Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

slats7 wrote:Kind of saw him as a "compiler" like Craig Biggio, who hung around for 3.000 hits but was never considered dominant at his position. And I say that as a Dallas fan.

While he did stick around a couple years too many in order to get his 3000th hit, I'd have to be convinced of the idea that Biggio was just a "compiler." But that's for another forum.

And while Witten wasn't the number one TE of his time, that doesn't necessarily mean he wasn't dominant at his position. It's tough to be the best when you're playing at the same time as the best ever, kind of like the dilemma the deserving Tim Raines faces in his BBHoF bid being a contemporary of top base stealer Rickey Henderson. But given that Gonzalez was going to hog all the top honors, Witten's getting three 1st team selections is awfully good.

In an era of flashy tight ends who often operate as a wide receivers, it's easy to overlook a guy like Witten, who is very good at the TE's primary jobs: 1) moving the chains and 2) blocking. He often takes on the thankless task of staying in to improve pass protection so guys like Dez Bryant can get down the field to catch the ball and the headlines.

He's not a first-ballot guy, but I think he deserves to be in the HOF>

I think he definitely gets in. Gonzales was a WR at the TE position. Gates is closer to Gonzales than Witten. Witten does it all, and does it all exceptionally well. He's a great blocker and an excellent receiver, even if Gonzales and Gates are better in the latter department.

The funniest thing I ever read about Witten came from a Giants fan: (paraphrasing) Witten will be playing in a wheelchair and he will still be open across the middle against the Giants. The guy runs great routes and has excellent hands as well. He plays faster than he looks but he just flat out knows how to get open.

I think he is the best all-around player at his position in a long, long time.