2023 Season Preview Yes, he is a light end end, and he is being covered by a slower DB. That is why most his catches go the distance. He is faster than the defender. Thus, when he is in the TE position, the defense will either have to go lighter themselves or risk getting beat for a TD. A ery fast TE makes the defense change also. So, this could go either way. But, my guess is this will slow the pass rush, just having him on the field, as the rusher will need to make contact with him rather than rush around him. Certain moves drastically alter the defensive scheme of the opponent. Likely time outs called, or they have a defensive play set for the faster TE, and thus makes a running play more effective as you have smaller faster guys on the field. These smaller faster guys I believe the small lighter TE can handle.
I see defensive lines go with 3 down lineman and 4 LBs. But, my guess is the TE is much faster than the extra LB after seeing him run after the catches last year. Maybe, go with another defensive back instead of an LB?
I am not sure, but as a defensive coach, I sure would not go with the standard defense and hope he doesn't get targeted.