I know from my previous posts that people were looking forward to seeing my take on the TE position, so here it is. As always, I hope this sparks some good conversations and debate. I am sure most will not have to look further than my #3 TE for that.
Tight End Rankings and Evaluations:
Great size and speed for the position. A matchup nightmare. Can lineup on the line or split out wide. Very good blocker. Has large catch radius and presents a big target for QB.
Negatives: Needs to be more physical and learn to use his size to his advantage more. Lack of focus led to some easy drops. Lacks aggressiveness in his route running and catching in traffic.
#2. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech:
Positives: Tall, smooth, fluid route runner. Elite hands and speed to outrun defenders. An oversized WR that creates mismatches in passing game. Tough and willing to run routes over the middle and fight for the ball.
Negatives: Needs to add bulk to his frame. He needs to work on his blocking skills. Reports of some immaturity and attitude problems could be an issue.
#3. Colt Lyerla, Oregon:
Positives: Physical freak. Runs good routes and is clean in and out of breaks. Agile for a guy his size. Above average blocker who plays with a bit of a mean streak. Soft hands, large catch radius and creates a big target for his QB. Plays with attitude and toughness.
Negatives: Won’t be drafted as the #3 TE because of huge off field concerns that most who follow the draft already know about. Drugs, leaving school, not going to rehab and tough upbringing may lead to him getting drafted much later (if at all) than his on field talent would dictate. On the field, his attitude can be a negative as well when things aren’t going well. Has to learn to control his emotions better and keep his focus on the game.
#4. Austin Sefaran Jenkins, Washington:
Positives: Impressive size, soft hands, creates a big target. Agile for a guy his size. Large catch radius and a fluid route runner. Good acceleration.
Negatives: Inconsistent blocker (high sometimes, waist bender others) but did improve this last year. Not as physical as I would like for a guy with his size. Lacks top end speed.
#5. Troy Niklas, Notre Dame:
Positives: Dominating blocker, good size and athleticism. Soft hands, physical guy who can make tough catches in traffic.
Negatives: Route running needs work, was used on a limited basis in the passing game, but the tools seem to be there. Needs to continue to develop proper technique when running routes. Does not possess top end speed.
#6. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa:
Positives: Good size, creates a big target. Great in line blocker and can get out in space and block as well. Reliable hands and makes tough plays in traffic. Tough, blue collar type of TE.
Negatives: Won’t wow you with athleticism or speed. Limited in his route running and rounds off his routes. A less athletic version of ASJ offensively and Niklas blocking.
#7. Xavier Grimble, USC
Positives: Good size for the position. Good blocker, squares up with defender and keeps contain. Good in and out of cuts. Can lineup on the line or out wide. Soft hands. Lots of upside potential.
Negatives: Multiple injuries are the big concern. Lacks elite speed and athleticism. Will need to work on route running.
#8. Richard Rogers, Cal.
Positives: Good burst off the line. Athletic frame, good hands, can make the tough catches in traffic. Good straight line speed, can create separation. Decent blocker who uses his athleticism to get to the next level when blocking on screens and quick throws.
Negatives: Does not have ideal build for a TE. Lacks bulk. More of a WR type. Blocking needs to continue to improve to be successful at the next level. Concentration could be an issue as he had his fair share of easy drops. Route tree was limited in his college scheme.
#9. Crockett Gilmore, Colorado St.
Positives: Good size with room to get bigger. Great blocker who blocks through the whistle. Like another Olineman. Soft hands and can make catches in traffic. Uses size to his advantage. Has upside.
Negatives: Not a great athlete. Lacks speed and burst to get off the line. Stiff in his routes, more of a plodder. Lacks ability to get separation on routes.
#10. Marcel Jensen, Fresno St.
Positives: Long arms, huge hands, large catch radius. Soft hands. Big upper body and uses it well to shield off defenders. Smooth running routes. Big target who was under used in college.
Negatives: inconsistent as a blocker. Needs to get his lower body stronger. A bit top heavy giving him balance issues both in the blocking game and his route running. Can get knocked down by smaller defenders when running routes.
Just missed:
A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State
Arthur Lynch, Georgia
Jo Don Duncan, Dixie St.
Jacob Peterson, Wisconsin
Rob Blanchflower, Umass
