Vernon Davis under the Martz system: a monster or a mirage?

Question

The fantasy community is split on the future of Vernon Davis under the Mike Martz offense. Merril Hoge says Davis can't run a route to save his life but the 49ers were featured in last week's Sporting News with a big write-up about the Martz offense and how Davis would see an increased role because Martz had never had a TE with the speed/size of Davis.

Answer 1

Mirage.

Mike Martz has never featured the TE, ever.  True he did not have the same caliber athlete, but isolating the TE for red zone looks has less to do with the player's physical gifts.

Most of the sources I use are equally divided on Davis.  Most list him around #10 among TEs, usually just behind Tony Scheffler.

In the end, I think the debate begins and ends with San Francisco's quarterback.  Alex Smith or not, there just isn't enough talent outside of Gore on offense to make Davis a reliable fantasy TE.

I would take Ben Watson, Crumpler, Scheffler or Heath Miller ahead of Davis.  Reliable passing game = More cheese, more looks for TEs.

Answer 2

It's a toss up at this point. Davis may be the most athletic and speedy TE in football and can definitely benefit from a Mike Martz offense. However, besides from Frank Gore they don't have to many other weapons on the offensive side of the ball. If they had some legitimate threats at the receiver position, it would open up more opportunities for Davis to shine. Expect him to improve on his numbers this year, compared to last year, but I think 2010 might be the year he really steps up his game if the Niners can add a wide-out to draw more attention.

Answer 3

Vernon Davis has a ton of talent.  Many thought he was going to take the NFL by storm and be one of the best in the league.

Unfortunately, he went to a team on a downhill slide.  The 49ers have not had a good offensive line, forcing VD to stay in to block more often.  The 49ers have not had good wide receivers, allowing defenses to focus on the middle of the field where Vernon and the running game offer the only match-up problems.  The 49ers have not had a good QB who checks down to Davis instead of taking sacks/ints.

Martz has never utilized tight ends in his offense.  It's possible that he uses him like he used Hakim, but Hakim ran much better routes.

Vernon Davis is being drafted much too high in fantasy leagues, often being the 5th or 6th tight end drafted.  

He's been a mirage since entering the league, I wouldn't expect drastic changes unless the personnel around him drastically changed (which they haven't).

Answer 4

mirage. with Smith, Hil, or any other Qb throwing to him, I dont see any hope for top 10 numbers. The only guy you want to start in that offense is Gore.

Answer 5

having martz will help but not if there is not qb to throw him the ball. if smith can revert back to his 06 form rather than his 07, davis has a chance to have a monster year but with the lack of weapons on the team at skill positions, it doesnt look likely.