interesting, but unsure how much confidence we can rightly have in any views of the Rams offense next season. literally every one of their skill players took turns playing well in spurts only to take a back seat for multiple games. With the possible exception of Kupp (even he had mis-season games with less touches and less production), but did finish the season with TD catches 5 weeks in a row.
Most probably agree that if Higbee gets opportunities even approaching 75% of what he got in last 6 games this year (62 targets), he will very likely produce TE1 #’s. Will he though?
I like Higbee coming out. His upside/trajectory aligns with someone like Kittle, i.e. a block first TE with hands. Of course that would be an all time great breakthrough if he became Kittle (I am not expecting that!) but the main point is upside.
If you look at the Rams offense, we will start to get clues in offseason. We know McVay is the play caller and calls the shots, but here is a hint of what the new OC brings to the table:
https://redskinswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/17/kevin-oconnell-gameplan-successful-vs-eagles/
He will at least be in the film/planning room with McVay. I don’t read this as a slam dunk he will feed the TE like Greg Roman in Baltimore, but it can at least show he values the short passing game, which can include Higbee.
Our next clues will be FA and Draft. I expect Rams to continue to try to improve that O-line and at least strongly consider even more focus on running and run blocking, including with a blocking TE (which was the new wrinkle down the stretch), which made Goff more comfortable (and he played a lot better). Overall, there is a lot of noise that McVay is trying to model Belichick (not a bad idea, but good luck!) by emphasizing game specific game plans at all times, which ultimately could mean some games are Higbee games and some games are Everett games.
I like the player but its definitely a wait and see. I would definitely acquire him on the cheap, if possible!
I like this series by the way. perfect for “offseason”. keep it up!
any sense of future players you will cover? and how do you decide?
Would love to see one about an older WR: What about TY Hilton , Marvin Jones or Dede Westbrook ?
I have Higbee in a Superflex, TE premium league (2.0 ppr). I don’t see a 2020 replacement worthy of 2.10 in this class. Higbee was my best TE scorer when it counted on my way to a 15-1 season and the ‘ship. I am keeping him unless I get a exceptional offer. I am a little weak at TE with Olsen, Fells, MacDonald, and Moreau. If I could swing a deal that included the any of the Top 10, including Everett, in your poll results, I would consider them though.
Really liked your article Joe. Great analysis.
