Jake Ballard signed by Patriots

56 Crazed Dogs Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:48 am

The Giants lost Ballard to the Pats. Ballard will likely sit out most of 2012 with his injury but this may not bode well for the Giants next season when Martellus Bennet's contract is up.

Big_Pete Wed Jun 13, 2012 4:35 pm

I don't see it being an issue

I found this part of a giants article put a good perspective on the TE situation

The Giants are searching for 37 receptions from their most productive tight end this season.

That number is flexible, but something in that neighborhood would be a significant boost for the offense. From 2008-2011, the Giants' top receiving tight end averaged 37 catches a season. That included highs of 42 receptions by Kevin Boss in 2010 and 38 by Jake Ballard in the 2011 championship season. Ballard yesterday was waived/failed physical, a transaction stemming from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in Super Bowl XLVI.

I think we are quite solid at TE with Bennett, Beckum, Pascoe and Robinson.
If anything we have better depth than we have had at TE in some time.

Remember the fan reaction when Shockey and then Boss left, both times we had someone step up. We will be fine.

We don't need a stud receiving TE, we need reliable production with around 37 receptions, we will be fine at TE

56 Crazed Dogs Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:24 pm

I agree Pete. It's not the end of the world.
Let's not forget that the Giants have also mentioned Christian Hopkins name a few times this off season.

I don't expect much out of Beckum and view him as just another receiver anyways.

Big_Pete Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:32 pm

I actually think this could be a big year for Beckum, if he is healthy.

He is a good young receiving TE/ H-Back.

I don't think he is an inline TE.

There will be opportunity if and when he gets healthy. The early signs are encouraging.

There will be a strong battle at TE.

Btw if your worried about Bennett's size at 291. I remember bigger TEs like Eric Green and Jeremy Stevens who did fine in the passing game (both had other issues) but physically both performed well. You have to consider Bennett more of a through back style of TE

Pizan Fri Jun 15, 2012 2:15 am

We have a system at TE that works. Plug one in and they perform well. Marty B has more talent then Ballard and I expect him to be around 280 by the start of the season. What Ballard offered most was his big time catches. He just had the knack to come down with the key grab when we needed it the most. Hopefully we can find someone to replace that.

Beckum is going to continue to struggle to find a place in this offense. I think a team that knows how to utilize an H-Back will do much better with him.

56 Crazed Dogs Fri Jun 15, 2012 4:16 pm

I agree Vin, and as long as the Giants keep quality wide receivers on the field, the TE will succeed in the Giants system.

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Jake Ballard signed by Patriots

Jake Ballard signed by Patriots

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Re: Jake Ballard signed by Patriots

Re: Jake Ballard signed by Patriots