Titans Position Analysis: TE

Next up in our series of position analyses is the TE position.
The Titans overhauled their TE position this offseason. Familiar faces such as Ben Troupe and Ben Hartsock have been replaced by the likes of Alge Crumpler, Craig Stevens and a familiar name from the past, Dwayne Blakley.
The return of Mike Heimerdinger means more double tight end sets and with the acquisition of the new personnel, expect this batch of TE’s to figure more prominently in the Titans’ offense this season.
Let’s take a look at the players competing for playing time at TE this year.

Former Pro Bowler Alge Crumpler was acquired to help alleviate the Titans’ well-documented problems in the red zone a year ago. Crumpler is a solid blocker and a big receiving threat, putting up quality numbers over the course of his successful career.
The combination of old age and bad knees has hindered Crumpler as of late, but hopefully, he has some gas left in the tank. If healthy, I expect Alge to catch around 50-60 passes this season, while providing some much needed production in the red zone.
Bo Scaife is in a similar predicament faced by former Titan Ben Troupe last season. Heading into his contract season, Troupe failed to make a significant impact on the playing field in 2007, which led to the team’s decision to allow him to leave for Tampa this offseason.
Scaife is under contract for only one more season and if he expects to be around his former college teammate Vince Young for a few more years, he will have to step up and produce in 2008.
Dwayne Blakely is name we’ve all heard before. A few years ago, despite looking more impressive in training camp, he was beat out by then-rookie Ben Troupe.
Blakely is a seasoned vet who has the ability to catch the football. He’ll be facing a lot of competition for playing time this year, so it will be crucial for him to make some plays during training camp and the preseason.
Selected in the third round in April’s draft, Craig Stevens is known for his excellent blocking skills. I agree with Andrew’s assessment that Stevens was a draft pick based on value rather than need.
With Alge getting up there in age and only one year remaining on Scaife’s deal, Stevens is a prime candidate to be the Titans’ future starting TE. As for this year, barring injury, expect Craig’s contributions to mostly come in the form of blocking in short yardage situations and special teams.
The next three guys are long shots to receive any level of extended playing time at TE in 2008.
Casey Cramer is listed as a FB on the Titans’ roster but has some experience at TE. Jamie Petrowski stepped in for an injured Bo Scaife in last year’s playoff defeat to the Chargers. Leonard Stephens hasn’t seen time on an active NFL roster since 2002, and is the longest of long shots to make the Titans’ squad this year.
There will be a ton of competition for playing time at TE this training camp, so it should be interesting to see who emerges at this position in 2008.