Survivor I - Dallas Clark Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2003	29	340	1	40.0	25
2004	25	423	5	72.3	11

Positives - With the departure of Marcus Pollard from Indianapolis, Dallas Clark becomes the number one tight end on the highest powered passing attack in the league. Last year Clark posted over 400 yards and 5 TDs on just 25 receptions, and combined with Pollard for over 700 yards and 11 TDs. While it is naïve to think that Clark will pick up the entirety of the production vacated by Pollard, he was already the primary red zone target, and will pick up a significant proportion of the numbers. The former 1st round pick will have his chance to shine this year, and enters the 2nd tier of TEs behind the big two.

Negatives - Clark has struggled with injuries his first two years, and that will continue to pose a question for the young tight end. It remains to be seen how Clark will respond to the transition to the #1 TE in Tom Moore’s 2TE sets, as opposed to the #2 TE.

Draft Strategy - Still in need of a starting TE and a 3rd WR, I was hoping Clark, Heap, or Crumpler would fall to this spot, as all the WRs had little value at this point. Of the three, only Clark was left, which was okay by me. Behind Gonzo and Gates, I rank Clark, Crumpler, Heap, and Shockey as the four TEs in the 2nd tier. Even with injuries, Clark is likely to post 400 yards and 4 or 5 TDs. If he stays healthy, and Manning throws for another 40+ TDs this year, Clark could approach 650 yards and 8 TDs. A bargain in the 7th round, two rounds after the head case Shockey was selected.