Quote:
Originally Posted by htismaqe
(Post 5663183)
How much of that was BECAUSE of Tony Gonzales, though? I think the position as a whole holds alot less value, we've just been spoiled because we've been watching the greatest ever.
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Let's check out the pattern.
2000s - 13 TEs in first round, 13 in second round (9 years, generally 32 picks per year)
1990s - 9 in first round, 17 in second round (10 years, generally 30 picks per year)
1980s - 5 in first round, 12 in second round (10 years, roughly 29 picks per year)
1970s - 16 in first round, 16 in second round (10 years, roughly 27 picks per year)
One might ponder that, once upon a time, tight ends were valuable in an era where defenses could knock receivers off their routes. When the new rules changes came about in 1979 to limit contact with receivers, it killed the tight end as a first-round position through the 80s.
So why have tight ends been making a resurgence since the low tide of the 80s? If anything, the rules changes have continued to make them less valuable, as defenders aren't allowed to touch quick little receivers.
One theory might be the growth of west coast offenses and short, high-percentage passing games. A tight end might be a sure-handed guy who can thrive in the land of linebackers. Another might be the rise of zone blitzes and more sophisticated pass rushes, where a good tight end who can block and catch has become more valuable.
And of course in the past ten years, we've had the rise of the freaks like Tony G., who are basically a receiver inflated up to 250 pounds.
Interesting pattern, but I think it's undeniable that the rules changes of 1979 killed the position for a while.
