State of the Roster – Tight End

With the long offseason ahead, BroncoTalk begins its look forward to the 2008 season by looking at the current state of the Broncos roster, position by position. We’ll take a look at the players signed through 2008, and give you our opinion on the need this position represents for the Broncos this offseason. Today we’re looking at tight end. Enjoy.

Not since Shannon Sharpe retired has the Broncos’ tight end situation looked so optimistic. We have a premiere blocking tight end who can make plays in space, and we have one of the top 10 pass-catching tight ends in the league. While depth is a concern heading into the long offseason, the Broncos look set in a two tight end set for years to come.

Daniel Graham

Contract Status: Signed through 2011

Daniel Graham ended up being one of the best moves the Broncos made before the 2007 season. His impact on the field was evident when he missed time at the end of the season – in weeks 15 and 16 the Broncos suffered 9 sacks, far and away the least productive two week stretch for the offensive line this season. He also has the athletic talent and ability to make plays in the open field, although he’s so valuable in the blocking game it becomes difficult for the coaches to call on him on passing plays.

In 2007: He finished the season with 24 receptions and over 240 yards and 2 touchdowns, representing the 3rd highest totals in receptions and yards in his career. His blocking ability, though, made him all the more valuable.

In 2008: He should come back healthy and ready to continue his dominant blocking ways. Hopefully we can find ways to get him the ball more often, but he’s a team player through and through and will do anything to help the team win.

Tony Scheffler

Contract Status: Signed through 2009

Tony Scheffler came on strong to end the year after injuring himself in the summer and missing the early part of the season. In his second year, Scheffler showed that the chemistry between he and Jay Cutler is still in full force, and the Broncos are hoping that chemistry can continue for seasons to come.

In 2007: Scheffler finished as one of the top 10 receiving tight ends in the league, posting good numbers. After missing the first four weeks of the season, Scheffler went on to catch 49 balls for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. His blocking came on a bit at the end, but still leaves something to be desired.

In 2008: I want to see two things from Scheffler before I will distinguish him among the elite tight ends in this league: staying healthy, and better blocking. I think he can do both, and I’m excited to see what he can do in the near future.

Chad Mustard

Contact Status: Unknown

TE Chad Mustard found himself off and on the roster several times over the season. Through the beginning of the year, his presence seemed to be a good luck charm, inspiring Woody Paige to even write an article about Mustard’s seemingly supernatural influence.

In 2007: Mustard did not have a single reception until Week 16, when he would snag 5.

In 2008: May or may not be on the team.

Nate Jackson

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

The Broncos liked Nate Jackson before he went on Injured Reserve after Week 5. At 6-3 and 235 lbs., Jackson has good size for his position and was valuable in both blocking and pass-catching situations. He’s a UFA this offseason and may be worth looking at resigning if he’s healthy.

In 2007: Played only five games before being placed on the Injured Reserve with a torn groin. He had 3 catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

In 2008: UFA. Could be resigned as depth.

Stephen Alexander

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Stephen Alexander is seriously considering retirement after the physical setbacks he endured this season. Even if he doesn’t retire, he’s an unrestricted free agent who can sign with anyone. For both reasons I doubt he’ll be an active Bronco next year, particularly when he considers that the chances that he’ll see significant game time next year in Denver are low.

In 2007: Injured Reserve

In 2008: Likely retiring.

Mike Leach

Contract Status: Signed through 2009

Mike Leach may be the 1,000th best player in the NFL, but he has only earned such a distinction for one reason – he is as solid a long snapper as they come. He’ll remain that way as long as needed. Maybe one day he’ll even catch a pass.

In 2007: Long snapper

In 2008: Long snapper

The Bottom Line

Signed through 2008: 3-4
Offseason Priority: Low