Tight End Room

Tight Ends, abbreviated "TE", are a half way point between WRs and Offensive linemen, both in role and position on the field. They line up right next to the Tackles, and after the snap can either stay in as in-line blockers or act as receivers and run routes. The Tight Ends are often considered the ultimate match up pieces because of this versatility.

In DR and the NFL, TEs have two roles, blocking and receiving. the receiving role is generally considered to be the more important one, but a good blocking TE can help quite a bit in the run game as well.

To act as a receiver, a TE need similar attributes as a WR, but can get away with less because they match up with linebackers and safeties, not cornerbacks. Footwork, Route, Speed, and First Step are used to create separation, with First step helping more on short patterns and Speed helping more downfield. Pass catching is needed to catch passes, but toughness is also very important (more so than for WRs), as the vast majority of TE routes are over the middle of the field where it will have a significant effect. YAC is also similar to WRs, with First Step, Escapability, Athleticism, and Strength used to break tackles, and Speed used to gain more yardage in the open field. Pass blocking is also useful for a receiving TE, as unless they are the primary feature of your offense there will be many plays where they stay in and block.

Run blocking TEs look for similar traits as with OL. Run Block, first Step, Strength, and Motor are the biggest ones, with Footwork helping out as well.