Scheffler continues to be all or nothing; he will have monster games and then disappear for a few weeks. This could finally be the year where Scheffler puts up the breakout season we’ve been expecting since his rookie campaign, especially if Brandon Marshall faces any length of suspension.
('09 Proj: 64 rec, 888 yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Robb Perkins
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Exceeded most expectations in 2008 despite missing three games. As long as nothing further comes of the current spat between his coach and quarterback, expect Scheffler to improve on a very solid sophomore season. He’s not ready to join the elite of status of Gates, Gonzalez, Cooley, Clark and Witten, but he’s leading the second-tier.
(’09 Proj: 50 rec, 700 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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It is reported that the Jay Cutler favorite is on the Broncos' trading block. Scheffler is a solid pass catcher, but he lacks the blocking skills that coach Josh McDaniels wants in his offense. If he moves to a passing team Look for Tony to put up similar numbers to the ones he did last year. Could actually benefit from a move.
('09 Proj: 44 rec, 678 yds and 4 touchdowns) ~Dave Fosdick
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Last season’s promising start was derailed by yet another injury and Scheffler never really got back his momentum. The Denver passing game is dominated by Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, but he could still do well with whatever scraps are left over. He just has to remain healthy enough to stay on the field for them.
('09 Proj: 44 rec, 600 yds, 3 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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The situation in Denver is getting cloudier than a summer storm in Kansas. Scheffler isn’t a good fit for Josh McDaniel’s offense that uses more blocking tight ends; so they’ve been trying to trade him. They’ve also been trying to trade Cutler, which as pissed Cut off to no end. So who knows who’ll be pulling the trigger in the Rockies. On top of everything, they still don’t have a healthy running back. Avoid this like the plague.
('09 Proj: 30 rec, 500 yds, 1 touchdown) ~Jeremy Fischer
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Ranked a respectable sixth in the AFC in tight end's receiving yards last year and an even more impressive fourth in yards per game; ahead of Gates and Winslow! Currently in a great offense but watch Cutler’s situation closely as they are obviously directly linked. A low end #1 option here.
('09 Proj: 48 rec, 625 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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With no one safe in the Broncos locker room, Scheffler may be the most volatile tight end value wise heading into draft day 2009. Throw in the uncertainty of the role any tight end will have in Josh McDaniels' system, and it becomes prudent to take a “wait and see” approach regarding Scheffler. If everything comes together in Denver, then Scheffler could be a top 5 tight end. If not, he could tumble down to bye-week sub.
('09 Proj: 500 yds, 5 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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I'm with Jon and frankly, most everyone else above. The entire Denver situation is a train wreck right now. From the uncertainty of Cutler to a complete coin-flip as to how Scheffler would even be used in the McDaniels system and I think it's borderline irresponsible to put our readers on a sleeper train of thought (even though I personally love his talent). Even healthy 16 games, I'm cutting/pasting Scheff's stats from last year. A cop out? Maybe. But if you have a thoughtful argument as to why not, I'd love to hear from in the forums.
('09 Proj: 40 rec, 645 yds, 3 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins
