RamView year in review: TE

Jared Cook (51-671, 5 TD): D+

Yes, Jared Cook set team records and career highs in 2013, and barely got a passing grade. Imagine what he would have been had he caught the ball more consistently. Imagine what he would have been had he gotten open consistently week-to-week instead of getting blanketed by single-covering LBs like Bruce Irvin or KROY BIERMANN. Imagine what he would have been minus the concentration lapses, the missed hot route adjustments, the sloppy route-running. Imagine what he would have been had he stayed interested on plays where he was blocking or wasn't involved. Imagine that. That's what the Rams paid $35 million for, not the guy who disappeared half the season. You get paid like a superstar, you better play like a superstar (and I don’t mean in garbage time, where I’d bet a good 20-25% of his stats were generated). Cook didn’t, and the Rams need him to in 2014.

Lance Kendricks (32-258, 4 TD): C

Kendricks sure hasn't lived up to his draft day hype – remember? he was going to be Aaron Hernandez, without the murdering – but he has improved on the field. He’s become a pretty reliable blocker and goal line receiver, though his hands are still inconsistent. Outplayed Cook some weeks.

Cory Harkey (13-113, 2 TD): C+

Harkey's a RamView favorite; of course he’s not getting a bad grade. He did some excellent lead-blocking for Stacy and is on the verge of emerging as one of the league’s best fullbacks. Any receiving Harkey does is gravy, and he’s not lost at that role at all. Season highlight was the TD he scored while running over and through the Saint secondary.

Mike McNeill (1-5): D

Strictly a fourth tight end; I’m not sure how much the Rams even use one. Didn’t seem to have a big impact on special teams.

Looking ahead: I don’t expect any draft or free agency moves here. Don’t rule out a rookie free agent winning a job in training camp, that is, if the Rams decide they even need 4 TEs. The best move the Rams can make at tight end is lighting a fire under Cook, and keeping it stoked.

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