Disappointing young TEs

[Prison_Mike]

Ian Thomas is the biggest surprise for me. I haven't been able to watch any Panthers games, but it seems he's not involved in the game plan at all. What does he have, 1 catch through the first three weeks? Never would've expected that

I'm still hopeful for Irv long-term. He's so young

[IR1]

Been holding/hoping on OJ for years. Can’t sell him for anything, close to just dropping him

Don't do that. Even Gronk has been unable to break through the horror of the Tampa Scheme despite being brought there specifically at the behest of his BFF Brady. If those two can't get it going, even as geriatrics, then it's not fair to judge OJH yet.

Despite the fact that OJH also looks much improved out there this year.

OJH is a UFA in 2022. If you've held this long, you may as well see what this offseason brings - if Tompa underperforms in 2020, there could be everything from mass trades to coach/scheme changes, to who-knows-what. You've come this far. HOLD.

Thanks, trying to hold, fwiw I have Kelce, Fant and Goedert also, so I'd only drop Howard if someone of high value is available

[jetsfan5757]

Thanks for the input guys. Didn't include Andrews or Hurst because I feel better about them than guys on list. Jonnu as well.

I agree with most of the takes (unfortunately).

I really thought Ian Thomas was primed to have a good season so he's the one I'm most disappointed in.

Holding OJ for at LEAST a 1/2 season with Brady.

Irv Smith Jr. looks SMOOTH running routes. I know they depend on the run game, so maybe his blocking isn't up to par? (Can someone educate me?)

Herndon - Jets are a dumpster fire. Life as a Jets fan sucks.

Mo Allie Cox is a guy I wish I had, especially as long as Rivers is there. Loves his TEs.

[Pac_Eddy]

Irv Smith Jr. looks SMOOTH running routes. I know they depend on the run game, so maybe his blocking isn't up to par? (Can someone educate me?)

Kyle Rudolph has been know to be a BAD blocker with some improvement recently, and if I recall correctly, Irv Smith was at least decent last year. I think Rudolph is still getting the lion's share of snaps has a lot to do with 1) Zimmer takes it slow with rookies & young guys and 2) Rudolph has been a team leader for years and won't be a backup while on the team.

[dvpkwys]

Engram?

Wooooof. He has been SO bad.

It's not like the targets haven't been there, either. I've been watching (more than I'd like to admit) and he has been outright dropping balls, almost like he's forgotten how to play.

They're not exactly the same situation, but it's kind of giving me 2019 OJ Howard vibes... a talented TE with insane production flashes across his first few years, marred by availability issues - and now playing his worst ball yet.

You can't sell right now, and he leaves next year (most likely). All you can do is hold and hope he improves; once the G-men play some easier defenses he may yet have a big game. Hard to be encouraged about anything in Big Blue right now, though.

It's ugly. You're right, can't sell now, nor do I have any interest. I have Hockenson and Gesicki on as well. Traded Njoku this summer.

[briank]

What are we thinking/expecting of Ian Thomas, Irv Smith Jr, OJ Howard, Njoku, Herndon and any other young TEs that are struggling?

OJ Howard - arrow is pointing slightly up with Brady, but seems like Arians' system just won't showcase him.
Ian Thomas - change in coaching and system affecting him? Change in QB? He did better last year in games Olsen was out and I was REALLY excited about him. (Cut Jonnu Smith week 15 last year to grab him )
Irv Smith Jr - looked pretty good in limited opportunity last year, and has done NOTHING this year. Coordinator change? Just 4th in line behind Thielen, Jefferson, and Rudolph (and even Cook).
Njoku - good week 1, now injured
Herndon - Pretty quiet so far

Who do you guys have hope for?

I'm holding all of these guys if I still have them. TE can take a long time to be fantasy relevant and those guys are all young. The one thing I will add to this conversation is I will not take a TE in the first round of a rookie draft ever again. Take shots in round 3 until one hits. Scoop up and buy low on the young TE when people are impatient.

[Space Cowboy]

Irv has been MIA for sure. Rudolph is still a favorite for his blocking and red zone ability.

OJ is just slow mentally, always looking confused or lacking focus, dropping passes not running sharp routes. Game is still too fast for him.

The rest I've never been too high on although Herndon has some nice upside.

[jetsfan5757]

OJ has a good game going, then Achilles.

Ian Thomas sighting with TD.

Irv Smith quiet. Herndon quiet.

[mild]

OJ has a good game going, then Achilles.

Ian Thomas sighting with TD.

Irv Smith quiet. Herndon quiet.

MOE ALIE COX RAMPAGES AGAIN

... on two targets...

[Pac_Eddy]

Moe Alie-Cox played 33 snaps (46%), while Jack Doyle played 45 snaps (62%). I wonder if the game flow had something to do with this. They were up two scores and took the air out of the ball. I was hoping for more and was quite happy for Ali-Cox to get that early score.

[Multiple Scorgasms]

Fant being ignored/underrated because of injury? He was looking great. Lots of targets. Great in the red zone. Super athletic. As long as he and Lock both get back on the field, I can't think of many guys I'd rather have.

[jetsfan5757]

Finally an Irv Smith Jr sighting! Hope he builds on this.

[Sriracha]

Fant being ignored/underrated because of injury? He was looking great. Lots of targets. Great in the red zone. Super athletic. As long as he and Lock both get back on the field, I can't think of many guys I'd rather have.

Fant's gained a lot of hype this season in Dynasty.

Don't think he belongs in this thread given his upwards trajectory.

[Prison_Mike]

Ian Thomas is ded

[Orenthal Shames]

TEs usually don't come into their own until age 25-26. They are basically learning two positions at once. For that reason, drafting them early in rookie drafts is usually a waste. The elite prospects can often be bought at a huge discount after people get discouraged in their first couple seasons.