With a gaping hole at tight end, the Patriots decided not to wait until the draft to begin addressing the problem. They signed four-time Pro Bowler Alge Crumpler from Tennessee.
Unfortunately this is a signing that sounds better than it actually is. The 32-year-old Crumpler is three years from his last Pro Bowl season in 2006. Since then his receiving yards have steadily dropped year after year. Today Crumpler is a blocking TE with receiving skills well beyond the average blocking tight end.
Crumpler takes the role of Chris Baker last year. Crumpler is a better receiver than Baker, but he won’t get many opportunities to catch passes if Baker’s 14 receptions last year is a reliable predictor.
Crumpler likely will see the ball more, but he isn’t the threat he used to be. New England still needs a receiving tight end following Ben Watson’s departure. That might come from the draft.
This draft has good depth at the TE position. My personal favorite, Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham, could still be available early in the second round. If the Pats address a different need, I like Florida’s Aaron Hernandez as a possibility later in the second round.
Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com
