Charlie Taumoepeau - TE/FB 6'2"/245 - 4.62/40
the guy has played every skill spot on the field
Charlie Taumoepeau, Portland State, FB, 2020 Draft Scout, DraftScout.com/NFL Draft Scout
The Draft Network
Pros: Bring versatility and athleticism to the TE position. Has shown the football IQ and versatility to align inline, flexed out, and in the backfield as an “H’. In the run game he's a willing blocker. Doesn’t generate vertical movement but is competitive and strong enough to hold the point. In the passing game is where his true value is. He's an ideal fit in todays NFL due to his versatility and prowess in the passing game. He has good releases off the line of scrimmage and demonstrates good savvy as a route runner. Does a good job uncovering and creating separation against man coverage underneath. Demonstrates good hands and courage to catch seams over the middle. Has very good long speed and shows the competitiveness to make tough catches. He will be a matchup problem for linebackers and some safeties and should primarily be used as an “F” or an “H” back role in the NFL. Skill set reminds me of Even Engram but not quite the dynamic athlete Engram is.
Cons: Doesn't have ideal size, however there is definitely a place for his skill set in todays NFL. He's not ideally suited as a 3 down TE. He should mainly be used in passing situations and flexed out as an “F”or “H”. It could benefit him to improve his overall strength for the NFL. May be a package player, at this stage but could develop a more consistent role with improved strength and technique in the run game.
PROS: Outside of quarterback and offensive line, Taumoepeau has played every position on the Vikings offense. Your eyes are constantly wandering pre-snap to find out where he’s aligned because he was utilized in so many different ways. That type of versatility will benefit him on the next level because of the feel that he’s been able to gain from playing all of those spots within games.
Hands are highly consistent and he also has the ability to reach into areas outside of his comfort zone in order to haul in passes. Snags the ball out of the air and quickly puts it away in order to get up the field, but is a proven hands catcher that can be relied upon in many ways in the passing game. Average speed and the short-to-intermediate areas of the field are his domain. Can make himself a large target in between the hashes by winning in tight areas and posting up in the middle of the field.
A majority of his damage came in the underneath areas, but also down the seams. A huge credit to why Taumoepeau led all tight ends in the country in yards per catch during the 2018 season (20.7 ypc) was how comfortable he was with working the seams. Utilized on deep over routes on the opposite hash, straight vertical seams, and shallow crossers were the most common patterns during his career.
CONS: Used often on split zone, counters, on the perimeter, and in-line. Has the ability and shows the attitude of wanting to block, but lacks clear understanding of how to and which techniques to use. His blocks are a huge guessing game and filled with whatever it takes types of blocks instead of showing a semblance of low pad level and technique in order to sustain blocks.
Body movements and running motion can be a bit tight. More of a build up and distance runner that takes a few yards in order to show signs of another gear. Fails to use his arms when opening up and running, which is a main reason why there’s such a delay to hit another gear in his routes. Has the speed to win in underneath areas, but any routes that travel past 10-12 yards are a challenge to create clear separation.
