Arizona Cardinals are OK at Tight End, Despite What Some Think

Dec 9, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) breaks a tackle by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond (28) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Arizona, 58-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

I read a great piece on arizonasports.com about ESPN.com not being too keen on what the Arizona Cardinals have to offer right now at the tight end position.  Why not?  Sure, they didn’t go out and get another veteran at tight end in the off-season but did they need to?  They had two very capable ones on the roster and they drafted another in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

The Cards have third year veteran Rob Housler and eight-year veteran Jeff King ready to go.  They both are going into their third seasons with the Cards.  Yes, they have a different coaching staff but they have familiarity with the team and have the tools to succeed under Cards head coach Bruce Arians. For starters, Housler caught 45 passes for 417 yards in 2012, and King caught 46 passes for 406 yards in 2007.

They don’t have the best blocking skills in the world, but they have managed to hold their own.  They’ve basically been the two tight ends over the past two seasons with Todd Heap spending the majority of the time injured. Let’s also not forget the Cards did address the position.  They drafted D.C. Jefferson out of Rutgers.  A seventh-rounder yes however it does add depth.  If he doesn’t work out, it isn’t the end of the world.

The Cards will need help from their tight ends in the run game but this is still going to be a pass first and pass often offense with Carson Palmer behind center.  The focus will be on the wide receivers.  For what the Cards have said they plan on doing, they’re just fine for now.