Saints 2009 Position Battles: Tight End

by Dave Cariello on May 15, 2009 6:00 AM CDT

We return back to the offense today as we take a look at tight end in our early examination of the 2009 roster. The competition might get a bit heated this season but the race is wide open. The battle here is really for that third tight end spot as Jeremy Shockey and Billy Miller are probably sure to make the team. But will it be one of the two new free agent signees or practice squad regular Buck "Naked" Ortega?

A quick refresher of the current tight ends on the roster:

Player	Height	Weight	Age	Experience
Jeremy Shockey	6'5"	251	28	8
Billy Miller	6'3"	252	32	10
Darnell Dinkins	6'4"	260	32	8
Buck Ortega	6'4"	240	27	2
Dan Campbell	6'5"	265	33	11

We know Shockey is going to make the team. Let's all hope he stays healthy and benefits from a full off-season of training with Drew and the Saints offense. Done.

After picking up the slack last year in the absence of Shockey and Campbell, Billy Miller Time is everyone's favorite new tight end. If Miller can pick up where he left off last season, he should have no trouble making the team this season. He certainly deserves it.

The Saints picked up Darnell Dinkins this off-season undoubtedly with the hopes of having him compete for a spot. Only a minor contributor his entire career, Dinkins has never caught for over one hundred yards in a single season. Doubtful that he could supplant Miller but that third spot is free for the taking.

Buck Ortega has been limited to practice squad duty most of his career but saw a touch of action last season due to myriad injuries. Highly doubtful he makes the team outright but he may continue with his practice squad responsibilites in 2009.

Dan Campbell is the oldest of the bunch and his age may finally be catching up with him. Once a significant contributor with the Giants and Cowboys, Campbell has had only two receptions in the last two years. He'll be duking it out for that last spot with Ortega and Dinkins. Coming from the Lions, he'll need to wash off that loser stench to ever stand a chance.

Now it's on you! What do you expect to see from the Saints tight ends in 2009?

Poll

Assuming Shockey and Miller make the team, which tight end earns the third spot?

Darnell Dinkins

126 votes

Buck Ortega

147 votes

Dan Campbell

143 votes

416 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I can't stand Shockey

For me, until he proves otherwise, he’s nothing but a mal-content and cancer to a team.

by drbonne on May 15, 2009 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

Can any of these guys block?

I am not too worried about having another tight end that can catch the ball. I want to know if any of these guys can block. If anyone can fill me in I would appreciate it. We are just trying to replace Dan Campbell, and I am glad he is finally gone because he stayed hurt. Any thoughts?

by Brazil meets LA on May 15, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions

Mark Campbell

I wanted to correct my previous post. I was referring to Mark Campbell, who is still an Unrestricted Free Agent, not Dan Campbell.

by Brazil meets LA on May 15, 2009 1:30 PM CDT reply actions

After researching the three

Dinkins is considered more of a blocking TE than a receiving threat.

Dan Campbell is more like Mark Campbell with his injury history. But he and Payton have a history together so he may have the inside track. Campbell and Payton History

Ortega will probably be on the practice team and move to the main roster when Shockey and Campbell go down.

by Steve the fan on May 15, 2009 2:18 PM CDT reply actions