Dissecting the St Louis Rams: Tight End

The St Louis Rams will hope to have some excellent play from their tight ends this year. Nick Foles loves to utilize his tight ends, so I am sure he is going to love throwing to Jared Cook. Kendricks is another great option at the second spot. let’s break the position down further.

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) stiff arms San Diego Chargers defensive back Darrell Stuckey (25) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Jared Cook

Jared Cook came over from Tennessee to the coach that drafted him back in 2009. Jared Cook is a vertical tight end that has a great catching ability paired with massive size, at 6-5 250 lbs. He has played extremely consistent in both of his years in St Louis, gaining 671 receiving yards his first season, and 634 yards his second. These numbers could very well be higher, as Cook has yet to have a full season in St Louis with the same quarterback throughout. With Foles at the helm, Cook could go even higher, possibly even into the near 1000 yard range.

Cook knows how to get open, and is very hard to bring down on the spot. He almost always gets a few extra yards after contact.Where Cook falters the most is in his blocking ability. Despite his size, he struggles to block at a consistently good rate. Cook might not be elite, but he is a great option to throw to and can get many first downs.

Dec 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88) makes a catch for a touch down against the New York Giants during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The New York Giants defeat the St. Louis Rams 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Lance Kendricks

I am so grateful that Kendricks took less money to stay in St Louis. Kendricks makes up for Cooks poor blocking, setting the edge at a much more consistent rate then Cook ever will. Kendricks is also a great red zone threat. He has either led or tied the lead for team receiving touchdowns for the last two years, despite his low yardage and reception ratio. Kendricks isn’t flashy, but is very effective in what he does.

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Cory Harkey (46) runs with the ball during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Cory Harkey

Although Harkey will play fullback the majority of the time, he is still on the tight end depth chart. Harkey is a fan favorite, showing amazing power ability while staying balanced and upright. His blocking skill is incredible, and he has the athleticism to block in the second level and beyond.

Alex Bayer

Bayer is more of the receiving tight end. He runs excellent routes, and is quick for a tight end. Has not played a regular season down yet, so it is hard to judge.

The Rams have a great bunch here. Cook is a great first option, while Kendricks fills in all of the areas Cook struggles in. With depth beyond those two, it would seem the Rams have built the tight end quality they needed.

Grade: A-

Next: Dissecting The St Louis Rams: Running Back

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