Brad Cottam, our new starter.

via static.nfl.com

I just wanted to make a quick FanPost about my excitement for Brad Cottam taking over as our new tight end. He has been mentored by the greatest TE in NFL history for a full year now, and was already quite skilled coming into the league. Here is what Sports Illustrated had to say about his strengths last year:

POSITIVES: Large and athletic tight end with an unpolished game. Fluid releasing into routes, adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride. Moves well about the field, runs above average routes and uses his frame protect the pass. Catches the ball well and a solid intermediate range target. Strong at the point and handles opposing defensive lineman as an in-line blocker.

ANALYSIS: Cottam offers rare measurables and a tremendous amount of upside potential. An intelligent prospect, he has been commended by the coaches at Tennessee for his work ethic. Cottam offers potential as a number one tight end at the next level if he remains healthy and takes his game to another level.

He's 6'8" and weights 270 pounds... a real beast.

One of his biggest knocks coming into the NFL was that he had an extensive injury history in college. He tore ligaments in his thumb in 2004, had shoulder reconstruction surgery and was in a car accident in 2005, and tore an abdomen muscle and dislocated his left wrist in 2007. He ended up only playing 5 games as a senior. But his obvious skills landed him a 3rd round projection anyway.

Lets also not forget Primetime's post a few weeks ago about the success many NFL players have had coming out of the University of Tennessee.

Here's a YouTube highlight video for Cottam his senior year. Obviously it's short, but you can definitely see the potential.