DRAFT 2018 - Tight End & Fullback Scouting Notes

[deljzc]

TIGHT ENDS & FULLBACKS

Mark Andrews*, Oklahoma (6050, 250#, 4.65, 7.10 3-cone)
Immediately looks like an NFL caliber TE on tape and looks natural at the position. All the movements and routes are in his tool box and displays good hands. Attacks seem routes and is a red zone threat. Reminds you a ton of Rob Gronkowski on his film but isn’t quite that type of beast size/athlete. Is not as polished or size mismatch in blocking like a Gronkowski and doesn’t have the strength to manhandle edge defenders in the run game. Oklahoma’s offensive system might make him look better than he is but his tape against TCU was top notch. Round 2
NFL Comparison: Rob Gronkowski

Dalton Schultz*, Stanford (6040, 240#, 4.65, 7.10 3-cone)
Versatile, solid TE prospect that played in NFL-type system at Stanford. Despite some size limitations, did a lot of in-line blocking and is a plus blocker with good technique and effort. Most routes on film are intermediate and zone sits 10-15 yards downfield. Limited film (one game in 2016) to date and have not seen anything down the field or plays that show his speed/athleticism fully. Combine will matter and will greatly impact ranking. Could be very similar to a Zach Ertz (another Stanford TE) if he runs around a 4.65. Round 2-3
NFL Comparison: Zach Ertz

Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin (6050, 250#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Probably the best inline blocker in this class with sound fundamentals and technique. Really squares up well, keeps head up, feet moving and maintains balance during his blocks. Looks like a converted O-lineman at times it looks so good. Is good in the pass game but is not a dynamic game changing type match up athlete. Can run all the typical TE route trees and does them well. Good plant and cut and is sound in his head fakes and route running fundamentals. He’s a really solid all around TE but likely won’t wow you at the combine or be the mismatch teams are looking for as a round 1 pick. Round 2-3
NFL Comparison: Kyle Rudolf

Ian Thomas, Indiana (6060, 265#, 4.75, 7.30 3-cone)
NFL caliber size and is not afraid to throw weight around and shows good effort. Not an intuitive athlete and doesn’t exhibit a lot of “feel” for the sport (limited experience or basketball athlete?). At this point is just doing what he is told (block this guy, run this way, etc.) and might struggle with NFL playbooks, option routes, etc. Has some impressive soft hand catches (see Penn State game) that makes your mouth kind of water on potential. Long strider that is hard to pin down on top-end speed. There is a lot to like and is still a raw piece of clay and growing into final product. Slightly worried he’s not “twitchy” enough of an athlete to gain separation against LB’s but the size/hands are impressive. Round 3-4
NFL Comparison: Austin Sefarian-Jenkins

Adam Breneman, Massachusetts (6050, 250#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Pretty smooth athlete for his level and did not look out of place against bigger schools. Kind of jack-of-all-trades player and did a lot in UMASS system. His tape is very solid. Nice soft hands and shows very good body control to set up routes and block out defenders. Combine will matter to see just how good an athlete he is because tape doesn’t reveal all that much. Reminds me a bit of Travis Kelce and could surprise with how much he succeeds at NFL level. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Travis Kelce

Jordan Akins, Central Florida (6050, 240#, 4.55, 7.10 3-cone)
A tweener WR/TE with athleticism that really jumps off film at his level. Smooth and fluid athlete with the body control a receiver. Threatens all levels of a defense with his pass routes and would be a mismatch vs. LB’s. Tough to call him a TE even though he lined up there sometimes in college. Can block but is below average at best. Size/measurements at combine will matter to determine where he belongs. Will be used primarily as a spread offense mismatch/WR type that could motion into an in-line position occasionally. Tough to just where this type of prospect is valued these days. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Julius Thomas

Durham Smythe, Notre Dame (6050, 250#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Solid, mid-round tight end prospect that’s big and good enough to line up in-line and be a depth contributor early in career. Reminds me a lot of Jake Butt from last year; well coached, solid in the run game, and can run the route trees to keep defenses honest. Like Butt just lacks that elite first step or top-end speed to separate himself or take his game to the next level. Could be a very solid professional or just kind of get lost behind an NFL starter his whole career. Legit NFL size will help cause. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Jake Butt

Ryan Izzo*, Florida St. (6040, 240#, 4.70, 7.00 3-cone)
More quick twitch and southern type athlete than other prospects in this draft and is more of a move TE/HB hybrid. Does not look tall or have a lot of bulk on film and even though he often played in-line was more of a down block/lead blocker. Struggled at times to lock on to bigger DE’s or LB’s with length. Ducks head at times to drive block and will lose balance. Top end speed might be a question mark and does not look to threaten LB’s in the pass game in FSU’s system with that talent. Not a bad prospect but I think the physicality of NFL defenses is going to be a struggle and his slippery/tricky ways of getting open aren’t really going to work. Not going to be a matchup problem at the next level and will have to find the correct coach/system/role to contribute (even with his pedigree). Round 4-5
NFL Comparison: Garrett Celek

Dallas Goedert, South Dakota St. (6060, 270#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Really looks bigger than everyone else at his level. Kind of plays like a man-child at time and can just block out the sun against D-II teams. Runs very well for a big man and SDS lined him up all over the field. Good hands. Combine will matter because this is an intriguing project/investment type pick that needs a ton of work to clean up his techniques. Walk-on in college and is dominating on size/ability only right now but always fun to imagine what-if…. Round 5 (for now)
NFL Comparison: Antonio Gates

Mike Gesicki, Penn State (6060, 250#, 4.65, 7.20 3-cone)
Really nice size for position but I was really disappointed with tape. Just way too often was off balance, pushed out of plays or unathletic in his movements. When he gets free release off the line, I’m expecting big things because he runs very well for a big man but it never ends up happening. It’s like he has ultimate white-man’s disease as a basketball player who’s always flailing his arms around or looking for a foul. He’s a Bill Lambier/Kevin McHale type athlete. Very tough to project out at the next level. Round 5

Ethan Wolf, Tennessee (6050, 240#, 4.70, 7.20 3-cone)
Long-limbed, skinnier tight end that really lacks enough bulk/bubble to be effective blocker at the next level. When lined up against NFL athletes (see vs. Texas A&M 2016 tape) really struggles to anchor or gain leverage. All his sloppy blocking techniques hinge on his lack of strength at the point of attack. Often dives at legs, lowers head, etc. Looks to be a smooth athlete on the run and is a linear, ramp-up speed player. Decent route runner and looks like a smaller Jesse James. Might be too easily pushed off routes by linebackers. Round 6-7

Dimitri Flowers, Texas (6020, 240#, 4.70, 7.20 3-cone)
Not a bad true fullback/lead blocker type guy that can offer something in the pass game with a limited route tree. Can be a change of pace RB and had some nice lead blocks and can blow up smaller secondary guys or lighter LB’s. Good at pass protection with his size/effort. Not sold on football I.Q. right now and Oklahoma’s system is weird. You’d be surprised how many FB’s are still floating around and he has a good shot to be one of them. Round 6-7
NFL Comparison: Jamize Olawale

Christopher Herndon IV, Miami (6020, 235#, 4.70, 7.00 3-cone)
Undersized athlete hybrid/HB/FB type of player that really did a lot of blocking, motion and screen game stuff for Miami. Really hard to judge athleticism on tape and will have to blow up combine in my opinion to move up draft boards. Might be better suited to gaining weight and becoming a true fullback/lead blocker whose experience as an inline tight end and route running would help versatility. I think there’s an athlete there but tape is pretty average. Round 6-7

Khalid Hill, Michigan (6020, 260#, 4.80, 7.30 3-cone)
Round 7. Like Roosevelt Nix

Hayden Hurst, South Carolina (6040, 245#, 4.70, 7.20 3-cone)
Not a lot of get excited about. Is restricted by size to be more of a motion HB/TE and is a limited athlete that will not generate a lot on his own. A cog piece to an offense and will have to make his mark on special teams and in double TE sets and certain systems/designed plays. Very little “pop” at the point of attack. Lots of guys like this exist so I’m not entirely sure he’s draftable except for depth or unless he shows me something at the combine that isn’t on film. Round 7

Cam Serigne, Wake Forest (6040, 250#, 4.85, 7.40 3-cone)
Even worse of an athlete than Hurst and might be a tad bit better blocker but offers very little in pass game. Not sure I see a draftable player. Round 7-FA

 

[deljzc]

Just remember I haven't seen ANY draft lists or read any articles to date. Just watching film.

I'm probably off on a few of these guys but this is my first impression.

Anyone want to tell me how I did without getting specific (still lots of time yet for adjustments)? Am I at least somewhat in the ballpark on most of the guys?

 

[slashsteel]

Fumagalli to me looks like the type of TE the Steelers would target if they are looking. I personally like Andrews but don't think the Steelers will go TE in 1.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Steeler Nation mobile app

 

[Coach]

Yikes,

I watched Mark Andrews closely, and he did not impress me with his speed, and he wasn't a good blocker either. Baker Mayfield helped him a lot with perfect passes and I question those big 12 defenses he sometimes was barely open against. I do not see 4.65 speed for Andrews, more like 4.7 something, possible low 4.8's

By contrast, Mike Gesicki impressed me at the senior bowl. He go excellent hands, quickness, and the type of ability to be either a red zone weapon, big target over the middle to split seams or find the soft sports in the zone or red zone threat. Round 5 you say? Not a chance! This former basketball player, ( who won the NJ slam dunk competition ) will open eyes at the combine jumping and cones drills. While he's not a blocker some team will take him as a receiver. I say he's gone before round four starts. If he runs well, he could be off the board in round two!

I watched a bit of Troy Fumagalli, He's missing a finger, and was up and down in the senior bowl practices. More of a 2nd TE if you ask me.

 

[deljzc]

I might be wrong about Gesicki. I expected more because the size and straight line speed look like they are there but I watched 3 games and just didn't see enough actual football plays and I saw a lot of really bad stuff.

I mean, I have no doubt Bill Laimbeer and Kevin McHale were "athletes" but they were awkward looking athletes and Gesicki has a lot of that to his game. Very sketchy about him but maybe I'm wrong, he tests well, and I get sold another package of goods before the end of April.

I don't take much stock in the Senior Bowl. I've been doing this for a decade and I see no correlation between being a Senior Bowl darling and success at the next level. Seems like a complete crap shoot.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Thomas or Breneman in RD 4 is probably realistic if we go tight end. My focus is ILB & safety hopefully 1 & 2 and they both are good enough to contribute big.

Thanks for the write up delz !!!!!!!!! Much appreciated.




Salute the nation

 

[Coach]

I might be wrong about Gesicki. I expected more because the size and straight line speed look like they are there but I watched 3 games and just didn't see enough actual football plays and I saw a lot of really bad stuff.

I mean, I have no doubt Bill Laimbeer and Kevin McHale were "athletes" but they were awkward looking athletes and Gesicki has a lot of that to his game. Very sketchy about him but maybe I'm wrong, he tests well, and I get sold another package of goods before the end of April.

I don't take much stock in the Senior Bowl. I've been doing this for a decade and I see no correlation between being a Senior Bowl darling and success at the next level. Seems like a complete crap shoot.

Gesicki was a top volleyball and basketball player. At the senior bowl, he left the LB's and S's in the dust on drills showing top level quickness and speed. I was impressed.

I'm a senior bowl week guy, you have the best trying their best vs. the best entering the draft, under pro coaching. Love it. Some Players stand out, others shrink. Unknowns or players who played weak competition have a chance to shine. The Senior bowl has a lot of guys drafted. I think over 40 per year, but don't quote me on that.

The #1 prospects seldom show up, but many others do. Baker Mayfield looked pretty good. I did not like what I saw out of the safeties. Some Interior OL impressed me. One guy that went from obscure to wow was this Long haired player, division II Offensive Tackle that looked like Chumlee form Pawn stars. He plays with technique, big, strong and violent. The players name? Alex Cappa. Impressed me enough for round three. Hubbard is not staying.

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2018/feb/7/hsu-football-star-alex-cappa-invited-2018-nfl-scou/

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Gesicki was a great athlete who was pushed into service sooner than expected at PSU. Why because Jesse James left early and Adam Breneman got hurt.

Breneman was the top Te recruit in the nation and Bill O'Brien got him for PSU but he had a major knee injury. Gesici was pressed to play before he was ready. Then O'Brien left and Franklin took over. Gesicki had a miserable season with tons of dropped balls in his first as a starter. Then it started to click when Godwin emerged as a stud and there was less pressure on Gesicki.

Last year, Gesicki was the main weapon in the passing game early in the season until Hamilton turned it on late.

I think Gesicki may be a Jimmy Graham. He's still raw but that athleticism is there and he's gotten much better in a short time. It took Graham a few seasons to get going in the NFL. He's not much of a blocker either,

Even Engram went in Rd 1 and he's pretty much just a big WR. I think a team will fall in love with Gesicki's upside as an athlete since so many teams now look for that matchup TE.

Breneman will be all about the medical. He actually quit football because of injuries and that's when he left Penn State for UMass. He must have gotten healthy enough to give it another try and it's no surprise he was so successful as that level.

 

[slashsteel]

I might be wrong about Gesicki. I expected more because the size and straight line speed look like they are there but I watched 3 games and just didn't see enough actual football plays and I saw a lot of really bad stuff.

I mean, I have no doubt Bill Laimbeer and Kevin McHale were "athletes" but they were awkward looking athletes and Gesicki has a lot of that to his game. Very sketchy about him but maybe I'm wrong, he tests well, and I get sold another package of goods before the end of April.

I don't take much stock in the Senior Bowl. I've been doing this for a decade and I see no correlation between being a Senior Bowl darling and success at the next level. Seems like a complete crap shoot.

Perhaps not. What I will say is one day I was listening to who I don't remember. A broadcaster was mentioning how many Senior Bowl player was on the Eagles and pats rosters.

If I remember right Graham highlighted one(the Eagles OLBer who helped seal the win), and I think the Steelers at least pay attention to it. Maybe the deciding factor between a 1A and 1B type prospect?

 

[deljzc]

Perhaps not. What I will say is one day I was listening to who I don't remember. A broadcaster was mentioning how many Senior Bowl player was on the Eagles and pats rosters.

If I remember right Graham highlighted one(the Eagles OLBer who helped seal the win), and I think the Steelers at least pay attention to it. Maybe the deciding factor between a 1A and 1B type prospect?

The practices are the Senior Bowl matter, but I don't really care about the game itself and those that look good in the game. And for the small-school kids it can certainly help.

The depth at WR and DB's are often very thin at the Senior Bowl because the underclassmen have already left. And for the big schools, I think what they see in games tells the story more than Senior Bowl practices/games.

I did not know Breneman was a big school athlete before UMASS. That makes sense based on his tape because he looked like that vs. what he was playing against.

 

[deljzc]

You guys keep telling me Gesicki is a great athlete but show me that on tape because when I watch it, I'm confused. Maybe he's inexperienced and doesn't know his elbow from his ******* and is just getting into football.

Really, I'm not trying to argue or disrespect anyone. I honesty want to break down the tape together and talk it through. I will listen.

This is his game against Northwestern:



What kind of block is at 4:28? Watch his "attempt" at a block even on Barkley's amazing run at 5:43. There is no physicality there at all. Yes, he can kind of run around well. Has nice build with long arms. Good hands. But I see no toughness to his game at all. I mean, the NFL is night and day compared to Northwestern. James Harrison types would eat him for lunch.

I will also say this. There is NO WAY if I'm a defensive coordinator I let Gesicki get a free run off the line of scrimmage. There are just way too many plays teams just let him go untouched into the secondary (and that's when he beats you). You have to bump him early in his route.

Other videos (links only... can't embed more than 1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INPyZGtQrlw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJjyh9JAjAk

 

[Coach]

You guys keep telling me Gesicki is a great athlete but show me that on tape because when I watch it, I'm confused. Maybe he's inexperienced and doesn't know his elbow from his ******* and is just getting into football.

Really, I'm not trying to argue or disrespect anyone. I honesty want to break down the tape together and talk it through. I will listen.

This is his game against Northwestern:



What kind of block is at 4:28? Watch his "attempt" at a block even on Barkley's amazing run at 5:43. There is no physicality there at all. Yes, he can kind of run around well. Has nice build with long arms. Good hands. But I see no toughness to his game at all. I mean, the NFL is night and day compared to Northwestern. James Harrison types would eat him for lunch.

I will also say this. There is NO WAY if I'm a defensive coordinator I let Gesicki get a free run off the line of scrimmage. There are just way too many plays teams just let him go untouched into the secondary (and that's when he beats you). You have to bump him early in his route.

Other videos (links only... can't embed more than 1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INPyZGtQrlw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJjyh9JAjAk

I watched about 2 minutes, he did have a nice cut block, taking out his opponents legs at the 1:03

What he needs to improve can be fixed. Simply staying on his blocks, and better effort and technique such as hand placement and keeping his legs moving for blocks on the edge. A good coach should be able to break this down for him. Not too hard to learn. AN NFL strength coach can also help him a bit.

With his build Gesicki is not going to be a good blocking TE, but I think his value as a receiver is very good.

James, when he came into the NFL could not block at all, now he's much better, so you could say Gesicki has a lot of room for improvement.

In addition to being 6'5" tall, Gesicki has good body control to make difficult catches, long arms. huge hands, and can jump very well. Pair him with a QB with good accuracy and touch, and you've got something.

If the Steelers drafted him, he'd really do damage as teams has AB, JU, and Bryant to worry about, leaving Gesicki vs. slower less agile NFL LB's, or vs smaller DB's. With Haley gone you'd figure he could do damage on play action as well.

I really like McDonald a lot as a blocker or pass catcher, but can he stay healthy?

 

[Stryker]

I've never seen Gesicki as a blocker. I've seen him as a red zone threat and a chain mover. His receiving game and size trumps his blocking deficiencies.

I personally loved watching him at PSU, but I don't draft him. I don't draft any TE high this year. McDonald should be our guy. We have $4M invested in him this year. He's our best blocker, and can break any play open. He just needs to stay healthy.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

You guys keep telling me Gesicki is a great athlete but show me that on tape because when I watch it, I'm confused. Maybe he's inexperienced and doesn't know his elbow from his ******* and is just getting into football.

Really, I'm not trying to argue or disrespect anyone. I honesty want to break down the tape together and talk it through. I will listen.

This is his game against Northwestern:

What kind of block is at 4:28? Watch his "attempt" at a block even on Barkley's amazing run at 5:43. There is no physicality there at all. Yes, he can kind of run around well. Has nice build with long arms. Good hands. But I see no toughness to his game at all. I mean, the NFL is night and day compared to Northwestern. James Harrison types would eat him for lunch.

I will also say this. There is NO WAY if I'm a defensive coordinator I let Gesicki get a free run off the line of scrimmage. There are just way too many plays teams just let him go untouched into the secondary (and that's when he beats you). You have to bump him early in his route.

Other videos (links only... can't embed more than 1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INPyZGtQrlw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJjyh9JAjAk

I don't think the projection is for Gesicki to be a traditional Y-TE. He's not a very good blocker. I think a team will like him as a F-TE or even just use him as a slot WR. I can see a team that already has a solid TE but wants to be able to do 2 TE sets and have a matchup advantage really being interested in Gesicki.

You are drafting him to win one on one situations and be a redzone target. Most TEs his size are a bit clumsy. Gesicki moves very well, has great body position awareness, probably from basketball, and ball skills. He's great at high pointing the ball.

He's still raw. Penn State didn't use him as a traditional TE. His blocking is not good but you can see that he is willing. He doesn't shy away from contact, he's just not used to it. I doubt he'd ever be great at it, but i think down the road he can be OK. But i doubt a team will really be counting on his blocking.

Look at the athleticism of the catches. That's what some team will fall in love with.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I've never seen Gesicki as a blocker. I've seen him as a red zone threat and a chain mover. His receiving game and size trumps his blocking deficiencies.

I personally loved watching him at PSU, but I don't draft him. I don't draft any TE high this year. McDonald should be our guy. We have $4M invested in him this year. He's our best blocker, and can break any play open. He just needs to stay healthy.

That's what I'm thinking. The Steelers have been looking for an athletic second TE for years. That's why they signed Ladarius Green and it's why they traded for McDonald. I think lots of teams are looking for that matchup player.

I hate to say it but i can see the Pats taking Gesicki in the 2nd. Paired with Gronk, he could really give that offense a lift because most of their other targets aside from Gronk are small. He would be like Hernandez without the murders.

The only way i see him in the cards for the steelers is if he falls pretty far.

 

[Coach]

I've never seen Gesicki as a blocker. I've seen him as a red zone threat and a chain mover. His receiving game and size trumps his blocking deficiencies.

I personally loved watching him at PSU, but I don't draft him. I don't draft any TE high this year. McDonald should be our guy. We have $4M invested in him this year. He's our best blocker, and can break any play open. He just needs to stay healthy.

Once the needs at ILB, S, and perhaps DT/NT are addressed, I am for Gesicki as a BPA guy. He's got better hands than McDonald, and is far superior to James as a pass catcher.

So I'm okay with him in round three if needs are meet as a BPA guy who can help us in many areas.

 

[Stryker]

Once the needs at ILB, S, and perhaps DT/NT are addressed, I am for Gesicki as a BPA guy. He's got better hands than McDonald, and is far superior to James as a pass catcher.

So I'm okay with him in round three if needs are meet as a BPA guy who can help us in many areas.

I'd take him in the 3rd. I don't think he'll make it out of the second though. McDonald is the far superior blocker to all of them, and he also gets the nod for best all around. Personally I like our talent at TE, and if we are healthier there, we will do fine.

 

[steelerscotty]

Del, thanks for all the hard work. Just a note, South Dakota State University (SDSU) is not division II, they are FCS.

 

[deljzc]

Del, thanks for all the hard work. Just a note, South Dakota State University (SDSU) is not division II, they are FCS.

I'm still old school with my names of colleges. I think SDSU plays in some single elimination tournament at the end. That makes the D-II to me

I'm not falling for none of that NCAA bullshit name changing stuff.

To me there are three levels when scouting players:

You are either in the big-5 conferences (Pac-10, Big-10, SEC, ACC, Big-12), you are in the "remaining" D-I teams and then there is D-II.

You scout them different because they are probably recruited different and that sometimes factors into the evaluation. It's hard for me to put in the time to do a history check on every prospect like the pros do. I mean NFL teams are probably scouting from high school (I would if I had the resources) or at least know who the 3-star, 4-star and 5-star kids are where they are going and when they transfer because of problems (you see some kids that transfer down levels and end of doing really well). And you'd think you have scouting reports from every year they play.

Who knows.

 

[steelerscotty]

I'm still old school with my names of colleges. I think SDSU plays in some single elimination tournament at the end. That makes the D-II to me

I'm not falling for none of that NCAA bullshit name changing stuff.

To me there are three levels when scouting players:

You are either in the big-5 conferences (Pac-10, Big-10, SEC, ACC, Big-12), you are in the "remaining" D-I teams and then there is D-II.

You scout them different because they are probably recruited different and that sometimes factors into the evaluation. It's hard for me to put in the time to do a history check on every prospect like the pros do. I mean NFL teams are probably scouting from high school (I would if I had the resources) or at least know who the 3-star, 4-star and 5-star kids are where they are going and when they transfer because of problems (you see some kids that transfer down levels and end of doing really well). And you'd think you have scouting reports from every year they play.

Who knows.

S Dakota st. U of Sd, North dakota, n dak st. These all used to be d2 teams. Moved up about 10 years ago to the class that used to be called 1AA, I guess Appalacian State is the most widely known 1AA/FCS school due to them knocking off a bunch of 1A/FBS schools, though NDSU had done similar (Carson Weintz).

 

[slashsteel]

TIGHT ENDS & FULLBACKS

Mark Andrews*, Oklahoma (6050, 250#, 4.65, 7.10 3-cone)
Immediately looks like an NFL caliber TE on tape and looks natural at the position. All the movements and routes are in his tool box and displays good hands. Attacks seem routes and is a red zone threat. Reminds you a ton of Rob Gronkowski on his film but isn’t quite that type of beast size/athlete. Is not as polished or size mismatch in blocking like a Gronkowski and doesn’t have the strength to manhandle edge defenders in the run game. Oklahoma’s offensive system might make him look better than he is but his tape against TCU was top notch. Round 2
NFL Comparison: Rob Gronkowski

Dalton Schultz*, Stanford (6040, 240#, 4.65, 7.10 3-cone)
Versatile, solid TE prospect that played in NFL-type system at Stanford. Despite some size limitations, did a lot of in-line blocking and is a plus blocker with good technique and effort. Most routes on film are intermediate and zone sits 10-15 yards downfield. Limited film (one game in 2016) to date and have not seen anything down the field or plays that show his speed/athleticism fully. Combine will matter and will greatly impact ranking. Could be very similar to a Zach Ertz (another Stanford TE) if he runs around a 4.65. Round 2-3
NFL Comparison: Zach Ertz

Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin (6050, 250#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Probably the best inline blocker in this class with sound fundamentals and technique. Really squares up well, keeps head up, feet moving and maintains balance during his blocks. Looks like a converted O-lineman at times it looks so good. Is good in the pass game but is not a dynamic game changing type match up athlete. Can run all the typical TE route trees and does them well. Good plant and cut and is sound in his head fakes and route running fundamentals. He’s a really solid all around TE but likely won’t wow you at the combine or be the mismatch teams are looking for as a round 1 pick. Round 2-3
NFL Comparison: Kyle Rudolf

Ian Thomas, Indiana (6060, 265#, 4.75, 7.30 3-cone)
NFL caliber size and is not afraid to throw weight around and shows good effort. Not an intuitive athlete and doesn’t exhibit a lot of “feel” for the sport (limited experience or basketball athlete?). At this point is just doing what he is told (block this guy, run this way, etc.) and might struggle with NFL playbooks, option routes, etc. Has some impressive soft hand catches (see Penn State game) that makes your mouth kind of water on potential. Long strider that is hard to pin down on top-end speed. There is a lot to like and is still a raw piece of clay and growing into final product. Slightly worried he’s not “twitchy” enough of an athlete to gain separation against LB’s but the size/hands are impressive. Round 3-4
NFL Comparison: Austin Sefarian-Jenkins

Adam Breneman, Massachusetts (6050, 250#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Pretty smooth athlete for his level and did not look out of place against bigger schools. Kind of jack-of-all-trades player and did a lot in UMASS system. His tape is very solid. Nice soft hands and shows very good body control to set up routes and block out defenders. Combine will matter to see just how good an athlete he is because tape doesn’t reveal all that much. Reminds me a bit of Travis Kelce and could surprise with how much he succeeds at NFL level. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Travis Kelce

Jordan Akins, Central Florida (6050, 240#, 4.55, 7.10 3-cone)
A tweener WR/TE with athleticism that really jumps off film at his level. Smooth and fluid athlete with the body control a receiver. Threatens all levels of a defense with his pass routes and would be a mismatch vs. LB’s. Tough to call him a TE even though he lined up there sometimes in college. Can block but is below average at best. Size/measurements at combine will matter to determine where he belongs. Will be used primarily as a spread offense mismatch/WR type that could motion into an in-line position occasionally. Tough to just where this type of prospect is valued these days. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Julius Thomas

Durham Smythe, Notre Dame (6050, 250#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Solid, mid-round tight end prospect that’s big and good enough to line up in-line and be a depth contributor early in career. Reminds me a lot of Jake Butt from last year; well coached, solid in the run game, and can run the route trees to keep defenses honest. Like Butt just lacks that elite first step or top-end speed to separate himself or take his game to the next level. Could be a very solid professional or just kind of get lost behind an NFL starter his whole career. Legit NFL size will help cause. Round 4
NFL Comparison: Jake Butt

Ryan Izzo*, Florida St. (6040, 240#, 4.70, 7.00 3-cone)
More quick twitch and southern type athlete than other prospects in this draft and is more of a move TE/HB hybrid. Does not look tall or have a lot of bulk on film and even though he often played in-line was more of a down block/lead blocker. Struggled at times to lock on to bigger DE’s or LB’s with length. Ducks head at times to drive block and will lose balance. Top end speed might be a question mark and does not look to threaten LB’s in the pass game in FSU’s system with that talent. Not a bad prospect but I think the physicality of NFL defenses is going to be a struggle and his slippery/tricky ways of getting open aren’t really going to work. Not going to be a matchup problem at the next level and will have to find the correct coach/system/role to contribute (even with his pedigree). Round 4-5
NFL Comparison: Garrett Celek

Dallas Goedert, South Dakota St. (6060, 270#, 4.70, 7.10 3-cone)
Really looks bigger than everyone else at his level. Kind of plays like a man-child at time and can just block out the sun against D-II teams. Runs very well for a big man and SDS lined him up all over the field. Good hands. Combine will matter because this is an intriguing project/investment type pick that needs a ton of work to clean up his techniques. Walk-on in college and is dominating on size/ability only right now but always fun to imagine what-if…. Round 5 (for now)
NFL Comparison: Antonio Gates

Mike Gesicki, Penn State (6060, 250#, 4.65, 7.20 3-cone)
Really nice size for position but I was really disappointed with tape. Just way too often was off balance, pushed out of plays or unathletic in his movements. When he gets free release off the line, I’m expecting big things because he runs very well for a big man but it never ends up happening. It’s like he has ultimate white-man’s disease as a basketball player who’s always flailing his arms around or looking for a foul. He’s a Bill Lambier/Kevin McHale type athlete. Very tough to project out at the next level. Round 5

Ethan Wolf, Tennessee (6050, 240#, 4.70, 7.20 3-cone)
Long-limbed, skinnier tight end that really lacks enough bulk/bubble to be effective blocker at the next level. When lined up against NFL athletes (see vs. Texas A&M 2016 tape) really struggles to anchor or gain leverage. All his sloppy blocking techniques hinge on his lack of strength at the point of attack. Often dives at legs, lowers head, etc. Looks to be a smooth athlete on the run and is a linear, ramp-up speed player. Decent route runner and looks like a smaller Jesse James. Might be too easily pushed off routes by linebackers. Round 6-7

Dimitri Flowers, Texas (6020, 240#, 4.70, 7.20 3-cone)
Not a bad true fullback/lead blocker type guy that can offer something in the pass game with a limited route tree. Can be a change of pace RB and had some nice lead blocks and can blow up smaller secondary guys or lighter LB’s. Good at pass protection with his size/effort. Not sold on football I.Q. right now and Oklahoma’s system is weird. You’d be surprised how many FB’s are still floating around and he has a good shot to be one of them. Round 6-7
NFL Comparison: Jamize Olawale

Christopher Herndon IV, Miami (6020, 235#, 4.70, 7.00 3-cone)
Undersized athlete hybrid/HB/FB type of player that really did a lot of blocking, motion and screen game stuff for Miami. Really hard to judge athleticism on tape and will have to blow up combine in my opinion to move up draft boards. Might be better suited to gaining weight and becoming a true fullback/lead blocker whose experience as an inline tight end and route running would help versatility. I think there’s an athlete there but tape is pretty average. Round 6-7

Khalid Hill, Michigan (6020, 260#, 4.80, 7.30 3-cone)
Round 7. Like Roosevelt Nix

Hayden Hurst, South Carolina (6040, 245#, 4.70, 7.20 3-cone)
Not a lot of get excited about. Is restricted by size to be more of a motion HB/TE and is a limited athlete that will not generate a lot on his own. A cog piece to an offense and will have to make his mark on special teams and in double TE sets and certain systems/designed plays. Very little “pop” at the point of attack. Lots of guys like this exist so I’m not entirely sure he’s draftable except for depth or unless he shows me something at the combine that isn’t on film. Round 7

Cam Serigne, Wake Forest (6040, 250#, 4.85, 7.40 3-cone)
Even worse of an athlete than Hurst and might be a tad bit better blocker but offers very little in pass game. Not sure I see a draftable player. Round 7-FA

Del Gesicki Juggernauted out there today. It will push him up in the draft no doubt.

But if the kid looks like Tarzan plays like Jane, I would be reluctant to pull the trigger before 5.

 

[CoolieMan]

not real interested in drafting either of these positions this year.....

 

[slashsteel]

not real interested in drafting either of these positions this year.....

Sure we look at it as bigger needs. Wondering if the Steelers aren't confident in McDonald staying healthy or his drop propensity factoring in. Or both. Because they sure seem to be focusing in on the position. I prefer at least the top two picks to be D. But if the value isn't there we could very well see a TE,RB, or WR come our way.

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