Will Ta'ufo'ou V Eddie Williams V Harvey Unga

So, I'm sick of analyzing our FA moves to death and I got to thinking about our TE/FB situation since Olsen was traded. I'm a big fan of Will's game from college to the flashes he's shown in PS. Martz used his TE's out of the FB set a ton last year (despite the fact that he hasn't used a tradition FB over his career) with both Olsen and Manu getting reps there on a regular basis. Do you think he'll just toss Spaeth/Smith there or do you think we will be carrying a true FB this season? I still see Williams as an H-back which is apparently Martz' desired player at the position from some research, and maybe even Unga figures in there as a fourth HB/FB, but I think Will actually has a shot this year. Any thoughts?

I liked what I saw of Will T out of college and the few snippets we saw last TC. I hope he gets the chance, but like so many players w/ Martz it's more about how he fits the system than if he can be a traditional FB. We kept him around for something, so that's promising.

Im looking forward to see what Spaeth will do as our new TE. He is known as more of a blocking TE than a pass catcher but he adds another big body that the opposing teams will have to get through. If you can't have 5 good lineman you may as well have more blockers. With extra time Cutler wont be on his back as much and you may see those passing lanes open up for Roy Williams and Johnny Knox. Perhaps losing Olsen was better than we expected.

As far as Willy T goes Im glad to see him back but just because he is back doesn't mean that he'll stay here. They lined up Desmond Clark a lot in the backfield as well so competition will be tough for him. I like the moves for both TE and FB but it means nothing if you don't sure up the O-line. There's still work that needs to be done.

I don't see the purpose of putting 6'7" TE's like Spaeth and Davis in the backfield so to me we need a blocking back to go with Forte and we also need a power back so one of the three you list deserve to make the team. If Martz want a lineman size TE back there move Louis.

I liked what I saw of Will T as well and I'd prefer him to EWill as a true blocking FB. I don't really see Unga as a FB. After watching his highlight video to me he's far more of a power RB than a FB. He's got a little wiggle to him in the open field but he's pretty much a north/south guy from what I saw. Decent but not great speed, runs low to the ground and can break some tackles. I think I remembered him out on some passing plays too.

I think the way it breaks down or at least how I'd like to see it break down is that Barber and Taylor compete for the 2nd string backup role which I think Barber wins hands down. Will T and E Will duke it out for a FB spot and Unga and Bell for the 3rd RB spot. I guess a lot of this depends on whether we carry 4 or 5 backs this year. Maybe we carry five because we won't have 4 TE's on the roster again.

Those are my thoughts about it.

Like BearStuff I liked Tu'ufo'ou coming out and hope both he and Unga stick. I really think having a legit FB will improve our blocking and if Martz adapts he could have even more nice weapons coming out of the backfield. I think we will definitely find out who the short yard backs are with this OL.