Our daily segment continues today as we examine the strengths of each positional group on the teams of the 3GML. Today we look at the security blankets for the passing game: tight ends.
4. New York Jets - Demetrius Harris and Jace Sternberger. A theme is developing here where we love the potential of the Jets positional group but we can't bump them up just yet. Sternberger was a very solid pick and we believe he can cause a lot of disruption in the seam for New York. The Harris signing gives Darnold and the offense a quality option while the rookie Jets develop. This team is obviously building for the future and isn't there yet, but look for them to still make some noise this year in the AFC East.
3. New England Patriots - Eric Ebron and Chris Herndon. Not the flashiest names in the league but two very solid players. Ebron is a red-zone magnet who will benefit from the addition of Luck. We wouldn't be surprised if he surpassed 10 TDs this season. Herndon had a very positive rookie campaign and will look to grow in year two as the Patriots deploy two tight end sets. Together these two will open up options for the passing game and be a critical component if the Patriots hope to defend their crown.
2. Buffalo Bills - Hunter Henry and Kyle Rudolph. The Rudolph addition immediately takes the Bills offense to a new level. What was an area of weakness is now a strength. How opposing defenses will stop the Buffalo passing attack beats us. Hunter Henry in an elite tight end in the making and is essentially a receiver in a tight end's body. The question for him is can he play 16 games? If he can, look for Rodgers to light up the scoreboard with a vertical attack. An interesting wrinkle to keep an eye on? Both are free agents at season's end.
1. Miami Dolphins - George Kittle and Mike Gesicki. There was just no way a team with the record-holder for receiving yards in a season from a tight end couldn't be number one. The acquisition of Kittle could be the difference from missing the playoffs last year to sneaking in this year. He's that good. We don't expect another record-setting season based on the offense Miami likes to run but he remains a game changer. Gesicki will compliment things nicely, but we expect this to be the George Kittle show in South Beach.
We will be assigning cumulative points to these rankings to determine the best overall team in the 3GML.
Buffalo - 10
New England - 9
Miami - 7
New York - 4
