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Training-camp battles — tight ends
Two TE collisions loom large in AFC East
By Michael Blunda
July 11, 2008
The fourth in a five-part series
Jets — Chris Baker vs. Dustin Keller
Coming off a career year in ’07, Chris Baker was primed to make the leap into fantasy relevance this season; the Jets had other plans, though, as they traded into the first round to snag Purdue's Dustin Keller. Keller enters the NFL with a size-speed combination that few tight ends can boast. An accomplished pass catcher while at Purdue, he has the ability to line up either on the end or in the slot, and New York likely will use him in a similar nature to the way the Colts deploy Dallas Clark. Baker, on the other hand, is unhappy with his contract and is in the midst of a holdout. Assuming he resolves his issues by training camp, Baker likely will enter the season as the starter, but that doesn’t mean he should be the first Jets TE taken in fantasy drafts. Keller should play enough as a rookie to put up nice numbers, making him a sleeper prospect in larger leagues. And ex-Packer Bubba Franks also is in the mix after being signed in free agency this offseason.
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Ex-Cowboys TE Anthony Fasano
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Dolphins — David Martin vs. Anthony Fasano
Following David Martin’s lackluster first season in Miami, the Dolphins brought in some competition this offseason, trading for Anthony Fasano. Fasano is reunited with many of the coaches he had in Dallas, where he spent two seasons stuck behind Jason Witten on the depth chart. Many observers believe that Fasano could be an every-down tight end in the NFL, and he should get an opportunity to do so with the Dolphins. He has a considerable edge right now on Martin, who failed to live up to his lofty expectations in ’07 after a couple nice seasons in Green Bay. Martin likely will be given a shot by the new coaching staff to reclaim his starting job, but he appears to be entering the battle as the underdog.
Vikings — Visanthe Shiancoe vs. the field
The Vikings’ signing of Visanthe Shiancoe prior to last season was supposed to be a key addition to their passing game. Shiancoe, however, added little to the attack (27 catches for 323 yards and one TD) and now might have to battle for his starting spot. He’ll see competition from longtime Viking Jim Kleinsasser, who’s more of a blocker than a pass catcher, and Garrett Mills. Mills has played in only one game in his two years as a pro, but he’s seen as a skilled receiver who could act as a reliable target for QB Tarvaris Jackson. With plenty of wideouts who can stretch field in Minnesota, the starting tight end could play a decent role in the short passing game.
Saturday: Training-camp battles — placekickers
Related Articles:
Training-camp battles — wide receivers
By Michael Blunda, Thursday, July 10
Training-camp battles — running backs
By Michael Blunda, Wednesday, July 9
Training-camp battles — quarterbacks
By Michael Blunda, Tuesday, July 8
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