The problem I have with late round drafted TE's is how long they often take to develop. While Blanton has looked good, he's still relatively unproven based on his lack of active use. For 2022, I'd sacrifice Woods to re-sign OBj, and seek an immediate starter as #2 TE, giving McVay his strongest use in 12 personnel.
jmo.
Fair point. If for example Blanton were to arrive next year that would be his last contract year (followed by one year of RFA). So you lose some of the time to dev.
But even the top TEs take a while. The very best tend to flash year one, but yeah you're talking year two for their real window of impact.
One thing too is if you look at this past draft they brought in two big bodied receivers. Skow has been great and he's moreso a gunner type pick but has really given us a lot in year one. He's a guy who can get dirty and catch some balls in traffic. Not ideal in that way but they did add a big weapon in the draft. Also Harris. I mean there is every chance he makes a move in camp and wins a role next year. Again not the surest hands (he was also a gunner pick IMO) but he was raw too so there is a lot of room for dev there and we have a great staff to develop him.
So just keep bringing in those types every year or two and watch the ones that really want it rise. Bottom line though is McVay needs to change his preference in receivers. He has to get onboard with what his QB likes which is big targets. Just adding one big/raw TE with great hands would be beneficial going forward.