The Tight End Situation

So the Patriots claimed Jake Ballard off waivers.  Maybe to needle the  GMen after beating them in 2 superbowls, but Probably to fill a spot when they have to make a decision about Hernandez. Either way, what does it mean for Eli Manning and the Giants Offense?

Immediately it means nothing as Ballard was not going to play this year, and long term it doesn’t mean much more. After all Its not like Ballard was Mark Bavaro. But there is still a huge hole to fill at TE and it appears that not taking  tight end Coby Fleener early in the draft could be costly.

So what do we have now? There is TE/FB Bear Pascoe, he is a good blocker and has shown some glimpses in the short passing attack but nothing to make anyone think he will be the go to guy down the seam. Then you have Martellus Bennett who may or may not have a weight issue. He played at 270 last year and is now up to 291, which according to Mike Popecould be one reason why he has had ahamstring injury. He is a bit of a wild card since playing behind Witten he does not get a lot of balls thrown at him. And lastly there is Rookie Adrien Robinson. He missed most of mini camp due to finishing school and will need to add some muscle and work on blocking. Needless to say he will not be a big factor early in the season.

The tight end position is the biggest question mark for the 2013 season and unless someone steps up to become a reliable target it could be our Achilles heel in the road to a repeat.