The tight end position is among the more exciting groups as we prepare to enter training camp. The battles for jobs at varying levels within this unit will give fans a true feeling of competition during the preseason. As it stands now, there are five tight ends on the roster, and I expect that number to dwindle to 4 before the season starts.
Current Roster Players (In order of NFL experience)
Robert Royal - Entering his 8th season; 3rd with the Bills
Courtney Anderson - Entering his 6th season; 1st with the Bills
Tim Massaquoi - Entering his 4thseason; 1st full season with the Bills
Derek Schouman - Entering his 2nd season; 2nd with the Bills
Derek Fine - Rookie
Battle for starting spot
Robert Royal is the incumbent, and will likely enter training camp with the #1 spot being his to lose. However, a bad knee, and a sub-par ‘07 campaign makes him ripe for the picking. Enter newcomer Courtney Anderson, who possesses all the physical tools, but has yet to put it all together. Anderson will be leaving it all on the table, as his football career may be hanging in the balance. The wild card for this job lies lower on the depth chart, in 2nd year Boise State grad Derek Schouman. While Schouman will not contend for the #1 slot, his blocking prowess could leave the Bills no longer needing the services of Robert Royal. Thus, Schouman could become Anderson’s best friend in the upcoming 8 weeks. Don’t be misled though - Anderson will have to earn it.
Battle to make the team
There are a few scenarios here, which could totally change the outlook of this unit in 2008. Derek Fine was drafted as a tight end, but also based on his history of strong special teams’ play. Additionally, Tim Massaquoi appeared in 4 games last season with the Bills, playing in that same role. This leads me to believe that 4 spots may be open. However, if a young linebacker or defensive back shows the ability to cover kicks exceptionally well, only 3 will make the team. If it comes down to 3, I think Royal and Massaquoi will be cut. If it stays at 4 (more likely), I think Massaquoi gets the axe unless Courtney Anderson has a very poor showing. Interestingly enough, I believe Schouman is the only lock. His blocking is above average, and his pass catching ability is adequate.
Who to watch for
As I said before, Derek Schouman may be the sleeper in this group, and could be a regular contributor in the blocking game. I don’t see him hauling in more than 10-15 passes, but you’ll see #80 in on all short yardage situations. Word is that he has shown a significant improvement at the OTA’s and in Mini-Camp, and I think he will sneak up and steal a job.
Potentially shocking cut
Robert Royal has a very realistic chance of being in the unemployment line before September. As previously noted, his knee is questionable, and his pass catching numbers simply haven’t been there. That said, if his knee is up to snuff, and Anderson can establish himself as a threat in the passing game to take some of that pressure away from Royal, he will still have a job.
Final Predictions
Quantity Kept: Four; I think Fine’s ability to play special teams opens up an extra slot in this group, and the Bills will hang on to 4 tight ends.
Players Cut: Tim Massaquoi
Practice Squad Candidates: Tim Massaquoi; With all of the losses in the kick coverage units this past off-season, Massaquoi’s special teams’ experience could easily land him a job on the practice squad.
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5 Responses to “Training Camp ‘08 - Tight End Preview”
Posted: 07/07/08 at 11:52 am
The Jets have an unhappy, legitimate Nfl starter at TE, with both teams being in NY I’m surprised the Bills don’t send Rookie Derek Fine or a 5th rounder or something and pick up a legit starter, a combo of that plus the athleticism of Courtney Anderson in redzone situations and Royal as a quality reserve essentially fill the Bills needs…
Posted: 07/07/08 at 6:12 pm
Very intersting! I honestly can say the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind, but it is an excellent notion. Like you say, it sounds like the Jets would take even something of minimal value to have this problem off of their hands.
I would wonder whether or not Buffalo would want to bring him in, considering the similar problem they are dealing with in Peters at this time, but then again, I’m sure they would have some sort of agreed upon deal with Baker before they made any move - or the trade would have conditions perhaps.
Posted: 07/08/08 at 2:51 am
your TE situation is really really bad Tim!
I’m sorry but, Anderson doesn’t have the heart, and Royal is never healthy, and when he is, he is simply subpar.
You need a rookie to step up, and win his spot on the starting line.
On a side note, how happy were you to hear Goodell talk about wanting Buffalo to keep the Bills? Or do you think that it is all talk?
My guess is that the whole Bills in Toronto thing is just a test to see if Toronto can handle an NFL team, and if they can, they would get an expansion team, and Buffalo would get their full season again. (this may be wishfull thinking, but who really knows)
Posted: 07/08/08 at 4:57 am
HAHA! We really are in a mess with TE’s here in Buffalo. I wish a rookie could step up and take the reigns, but I don’t feel like Fine is going to do it. Schouman could turn a few heads, but again, I don’t see him taking over the pass catching role.
As for Goodell, hmmmmm…I just don’t know what to believe. It’s good PR for him to state how much he cares about Buffalo, but whether he and the NFL will live up to that rhetoric is yet to be seen. However, your guess may very well be accurate, and I certainly hope it is.
The way I see it, if the Bills aren’t losing money, which they aren’t, and the NFL is so obsessed with making more $ (because they are struggling so badly), then expand and don’t take away from those who truly love it. This is precisely why I don’t think another team belongs in LA. Because they don’t care!
Posted: 07/08/08 at 1:17 pm
I couldn’t agree more Tim!