Face Off - TE Erron Kinney - Tennessee Titans
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Upside by David Shick
Tennessee tight ends have averaged 77 receptions for 774 yards and 5 touchdowns
during Erron Kinney's four-year career. Frank Wycheck has retired leaving Erron
Kinney the unquestioned starter for the Titans. Last season Kinney started throughout
the season, but there was still the question about who was the number one passing
target as Wycheck struggled through his injury-riddled finale.
It seems a no-brainer that Kinney will pick up the extra targets that went
to Wycheck. Who else might steal these targets? Oh yeah. The Titans drafted
Ben Troupe in the second round of the 2003 draft. To put this to rest quickly
I think I like the quote I read from joffer on the Footballguys.com message
boards best. "Wouldn't draft a rookie tight end with a gun to my head."
Pretty much sums up how I feel about the majority of tight ends coming out of
college. ESPN's John Clayton reports that Troupe's head is swimming with offensive
strategy and is not close to being an immediate replacement of Frank Wycheck.
Troupe is running with the third team behind backup Shad Meier. Meier is, well,
Shad Meier.
Don't get me wrong. I don't think Kinney is the second coming of Wycheck. Kinney
is a respectable talent in the right situation. He's in an offense that relies
on tight end production with little to no competition. Kinney should easily
be able to pick up the extra ten fantasy points in 2004 that will lift him into
the top ten tight ends.
Downside by Andy Hicks
Last year was Erron Kinney's year to shine. Frank Wycheck was running on empty
and Shad Meier wasn't ready to take the load. It pretty much all fell onto Kinney's
ample shoulders. Whilst he performed well enough to finish the year ranked as
the 13th tight end, that is underachieving for the Titans organization who expect
and have received Top 6 production from their #1 tight end in the past 7 years,
Frank Wycheck.
The Titans used their first pick in this years draft on a Tight End, Ben Troupe.
Whilst Troupe will initially be slow out of the gate in learning and reading
the pace of an NFL game, it was a clear sign to Erron Kinney that he was on
borrowed time as the #1 tight end in Titanland. Kinney signed a 5 year extension
in the off season, but the Titans rely heavily on this position and need depth
beyond 1 starter.
- Expecting improved stats from Kinney? Even he isn't:
"It will be similar to what it was last year. Last year I was as involved
as you can be, I was in there just about every down, no matter what the situation.
My role can't really get much bigger I don't think."
- This quote from the official Titans website mentions Shad Meier's role this
year:
"MOST IMPROVED - His offseason work coupled with continued improvement
throughout his career will give Shad Meier a chance for increased production
in 2004
. He should have more opportunities to be involved in the offense
this season."
The coach speak from Tennessee all mention the same thing, Kinney has to improve.
Offensive Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger is not sending out a ringing endorsement
when he says "We are certainly going to give Erron an opportunity and it's
going to be up to him whether he is going to be able to do it."
For a guy that has just come off a career low in yards per catch and averages
one touchdown a year, I would advise skipping Kinney and for you to look elsewhere.
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