Over the past 15 years, only two rookie tight ends have produced more than 600 yards receiving. The Giants’ Evan Engram totaled 722 yards receiving last season, and John Carlson recorded 627 with the Seahawks in 2008.
Of the 18 tight ends drafted this year, only three are projected starters: Hayden Hurst, Miami’s Mike Gesicki and the New York Jets’ Chris Herndon.
The biggest reason, the story said, is that tight end is a position different than any other on offense. Like offensive linemen, tight ends have to learn the concepts of blocking schemes. Like wide receivers, tight ends have to understand the nuances of route-running. The story also noted Jason Witten, Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham and Antonio Gates all totaled fewer than 45 catches and 550 yards receiving in their rookie seasons. Each one eclipsed 80 receptions and 950 yards the next.
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