My post-draft dilemma

[ChrisRex]

I was able to snag this FB at the top of the 2nd round:

http://chrisrex.com/Picture01.jpg

I looked at his stats, saw he was a bit 'fat in the ass', played around with a change to TE, and got the following:

http://chrisrex.com/Picture02.jpg

http://chrisrex.com/Picture03.jpg

http://chrisrex.com/Picture04.jpg

I already have a very good RB situation, so Im not looking for a runner per se.

I mainly want a player who is going to provide more bang for the buck as far as a run blocker, and as an occasional receiver.

My FB AND TE situation is 'average'. Both can use an upgrade.

Knowing my criteria, would you take the risk that he will come out of this as a really good TE, or would you just ride him as a stud FB? And why?

Thanks! :thumbsup:

[MIJB#19]

Running skills for a FB are pretty much a waste of bars in this game. Their blocking role is somewhat hard to measure, depending on formations they could be involved a lot or very scarcely.

The whole FB to TE move (he seems to have the frramwork for it) sounds pretty interesting if it's your plan to utilize the player as a #2 receiver. Personally I'm not sure how to get the best out of a TE as a receiver, but there are a lot of people out there who do seem to know. TE's as key players in the passing game is currently a trend in FOF leagues, it seems.

[RedKingGold]

Move him to TE. Absolutely 100%

[RedKingGold]

Personally I'm not sure how to get the best out of a TE as a receiver, but there are a lot of people out there who do seem to know. TE's as key players in the passing game is currently a trend in FOF leagues, it seems.

Really, the best way to utilize a TE is to do the following:

#1 - Throw a lot of short-medium passes (think 0-20 yards)
#2 - Make sure this TE has high route running compared to other receivers/runningbacks/fullbacks on the roster.
#3 - Get a quarterback who knows a lot of the Twin-TE formations and focus the majority of your offensive playcalling on those sets.

I'm sure there are other tricks which some can post (i.e. Ben E Lou), but doing those three steps will at least get your TE very solid receiving numbers (80 catches, 1100+ yards, 10 TD's). Obviously, the better the TE and the better the WR, the better the overall numbers will be.

[ChrisRex]

go on... :-)

The more I look at stats.. considering that I mainly want someone to augment the run game, FBs seems to get a NICE % of KRO and TEs, even stellars ones, get squat. they both can catch their fair share, but the TEs usually go for more on average. Convince me that a TE is also an effective run blocker! I DO have a TE with decent receiveing bars, but no blocking skills.. if that helps evaluate the situation.

REALLY appreciate the feedback so far...

[jeffrey]

You either move him to TE or you wasted a 2nd round pick.

A 77-rate TE in the second is a good pick. Fullbacks are almost useless in FOF2007 aside from run- and pass-blocking and blitz pickup.

[ChrisRex]

You either move him to TE or you wasted a 2nd round pick.

A 77-rate TE in the second is a good pick. Fullbacks are almost useless in FOF2007 aside from run- and pass-blocking and blitz pickup.

But you just literally hit on why i picked him in the first place.. run blocking.

Has anyone actually MADE this switch? I want to know if anyone actually had this go through successfully. What would REALLY ruin my day is if I MAKE the switch, and he TANKS :-)

[Izulde]

You either move him to TE or you wasted a 2nd round pick.

A 77-rate TE in the second is a good pick. Fullbacks are almost useless in FOF2007 aside from run- and pass-blocking and blitz pickup.

Yep, this is my take on it, too. IMO FB is the most easy to fill position in the game.

[ChrisRex]

looking at worst case scenario, if he were to drop to like 60, would you still do it? Keep in mind that while looking at his stats, his pass catching is DECENT, but his blocking stats are the meat of his game. I really hope no one takes this as being argumentative. I really want as many opinions as possible :-)

[zullojer]

ya you have to do it. Just think what a top te can do when a team tries to double you, or plays zone against you. He will be a 3rd down beast and a great option for you when your #1 wr is doubled. That far out ways a few key blocks at full back. He shold still block well as a TE for you too. so there's really no risk at all in changing him. What he will do for you in terms of game planning is too huge to pass up.

[Bako]

I switched a FB to TE and paid for it. He was a 32/63 FB. The game said he could make the switch and retain 95%. His weight was ideal, but he was shorter than most TE's.

He is currently 38/38 and will most likely be cut after the preseason in his third year.

This could be a one time thing, but I would be careful.

[Dandelion]

I've got a TE (69/69) with stats similiar to those Your guy would (maybe..) have.
Stat array is 56/82/55/85/33/80/68/92/94/71/96/49/43 (8 year vet)
His statistics during the last season were:
10 Games started, 12 played 53/72 Catches (73.6%) 506 Yard, 80 YAC, 3 TD
78.6 Redzone%, 68.8 3rd Down%, 50% 3rd Down Conversion% and a total of 31 1st Down catches
There were a couple of games where he was extremely usefull.. I play a high run%, short passing offense. Lead my SP league in Run yard total/per game since 5 years now.. as a run blocker that TE made a total of 6/12 KRO on 322 run plays..

And then there is this supposed to get 64 TE whom I converted to FB, because a "real" FB I wanted to draft was snatched away before I could get my hands on him.. that guy is 6'0", 245 and the switch was said to get through without any major changes in either direction. He's in his second season now, right after his second TC and at the moment shows as a 32/51 with most stats in the 30-50 range current and 50-65 future.
Last season he started in 1 game, played in 16. He made 4/6 catches for 40 Yard, not TD, he was targetted twice on 3rd down and made one conversion and a total of 4 1st Down catches. On 179 run plays he was on the field making 6/14 KRO - sure would have been more, if he'd been the starter, not only the backup..

If I was to make a decision based on that guy You got there and my style of play anf gameplan, he'd be a TE in no time.. nice GD, RR and 3rd down catching.. adjust to ball also nice, the rest not to shabby.. yes, he'd be a 3rd down guy..
If You're a fan of running game though and lack a decent FB for Your RB to run behind, I guess he will enhance the yardage output of Your RB also nicely. That happened to me after changing from a mediocre FB with around
50ish Run Block and 40ish Block Strength to a guy whose stats in those two fields were in the 70+ region. Made running through the middle easier - or at least it seemed so to me, though he also never reached the number of KROs the linemen get to. And with the rate of FB runs set to 25 he even made some good use of his running skills on several occasions..

So, in short: do as you see fit considering Your style of play and gameplan.. it's Your choice anyway ;)

[ChrisRex]

I switched a FB to TE and paid for it. He was a 32/63 FB. The game said he could make the switch and retain 95%. His weight was ideal, but he was shorter than most TE's.

He is currently 38/38 and will most likely be cut after the preseason in his third year.

This could be a one time thing, but I would be careful.

See... THIS is what scares me :eek:

Do I keep the safer, KRB FB, or take the risk at a really good TE... that may turn out to be shit. I guess this is why we 'GM' in the first place

Still interested in any other thoughts. This has been great! :popcorn:

[merry]

What is the highest FB Run Block bar available to you in free agency?
If it's over 50 I think TE's the way to go. Another thing to think about how many FB's in a draft have Run Blocking skills of say 70 or more? I bet 1 or 2?
Merry:)

[Izulde]

looking at worst case scenario, if he were to drop to like 60, would you still do it? Keep in mind that while looking at his stats, his pass catching is DECENT, but his blocking stats are the meat of his game. I really hope no one takes this as being argumentative. I really want as many opinions as possible :-)

Absolutely. Even a 60 TE > 77 FB. In fact, I'd argue that it's quite possible for a 50 TE > 77 FB.

The fact that he has decent receiving skills only strengthens the idea that he should be a TE IMO. Could be a crack blocker at TE and catch enough balls to be a really good combo TE.

[RedKingGold]

Move him to TE. Absolutely 100%

.

[ChrisRex]

If it helps the process, here are the other current players involved in this decision. Note the skillsets and ages. This is PRE-Camp, so lets assume that the last Blocking FB may not make it out alive. Does this change anyones mind?

I like to think long-term...

Again, cant thank you all enough for these wonderful opinions.

http://chrisrex.com/Picture05.jpg

http://chrisrex.com/Picture06.jpg

http://chrisrex.com/Picture07.jpg

[MIJB#19]

That TE Plantilla smells like a kiss of death for your passing game, in my opinion. He's going to get the majority of the looks, especially on 3rd down, but doesn't have the skills to be involved on long pass plays. Still worth using as your 2nd TE on running plays and as your long snapper, but not a player I'd want to have involved in the passing game, unless it's 3rd and <8 yards to go.

Too bad FB Leger is so old, that guy to me is the perfect fullback: blocking and nothing but blocking skills. And FB Carter also looks like a keeper, as a backup fullback and as one of your special teamers.

[ChrisRex]

That TE Plantilla smells like a kiss of death for your passing game, in my opinion. He's going to get the majority of the looks, especially on 3rd down, but doesn't have the skills to be involved on long pass plays. Still worth using as your 2nd TE on running plays and as your long snapper, but not a player I'd want to have involved in the passing game, unless it's 3rd and <8 yards to go.

Too bad FB Leger is so old, that guy to me is the perfect fullback: blocking and nothing but blocking skills. And FB Carter also looks like a keeper, as a backup fullback and as one of your special teamers.

Very interesting Insight.

So in your opinion the possible converted TE, having WORSE 'Avoid Drops' but BETTER (ie - less) Route Running and Better GD would be a definite upgrade in the passing game?

This is interesting to note. If he was NOT going to upgrade the pass, it would be better to leave him as a FB to replace the 10 year old FB, but if he is a definite receiver upgrade to the CURRENT TE, thats a whole different ball of wax.

Right now, the players I listed ARE the starters.

Also of note, my WRs are DECENT but not world beaters.. a bunch of 50-60s with high Avoid Drops, 3rd Down and GD. None are particularly high on RR.

Anyone else concur or disagree on his assessment?

[tarcone]

You can always switch him to TE and make him your backup FB.
Even if Leger drops in TC, his blocking skill set is still going to be good.
So switch the FB to TE, Start him. Start Leger and put the new TE as backup FB.

Should solve all your problems.

And those are absolutely the worst colors Ive ever seen for a team. :)

[ChrisRex]

And those are absolutely the worst colors Ive ever seen for a team. :)

Bastard! I knew you'd sneak in here... :D

Only a fool could not appreciate the 'Electric Hulk' Color Scheme

[Yoda]

Personally, I would leave him at FB. *shrug*

[ChrisRex]

Personally, I would leave him at FB. *shrug*


Yoda IS wise...

[miked]

That other TE is terrible. He's about the worst for your passing game imaginable. His route running is so high he's going to steal looks from most of your better players, yet his BPR and GD are mediocre. There's no research out there that would suggest a good FB actually helps. I know you see those big run blocking bars, but there's nothing to suggest that actually helps anything. In fact, I think most research would show that KRB are cloudy at best and may even be assigned later.

Also, a FB will never get enough carries and in most situations isn't even on the field.

[Yoda]

in most situations isn't even on the field.

That is something I completely disagree with, it depends entirely on how you set up your GP.

[ChrisRex]

Another question... His combine numbers were decent for a FB, but not very good for a TE. Does that factor in at all, or am I over-thinking now?

[stevew]

That other TE is terrible. He's about the worst for your passing game imaginable. His route running is so high he's going to steal looks from most of your better players, yet his BPR and GD are mediocre. There's no research out there that would suggest a good FB actually helps. I know you see those big run blocking bars, but there's nothing to suggest that actually helps anything. In fact, I think most research would show that KRB are cloudy at best and may even be assigned later.

Also, a FB will never get enough carries and in most situations isn't even on the field.

+100

The worst thing possible in FOF is to have a high route runner that is otherwise suck ass. That player will siphon catches and targets from your much better players. Basically you just can't play a guy like that and expect to have the balls distributed like you want them.

[ChrisRex]

Just wanted to give you guys an update. I decided to follow the majority and make the switch.

He made it successfully through his first camp.

So far, so far good :-)

http://chrisrex.com/Picture08.jpg

[Izulde]

+4/+3 from the FB position. I'd call that an encouraging sign (Not that I'm an FOF expert or anything).

Do keep us updated. :)

[MIJB#19]

Another question... His combine numbers were decent for a FB, but not very good for a TE. Does that factor in at all, or am I over-thinking now?Nope. Hypotetically speaking, had you kept him unsigned after the move, he would join next year's draft class and post very good combine scores relative to the TE position.