St. Louis Rams Midseason Review: Tight Ends

The Rams tight ends is the most disappointing position on the team. As we all know, a tight end is a quarterbacks best friend. They should really be important if you're offensive line is struggling, WR's aren't consistently getting open, and the QB is struggling.

This hasn't been the case in St. Louis. The Rams TE's went from running a lot of routes to now blocking a lot. It would be interesting to know if the Rams weak offensive line has to do with the TE's blocking more. If that's the case it's a good thing that, the TE's on the Rams roster are good pass blockers.

My grades are based on expectations set on that player prior to the 1st game.

Billy Bajema - This season he has  9 receptions and 59 yards. 

Big Billy Bajema is a blocking tight end. He's not really reliable in coverage, because he doesn't possess the speed and athleticism to get open consistently. However he has been blocking good when he gets into the game. Having Billy is like having another offensive tackle. 

Grade C

Lance Kendricks - This season he has 13 receptions and 175 yards

Kendrick's is the biggest disappointment to me. He was supposed to be the key to the Rams offense. He has the talent to be an elite pass catcher, but he just hasn't put it all together. I know that he's a rookie and he shouldn't have such a low score, however the Rams needed him to produce and he's only just shown flashes. The drops are the biggest reason why he is so low, he's gotten open, but he just doesn't complete the play

Grade D-

Mike Hoomanawanui -This season he has 5 receptions and 62 yards

I have liked what I've seen from Big Mike so far. This season he has been playing like a better version of Bajema. He's developing into a a good blocking TE, who will also make plays in the passing game.  I'm surprised that Mike has played this many games this season, let's hope the trend continues.

Grade C+

Going forward

The next few games should revolve aroun how the  two young tight ends progress. Kendricks has shown those flashes, but he's also disappeared in games, and when he reappears he usually drops the ball. The most interesting thing is the face that Mike has been seeing more playing time than Kendricks in recent weeks. 

This makes sense, the Rams just can't count on Kendricks to be an impact player. While Mike doesn't possess the athleticism of Kendricks he is a good blocker and the Rams need as many blockers as they can get. Theres no reason to play a player if he's hurting the team.

If Mike can stay healthy this season and Kendricks can start completing plays, the Rams TE's will be a big help this season, and beyond.