Patriots Assistant General Manager

[ChazStandard]

I don't think TE is first round need either. Would much rather see them go DT in the first.
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2013 Adopt-a-Pat:Tom Brady, Quarterback
Stats: 257-430-2896 17TDs 7INT

[NMM11]

Eric Ebron and Gronk would be a scary sight for D coordinators.

[dhunt2402]

I just want OJ Howard from Alabama whenever he comes out.
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Deadpulse on the sig

[PoWww]

I'd like to see us addressing the TE position in either the first or second round. DT, Interior Line, or TE and I'm happy.

Sign Colt Lyerla as an UDFA, even though he'll probably go to philly. Shame he's such a moron, because the guy is a freak and a good football player.
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[goldfishwars]

Juniors Eric Ebron and Jace Amaro are about the only prospects I like at the position, not a great class. C.J. Fiedorowicz is a very good blocker, but limited physically.

I'd rather get a run stopper or a interior O-line early on. I like Cyril Richardson a lot, I don't think he's lazy - perhaps needs a little conditioning because he does play in an offense that runs a ridiculous amount of plays. He's got nice feet for a big guy and his pulling and drive blocking is impressive.
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[tbperk]

My first reaction when I saw this post is NT and DT are much bigger needs then your comment about the offense sputtering until Gronk came back makes sense as well. I still want Nix from ND but if taking a TE then give me ASJ.

[Deadpulse]