Ryan Griffin
Ryan Griffin is a jack of all trades but master of none. He has been an average NFL tight end that doesn’t excel in any particular area. He can catch the football and offers some ability to block. Griffin isn’t the prototypical Y tight end that serves the majority of his snaps as an inline blocker with the offensive line. However, he is a better blocker than Stephen Anderson, who is a pure passing option. So why is he on this list?
Griffin had 13 receptions for 158 yards with Deshaun Watson under center. Griffin’s lone touchdown came in week three against the New England Patriots. His versatility to line up wide or inline as a sixth blocker on the offensive line will diversify the offense and allow them to open up the playbook.
With the retirement of C.J. Fiedorowicz, Griffin will certainly see more snaps with the first team. Watson and Griffin had a good connection in their first season together. He’s had a history of concussions, so there is some concern, but if he is able to stay healthy, he will have a great opportunity to take a leap forward in his development with the Houston Texans.