Ryan

Hewitt

Tennessee reportedly tried to ink Lee Smith when he was released from Oakland and, upon whiffing, attempted to bring in now-Bucs blocking TE Jordan Leggett. The team ultimately ended up with ex-Colts TE Ryan Hewitt as their inline specialist, but will likely keep shopping for alternatives. Delanie Walker and Jonnu Smith still stand to benefit from a fantasy perspective no matter whom the Titans bring in to block on occasion.

A blocker with 23 career receptions, Hewitt made 12 appearances for the Colts last season. With Delanie Walker (ankle) and Jonnu Smith (knee) both still rehabbing, the Titans have been light at tight end this offseason.

The late week downgrade puts him on the wrong side of questionable. Hewitt’s had a blocking role behind Eric Ebron since Jack Doyle went on IR. His absence would open up snaps for Mo Alie-Cox.

He received a $1.5 million signing bonus. Entering the final year of his UDFA deal, Hewitt would have been a restricted free agent after the season. Hewitt has just 18 receptions through two years, but his value lies as a versatile blocker who can line up all over the formation. He should play a big role for the Bengals again this season.

It sounds like Hewitt will be out for OTAs, but should be ready in time for training camp. An H-back-type blocker, Hewitt can play in-line tight end and fullback.

Hewitt logged 427 snaps as a 2014 undrafted rookie. He can line up on the end of the line and in the backfield and graded out as PFF’s No. 8 lead blocker last season. With the Bengals becoming more reliant on the run under OC Hue Jackson, Hewitt remains a key part of the offense opening holes for Jeremy Hill.

Hewitt is an H-back type that can play as a blocking tight end, which could make Orson Charles expendable. Hewitt was also an excellent lead blocker in Stanford’s power-running offense. New Bengals OC Hue Jackson is a firm believer in the power running game, giving Hewitt a leg up for a roster spot.

A favorite of ex-OC Ken Zampese, Hewitt spent four years in Cincy after winning a spot as an UDFA. He had two years left on an extension he signed two years ago. Hewitt should get another look as a fullback-tight end hybrid.

With Jermaine Gresham (back) sidelined, Hewitt split tight-end duties with Kevin Brock. An undrafted rookie out of Stanford, Hewitt is an H-back who primarily played fullback as a rookie, logging 472 regular-season snaps. He showed enough promise as a lead blocker that he’ll likely be back for 2015.