High Side by Clayton Gray
Just glancing at the numbers for Ken Dilger shows us a slightly above average TE with TE rankings of 21st in 2001, 7th in 2000, and 12th in 1999.

Consider that Dilger split time with the very good Marcus Pollard. With all due respect to Marco Battaglia, there is no Marcus Pollard hanging around in Tampa Bay. Dilger will be the show at TE for the Buccaneers.

So what kind of production can be expected from a Jon Gruden TE?

Just glancing at the numbers from Oakland shows excellent TE scoring (TE rankings of 7th and 3rd) in 1998 and 1999 respectively. Then a downturn occurred as the Raiders TE position ranked 12th in 2000 and 18th in 2001. I don't have the data to determine a cause for the 2000 decline. However, it is a fact that in 2001 Oakland faced the 10th most difficult TE Strength of Schedule with an average opponent ranking of 15.0. In a 31-team league, having the 10th most difficult schedule should theoretically mean a 22nd place finish. By finishing 18th, Gruden's TEs did slightly better than they should have.

Note that Tampa Bay ranks 5th on the 2002 TE Schedule Strength. That's the real reason why I have a high ranking on Ken Dilger.

Low Side by David Dodds
OK maybe 20th best TE is a tad harsh, but there isn't much to like with Ken Dilger. He leaves a prolific offense to one that is under transition with Jon Gruden. Speaking of Gruden, I decided to look at how his top tight end performed the last few years at Oakland:

2000 Ricky Dudley - 350 yards and 4 TDs (15 best TE)
2001 Roland Williams - 298 yards and 3 TDs (20th best TE)

Looks like Mr. West Coast doesn't really like throwing to the tight end much. With Michael Pittman and Mike Alstott, Gruden has two RBs who can catch out of the backfield in Tampa Bay. I expect his to use these safety valves often and leave the Tight Ends in to block. Brad and Rob Johnson aren't the most durable of QBs and will likely require added protection to stay off of the disabled list.

Ken Dilger leaves a system that loved the Tight End. He played on a team with a stud QB, RB and WR virtually guaranteeing him to be open on every play. And what did he do with that opportunity? He squandered it with a bunch of mediocre seasons before finally being replaced by the more athletic and younger Marcus Pollard.

How about this similarity:

Marcus Pollard - Age 30, 6'4" and 252 lbs
Marco Battaglia - Age 29, 6'3" and 252 lbs.

Don't be surprised when Ken Dilger shares time with the younger Marco Battaglia who has new life now that he is out of Cincinnati.