Survivor I - Tony Gonzalez Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	63	773	7	119.3	2
2003	71	916	10	151.6	1
2004	102	1258	7	168.3	2

Positives - After 8 seasons in the league, Gonzalez is simply the best tight end of this era. He owns 5 of the top 11 seasons for receptions by a TE over the last 15 years. He caught 102 passes last year and is the primary receiving threat for the Chiefs high powered offense which shows no signs of slowing down. He’s caught at least 63 passes and 6 touchdowns for the past 6 years with his best receiving and yardage totals coming last year. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Gonzo yet and I look forward to another highly productive and consistent season.

Negatives - Gonzalez is 29 years old and has had issues with a foot over the last couple of years that haven’t impacted his performance and appear to be resolved. With more teams adapting offensive philosophies which focus on getting the ball to the TE, Gonzalez is no longer the only TE who is the primary receiving option on his team reducing his advantage over other TEs in the league.

Draft Strategy - I wanted one of the top 5 receivers to fall to me at this spot. I felt Joe Horn was a reach here and a 3rd RB would not add as much value to my team as an elite TE who should score 100 points more than half the starting TEs in this league. Although Antonio Gates may have another great season, he’s only been an elite TE for one year. I’ll take my chances on a TE who’s been playing at an elite level for 6 years. I wasn’t comfortable taking a TE this high, but thought he represented the best value at this draft position. If trades were allowed, I would have tried to trade down a few spots.