2021 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS - TIGHT END
Click on the names of the prospects below to see their draft profiles:
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 239lbs
PRO’S: If you were making a tight end in a lab, he would look like Kyle Pitts; perfect combination of size, strength, speed and ball skills make him a threat on every single play. Huge arms and extends them at the point of catch, getting vertical and snagging the football. Sticky hands that can haul in passes outside of his frame, even steal would-be interceptions away for receptions. Big- bodied and bullies defenders at the catch point, using his size and strength to box them out, widening the window for the pass. Excellent agility for his size; able to create separation at the top of his routes against the stickiest of man coverages. Shows dedication to his route running rather than relying on his physical superiority. Ultimate three-down tight end; committed blocker in the run game and has even demonstrated some pass protection, and as a receiver can literally line up anywhere on the field.
CON’S: What cons? Okay, so he’s competitive as a run blocker but isn’t a finisher; he won’t bury his opponent, rather neutralise them. Apart from that the only question mark are the four games he missed for a concussion in 2020, which doctors will want to check out. Considering he returned from the injury showing no ill-effects and hasn’t had a history of them, it’s unlikely to be an issue in the NFL.
SIMON CARROLL: “As far as traits go, there hasn’t been a better Tight End I have scouted in twelve years of watching NFL Draft prospects. Kyle Pitts’ blend of high level size, strength and athleticism makes him damn near unplayable and an absolute nightmare for defensive coordinators. Linebackers struggled to cover him, let alone cornerbacks, and NFL defenses will need to scheme specifically against him with the likes of a Tyrann Mathieu just to try and keep him under control. Basically a receiver in a tight end’s body, Pitts should not be mistaken for a man who solely relies on his frame to dominate; he can move and has great hands when high-pointing the football, making him a significant redzone threat. Having the joint most receiving touchdowns in the FBS last year despite only playing in eight games tells you his production matches the talent. Outside of Trevor Lawrence, he’s the best player in this class - teams should ignore positional bias and take this playmaker in the very early stages of day one.”
NFL COMPARISON: DARREN WALLER
PROJECTION: TOP TEN PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 250lbs
PRO’S: Complete tight end with the magic trifecta of athleticism, size and hands. Truly dominant at the catch point; tracks the football exceptionally well, demonstrates good body positioning and the strength to box out opponents and maintain it, and strong arms and hands to fight for the football. Dense with excellent core strength - a nightmare to tackle with the ball in hand. A weapon in the passing game and can line up inline or outside the numbers. Consummate route runner who pays attention to footwork, and shows suddenness to create enough separation. Has been the ultimate redzone weapon for Penn State the last three years, and has excellent production across the board with 16 TD’s and almost 1,200 yards as a Nittany Lion. Showcases excellent on-field smarts, understanding coverage concepts and what’s required based on down and distance. Power in lower half suggests run blocking can become a big facet of his game.
CON’S: Receiver first, blocker second; has the size and shows willing, but where his technique catching the ball is on point the same cannot be said when squaring up to defensive linemen or linebackers. Looks uncomfortable in a three point stance and doesn’t blast off the line or have a huge amount of pop in his hands on first contact when helping in the run game. Whilst quickness is good, long speed is average; Freiermuth wins with nifty moves and strong cuts, and can escape weak tackle attempts but breaking off long ones isn’t really his calling card.
SIMON CARROLL: “Baby Gronk” doesn’t seem to be a nickname that weighs heavily on the shoulders of Pat Freiermuth. He’s had a stellar career at Penn State and has more than earned comparisons to NFL luminaries. Whilst a Gronkowski-esque career might be a bit ambitious, he does bring a lot to the position, particularly in the passing game as a mismatch who will line up around the field and be a big target for his quarterback. There is improvement to be made as a run blocker but he has the physical tools to be able to get better in that regard, and his work ethic suggests he’ll react to coaching well.Not quite as dynamic as some of the elite stars of today’s NFL but not far off, Freiermuth will be a valuable and productive addition to an offense.”
NFL COMPARISON: HUNTER HENRY
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 245lbs
To read Oliver Hodgkinson’s interview with Brevin Jordan, click here:
PRO’S: Stocky, physical tight end that competes on every play. Dense, muscular frame that is difficult for defenders to bring down or knock off course. Ultra-aggressive in run blocking; loves the battle and uses his lower body strength and anchor well to halt threats and maintain lanes. Excellent route runner, and has made a living garnering separation on shallow routes and crossers. Sharp cuts and efficiency in and out of his breaks gives him daylight when in man coverage, and shows good smarts to find the soft spots in zone coverage. Like a running back with the ball in his hands and is able to accelerate away from trouble. Productive and valued weapon in the passing game with an eye for a score - got better every year in Miami, and more than doubled his TD numbers in the shortened 2020 season. Ball carrying ability might even see him assume fullback duties.
CON’S: Some instances on tape of not getting his hands away from his frame when making the catch; Jordan has a healthy physical presence and should have more success when going up for the football. A little shorter than ideal for a tight end, making high pointing the ball an area of concern, although his powerful physique and lower centre of gravity brings its own advantages. Dedication to run blocking isn’t matched by technique - little surprise considering the infrequency Jordan was used inline. Hand accuracy on first strike is erratic and it causes him issues trying to sustain the block.
SIMON CARROLL: “An immediate contributor the minute he set foot on the Hurricane campus, Brevin Jordan has some attributes that make you think he can match that early success in the NFL. Devastating with the ball in his hand, Jordan is like an extra running back on the field and you want to get him the football quickly and in some space to maximise his quick burst and powerful running style. He doesn’t possess a complete game; work needs to be done on blocking and pass catching, particularly if he wants to line up on the outside as well as between the hash marks, because longer NFL corners are going to make his life hell at the catch point.But there’s nothing to suggest that these technique issues can’t be cleaned up. I think a West Coast, 12 personnel offense that gets the ball out quick would be perfect for him, though he has more than enough about him to thrive in any scheme.”
NFL COMPARISON: IAN THOMAS
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 247lbs
PRO’S: Highly athletic tight end with excellent speed and agility for his size. Well polished route-runner who creates nice separation with sharp, sudden breaks and good acceleration out of his cuts. Dangerous with the ball in his hands and has shiftiness to avoid immediate contact and the acceleration to maximise yardage after the catch. Has a good feel for soft spots against zone coverage and can adjust tempo to hit or sit in them and offer a healthy outlet for the quarterback. Generally showcased good hands away from his frame and can reel tough balls in. Once in his possession he shows good ball security and has impressive toughness and durability for a smaller frame. Got a competitive streak and will fight at the catch point for the ball. Versatile skillset will allow him to be moved around, keep defenses on their toes and exploit mismatches.
CON’S: Slightly lightweight with a slender frame from top to toe. Can be stymied at the line of scrimmage when pressed by a slot corner, and despite playing with some intensity can be bodied out at the catch point, particularly down the sidelines. Instances of him being manhandled away from his route lines by linebackers over the middle crop up on tape. Blocking predictably hit and miss; lack of lower body power means it’s a struggle to block inline. Fares better blocking on the move but inconsistencies in timing, angles and hand placement make his life harder than necessary. Lapses of concentration saw maddening drops when unpressured.
SIMON CARROLL: “Criminally misused in the Temple offense, Kenny Yeboah headed to Oxford for his senior year in order to showcase his athletic ability in Lane Kiffin’s aggressive, aerial offense. It was a masterstroke; despite only playing seven games before opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, Yeboah doubled both his yards and touchdowns that he had racked up in four years and 27 games for The Owls. Showing the watching world what he could do in the toughest conference in college football, he is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands - creative modern day NFL offenses who like to move their tight end around will fall in love with him. He offers little in the way of blocking so probably won’t be on the field all three downs, and there’s plenty of aspects of his game to clean up. But I can see a team being unable to resist taking him late on day two.”
NFL COMPARISON: DAVID NJOKU
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight:248lbs
PRO’S: Extremely quick for a tight end. Excellent burst off the snap and quickly into his route. Shows smoothness and suddenness at the right moments to create separation, and has a well toned, dense upper physique to maintain route lines across the middle and bully DB’s or LB’s at the point of catch. Really like his physical makeup despite being a touch smaller than prototypical NFL size; unmoved by heavy presence and has the healthy mass to keep himself in good position, but can also open his legs and move his frame when needed. The best blocking tight end in this class - an absolute devotion to the role. Uses his athleticism to get his feet set and body low and take on impact on the front foot. When executing downblocks will linemen 30lbs bigger for a walk. Extremely versatile chess piece who looks like there is plenty of untapped potential within him.
CON’S: Raw, with limited experience. Tremble sat behind Cole Kmet then Michael Mayer on the depth chart, played just 19 games in South Bend and had 35 catches in two years. Little production on his resume and didn’t score a single touchdown in 2020. Hands are a concern; never seemed to catch the ball cleanly in stride, and there are too many drops on tape. A little more play strength as a blocker would compliment his dedication; his upper body looks solid but the anchor is where his smaller size betrays him.
SIMON CARROLL: “Tommy Tremble is an entertaining eval, but a tough one to project at the next level. He has surprisingly good athleticism, but underdeveloped hands and very little production at Notre Dame. An aggressive technician as a blocker, scouts might be concerned with his size and the lack of sand in his pants. Yet if you can build his lower half up you will have the ideal ‘h-back’, a lead blocker sat just off the line of scrimmage who can seal blocks or get to the second level. More excitingly is the potential to become a weapon in the passing game - Tremble’s biggest weakness is his catching, but with such limited playing time as a receiving threat he’s a project in that regard - his speed and agility is just too good to be ignored. He’s a late day two/early day three pick whose role will grow as he develops, and the ceiling could be quite high.”
NFL COMPARISON: JOSH HILL
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 254lbs
PRO’S: Well-rounded tight end prospect who has experience performing every role the position demands at Boston College. Savvy pass catcher who demonstrates clean route running and good body positioning to open himself up for the reception. Sure catcher of the football and showed proficiency reeling in errant passes outside of his frame. Excellent production with the ball in his hands, boasting a healthy 14.6 yards per reception and almost 1,300 yards during his time at Chestnut Hill. Dedicated to being an option for his quarterback, breaking off routes to find soft spots on broken plays. Prides himself on his blocking prowess; brings an edge to his blocking but also shows good lower half technique to stay in good position, and does more than just chip against a pass rush too - can string out edge rushers beyond the pocket.
CON’S: Doesn’t look 250lbs,+ and ideally adding more functional strength to his game would serve him well heading into the NFL. Not sure he has the stature to achieve it; a rather skinny lower half and lean, almost skinny physique leaves questions as to whether it could hold more muscle mass. Smarts in route running mask modest athleticism; Doesn’t explode off the snap, bends his routes a little rather than executing sharp breaks, and doesn’t garner a lot of separation, particularly vertically where his lack of long speed is more evident.
SIMON CARROLL: “Hunter Long is a polished tight end whose ability to move the chains had him as one of the focal points of the Boston College passing game the last two years. It’s hard to pick holes in his game as he provides a level of competence at everything he is asked to do. Whilst he could stand to get a little stronger he shows some competitive steel as a blocker, that unlike others he’s able to pair with good technique to get consistent results. His athleticism sits just under sufficient and hIs effectiveness might be diminished at the next level when separation is harder to come by. But in a limited snap capacity he should get acclimated to the NFL relatively quickly and be a versatile backup early in his pro career. The ceiling might be limited, but there are traits to his game that suggest he could eventually be a starter - just don’t expect fireworks.”
NFL COMPARISON: CHRIS HERNDON
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 247lbs
PRO’S: Excellent linear speed; a danger on seam routes where he can open up his legs and attack the deep zones. Tracks the ball in the air well and showcases good hands away from his frame. Feisty with the ball in his hands and isn’t satisfied with just making the catch. Shows good change of direction to elude angled tackle attempts when looking for more yardage. Not much film of him working across the middle but his speed gives him enough separation to suggest he could be a reliable safety blanket for his quarterback. One or two moments on the Florida State tape that suggest consistent big play ability. Brings intensity to the run game and is willing to go face up with a lineman and fight to maintain the running lane. Demonstrated his athleticism in a very impressive showing at the Senior Bowl.
CON’S: Raw, in pretty much every department. Used rather one-dimensionally in Tallahassee with a limited route tree and it shows; McKitty’s route running is erratic and ill-disciplined, and he hasn’t learned how to use his body to maintain his route. Separation on confined areas would be improved with better footworks and body control. Instincts need polishing - lack of recognition of where contact is coming from allows him to be knocked off balance or redirected too easily. Blocking technique again needs coaching up - hand usage, positioning and sustaining a block all need work. Had a knee scope prior to his last year at Georgia that may need to be checked out by team medics.
SIMON CARROLL: “Tre McKitty left Florida State for Georgia as a Senior, presumably to show the watching world that he was more than just a one-trick pony. Whilst the preseason knee injury did him no favours in that regard, McKitty still left a lot of unanswered questions about just how good he can be. The athletic traits scream potential - he flashes game changing play ability and it’s infuriating to see that he hasn’t developed his skillset as he could. The route running and blocking can definitely be improved, it’s just a question of why it hasn’t happened after four years at two different premier college football programs. He made a ton of money with a good showing in Mobile, and teams will now be intrigued instead of scared. I think he’s elevated himself into an early day three selection, but he’s going to take some dedicated coaching to maximise his apparent potential.”
NFL COMPARISON: GERALD EVERETT
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’7”. Weight: 245lbs.
PRO’S: One of the more unique stories among 2021 prospects. Davidson has spent more time as a punter than he has at his projected primary position of tight end. Playing in an option offense through high school, he was under-used and under-recruited as a result. Central Missouri recruited him as a special teamer but also saw his athletic potential to develop elsewhere. After some rotational action at tight end in 2018, he exploded as a breakout star in 2019. The Mules playmaker put up 894 yards on just 40 catches, an average of 22.4 yards per catch. Dominating in the red zone and on breakaway runs after the catch, he added 15 receiving touchdowns.
Even factoring in Division 2 opposition, Davidson’s enticing athleticism is obvious regardless. If accurate, his pro day testing reflects the tools shown on film. An unofficial 4.62 dash and 6.95 cone time, alongside a 37.5” vertical were among the standout numbers. Few at his 6’7” length offer his level of mobility, agility and quickness. Davidson shows fast releases, acceleration and good top speed.
While the route running and footwork can improve, he shows quickness in-and-out of breaks, maintaining speed after changing directions. He flashes the ability to separate over the middle. He frequently impresses in maximizing run-after-catch opportunities. He offers a wide catch radius and ability to high point over most coverage.
Despite only one season of full-time action at tight end, his versatile deployment was encouraging. Central Missouri moved Davidson around in a variety of alignments. He was used in-line, at H-back in the backfield, from the slot and occasionally out wide. The lean-framed athlete lacks bulk and power currently but gives his all as an aggressive blocker. Generally, coaches can work with those who are willing to put the effort in at blocking.
CON’S: As good as his 2019 season was, Davidson remains a raw prospect with limited experience, all from a significantly lower competition level. Even more so than many small school prospects, there is the potential to require time to adapt and develop, both physically and technically. There is the option of adding more weight to his lean build. Improving his strength and resulting physicality ought to benefit his game.
Davidson wins often at the D2 level through his athletic advantages, despite some raw technique. Precision with route depth and timing will benefit his execution in the passing game. At times, there are unnecessary stutter-steps and wasted motion at the top of routes that can be cleaned up. In addition to the power deficiencies as a blocker, Davidson will often bend at the waist as blocks progress in an attempt to maintain contact.
REBECCA RENNIE: “There are several highly coveted names at the top of the 2021 tight end class. Outside of those prospects, there is no obvious consensus for the remaining options. Arguably, few offer as much upside as Davidson does with his rare length and athletic profile. Davidson reportedly met with around two dozen NFL teams at the Gridiron Showcase event. It doesn’t hurt that his background as a punter gives added roster value, even if just as an emergency backup option.”
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’6”. Weight: 259lbs
PRO’S: Excellent height-weight-speed prospect who ticks all the traits boxes for the NFL. Big sturdy frame that Bates uses as a weapon to outmuscle opponents at the top of routes. Strong upper body with arms that will dominate the catch point and make sure he comes down with the football. Limited usage as a pass-catching tight end in college, but flashes of speed and agility in his route running contradict his size - he moves really well for a big guy. Has the burst and stride speed to challenge down the seams or outside the numbers. Showed a real dedication to his blocking duties at Boise State; dominated as a downhill blocker, taking linebackers and defensive linemen alike for a walk and widening running lanes. Turned heads showing his abilities as an all-round tight end at the Senior Bowl with some standout practices.
CON’S: Very little production during his four year speed at Boise - less than 600 yards and just 2 touchdowns. Predominantly used as a run blocker where he excelled, but really wasn’t a prominent feature in the passing game. That makes him an unknown commodity at the next level. Too many instances of body catches on tape and needs to develop those arms to catch outside of his frame. Zone concepts still a little alien to him and overran soft spots rather than sitting down. Fails to let go of opponents when losing the block and will likely receive some extra attention from the referees at the next level.
SIMON CARROLL: “Pounding the table for John Bates isn’t going to be easy for NFL scouts - it’s a hard sell to your general manager when the prospect has less production in four years than some tight ends did in a shortened 2020 season. But unless my eyes are mistaken Bates flashes everything you need to be a weapon in the passing game, and comes ready built to help out as a blocker too. Anybody who says he’s slow are just being lazy and not watching him properly - this is a kid who ran track at high school. A blend of size and speed, Bates just wasn’t used enough in the Broncos passing game to show what he can do, so taking him is without doubt a gamble. But after his Senior Bowl showing I think he’s well worth the risk. Likely needing a season or more to develop, there is a healthy chance Bates could be a three down starting tight end at the next level.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 256lbs
PRO’S: Ideal size and frame - really put some hours in the gym in his final year in Ann Arbor and has a well defined, muscular build. Excellent linear speed; operated predominantly as a Y tight end and caused defenses headaches when allowed to run down the seam. Has a good leap and attacks the football in the air, and shows soft hands to bring balls in away from his body. Will accelerate into the open field with the ball in his hands, and doesn’t need much in the way of space to be encouraged. Thrived on play action where he found himself with freedom and offered a good outlet for his quarterback. Played as something of a H-back in his early years at Michigan, a role he should be able to fulfill at the next level.
CON’S: Competitiveness and desire do not match the physical stature he possesses. Eubanks could dominate defenders with his strength in short yardage situations and blocking, but brings little fire to the position. Wasn’t willing to put his body on the line and it felt as if his various quarterbacks didn’t trust him as an option sometimes. Four years at the Big House had a poor return in terms of production, and he struggled to establish himself atop the depth chart. straight line speed isn’t complemented by short-area agility, and his route running seems ill-disciplined with no sharp cuts or breaks. Played with an undiagnosed injury in 2020 that hampered his final season as a Wolverine.
SIMON CARROLL: “NFL teams are going to take one look at Nick Eubanks’ size and deep speed and get excited, but watch the tape and see a guy that doesn’t particularly bring the desire or effort that the position requires. he has everything in his toolbox needed to be a dominant tight end, but never uses it; the physicality over the middle is missing and the blocking is a token gesture. The only time Eubanks seems alive is when he has the ball in his hands and turf in front of him. Could some of this be apportioned to the mystery injury as a senior? Sure. But it’s hardly like he was pulling up trees the three years before that. Maybe it all clicks for him in a different environment with greater demands and heightened expectations, and for that his traits will see him drafted. But his leash won’t be long, and training camp will be a true test of how much he wants an NFL career.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 245lbs
PRO’S: Productive, reliable tight end who has a penchant for splash plays. Positionally versatile, lining up as an inline tight end, outside the numbers and in the slot during his time at BYU. Reels in passes with ease - excellent hands and good tracking of the football. Shows good positional awareness to find soft spots in zone coverage to take advantage of, and helps his quarterback by coming back to the football. Love how he uses his body throughout and at the top of his routes; able to box out man coverage as the ball arrives, and despite just average speed can keep defenders out of phase just with his disciplined line and angles. Able to attack the seams and has some value as a vertical receiver as he will win more often than not at the catch point. Good ball security. Led the team in receiving yardage for three straight seasons, and is no stranger to the end zone.
CON’S: At 25 he’s older than most prospects - Bushman went on a two-year church mission to Chile and started his career a little late. Poor lower body strength and is uncompetitive as a run blocker; he has a lack of bend in his knees and a high pad level, meaning he plays with poor leverage. Playing inline isn’t for Bushman - uncomfortable in a two-point stance and if he’s given blocking duties he’s best flexed out against linebackers, slot corners or safeties rather than defensive linemen. Doesn’t have noticeable separation speed, and savvy defenders are able to work into favourable positions and deny the pass. Missed all of his final season in Provo with a ruptured achilles, removing his ability to show development.
SIMON CARROLL: “I’ve enjoyed watching Matt Bushman the last few years and have quietly been looking forward to his tape. As a fan of football he did not disappoint - he’s a playmaker who was heavily leaned upon in BYU’s offense to make acrobatic catches and help move the chains. If you put your scouting hat on he’s got very obvious weaknesses to his game that will reduce his role in the NFL; calling his run blocking poor is being generous, and will his average speed be exposed more at the next level? There is a feeling that there is a low ceiling with Bushman, and you aren’t going to see much improvement out of a 25 year old tight end coming off an awkward injury. He also won’t offer any special teams benefit, meaning he’s a backup tight end solely out there to catch passes. Whilst he will do that effectively, it’s a hard sell to hold down a roster spot - but a team should give him a shot.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 242lbs
PRO’S: Exciting pass-catching tight end. Eases effortlessly into his routes and is quick-smooth across the turf. Shows a wide knowledge of route trees and defensive coverages, and utilises good timing in his breaks to garner separation against man or take advantage of zone opportunities. Dangerous with the ball in his hand and has some acceleration about him - can pull away from linebackers, safeties and slot corners in the middle of the field. Got some feistiness to him; gives a good account of himself as a blocker despite his small stature, and is willing to work for extra yardage after contact. Extremely versatile - operated predominantly as a slot tight end for SMU, but was also used inline, in the backfield and even split out on occasion.
CON’S: Something of a pass catching ‘tweener’ - undersized as a tight end, and modest athleticism and height to play as a true receiver. Despite the effort levels he struggles as a blocker with a lack of core strength. Tries to compensate for this with a wide base but also brings wide arms and can’t find the pads consistently to lock out opponents. Is a natural pass catcher but can get sloppy, and had way too many drops for someone whose bread and butter is as a short yardage possession receiver. Lack of upper body power makes it difficult for him to use his full extension as a receiver against man coverage, and ideally needs space to operate in. Frame looks to be maxed out at 242lbs after he already bulked up to get to that size.
SIMON CARROLL: “Kylen Granson is a fun watch, but it’s very difficult to find a conventional role he can slot into at the NFL level. Essentially he’s been utilised as a bigger slot receiver who SMU worked hard to scheme him open and give him the ball in space, because his yards after the catch ability is his best weapon. Struggling to compete as an inline blocker in college, Granson is likely going to be unreliable in such a role at the next level - which instantly limits his usefulness to a team and hurts his draft stock. A creative offense will be able to give him a bespoke playbook that as well as a slot role includes some gadget plays, lining up in the backfield and also plenty of special teams duties to make him worthy of a roster spot. He’ll have to fight for an NFL career.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’7”. Weight: 250lbs
PRO’S: Big, solid build that lokos durable to spend a career operating over the middle and in the trenches. Ball playing skills is what he brings to the table - massive arms and soft hands make him a pass catching machine, and his ability to reel in dangerous passes away from his body make him a quarterback’s best friend. Comfortable with the ball in the air, tracks the ball well and shows good body positioning to be where he needs to be when it’s time to bring it in. Shows a dedication to blocking, and his long arms make him quite proficient as a pass protector - smart understanding of angles and quarterback movement give him a natural ability to re-direct opponents and neutralise the threat.
CON’S: Top heavy and high cut - Angeline’s balance is all over the place when looking for contact. Plays over his toes and fails to show patience looking for pads to latch on to. Is tall with little knee bend, making him hunch at the waist to try and keep his pad level down. Lack of stout anchor sees his run blocking inconsistent, and he could do with improving his hand accuracy as a blocker, because it would make him extremely difficult to disengage from. Stiff hipped and doesn’t show great change of direction movement, relying instead on his body and hands to win at the catch point. Strictly limited to operating inside the numbers and doesn’t have the vertical speed to offer much more than driving down seams.
SIMON CARROLL: “After transferring to NC State from USC after his freshman year, Cary Angeline quickly became an important part of the offense, stealing snaps as a sophomore before taking starting duties his final two years in Raleigh. Healthily productive, Angeline has made the middle of the field his home, maximising his attributes to create a game that is very effective. Not many catch the football like he can, and it’s a shame he doesn’t have the athletic ability to match because he’d be close to an all-round prospect. Without it, he’s reduced to inline duties with the upside to take advantage of mismatches out in the slot. Teams will be wary of his lack of lower body power and establishing himself as a run blocker won’t be easy. He’s a low ceiling prospect who will be able to fill out a depth chart and act as a sure-handed chain mover on third down.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 251lbs
PRO’S: Stocky, physical tight end with a wide receiver history at high school. Utilised primarily from the slot and showed the toughness to thrive in short yardage, contested areas. Employs his stout torso well to ‘body out’ his opponent, open up the throwing lane and make the catch. Strong arms catch away from his frame and are able to fight at the catch point. Has a running back feel with the ball in his hands and will lower his shoulder and run over tacklers to get more yards. Brave; will throw himself into harm's way and put body between ball, knowing it will come at a price. Composed and effective blocker in the run game, showing the ability to get downhill and introduce his power at the point of contact. Competent in pass protection too, picking up edge rushers from wide sets as well as blitzers when lined up tight to the formation.
CON’S: Uninspiring athletic profile for a former wide receiver. Sluggish off the line and into his route, and there’s a lack of sharpness to his movements that would help give him separation. Vertical speed is missing; modest acceleration and rarely asked to do anything deep for The Falcons. Plenty physical and willing to fight for extra yardage, but hasn’t shown the ability to pull away from would-be tacklers - a distinct lack of splash plays on tape. Minor inconsistencies in his blocking technique that should be easily cleaned up such as footwork and hand placement.
SIMON CARROLL: “A possession receiver at high school, his lack of height and deep speed saw limited offers from division 1 programs for Quintin Morris. It didn’t take long for the coaches at Bowling Green to convert him to more of a tight end playbook, and really did well to create a role in which he could thrive. He revelled in doing the dirty work across the middle and excelled as the team’s best skill position blocker, frequently being tasked to pick up the opponent’s most dangerous man. He’s not tall and he’s not quick, which will instantly tune out some NFL scouts looking for a true weapon in the passing game. But a run heavy team who can think outside the box may see an opportunity with Morris where others do not, and I predict a late-round selection with an eye towards special teams duties could be on the cards.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’6”. Weight: 250lbs
PRO’S: Big, tough tight end who was a blocking specialist during his time in Columbus. Plays with an insatiable hunger to make sure he has a positive effect on every play. Absolutely throws himself into contact as a down blocker, firing off the line of scrimmage and into the pads of the defender. Excellent technique as a blocker; holds a healthy base with low pad level and strong extension, strikes hard and with accuracy, and maintains the block throughout the play and maybe longer. Plays smart; shows good pre-snap recognition of a defense’s intentions and identifies his particular danger. Competent in pass protection and has seen some snaps performing such duties as a h-back as well as inline. Works his socks off to offer an outlet to his quarterback when under duress. A true team player who will do whatever is needed to help his team win football games.
CON’S: Next to zero production as a pass catcher; Ohio State doesn’t particularly utilise tight ends in their passing game, but 380 yards across 34 games - and just 37 yards as a senior - is a paltry return. Farrell’s movement is a concern; good burst off the snap as a blocker isn’t matched when getting into his routes, and he has little in the way of straight line speed to challenge vertically or attack seams. Lateral movement is a little better and he has some juice getting out to pull blocks or screen blocks, but not the same agility on his routes. Unable to create separation in short areas and rounds his route running rather than bringing sharp cuts. Little in the way yards with the ball in his hand; he’ll fight through contact but accelerating into space or evading contact is not in his repertoire.
SIMON CARROLL: “Every team has a man willing to do the things that go unnoticed, and Luke Farrell performed that role admirably for a successful Ohio State team the last four seasons. His commitment to the cause is matched by pleasing technical ability as a blocker, and it is evident he has worked hard to hone his craft. That will serve him well in the eyes of NFL scouts, who will come across numerous prospects with big effort but little execution. Farrell avoids falling into that trap, but even as a quintessential blocking tight end you would expect much better numbers as a pass catcher. Whether this has more to do with the Buckeyes’ offensive scheme is debatable, but if he could add some semblance of production to his game it would make his chances of sticking on a roster all that more likely. I think he has a TE2 ceiling and he’ll come off the board late on day three.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 240lbs
PRO’S: A technician. He played quarterback at high school but you’d think he had been reeling in passes since he was in nappies - easy catcher of the football with good hand-eye coordination. Has a fairly large wingspan and is adept at plucking balls from outside of his frame, making difficult receptions look simple. Very clean route runner with a good sense of timing and body control to create separation out of his breaks. Love the way he looks to come back to the football; a clear understanding of not only his role, but also of what his opponent is trying to achieve and how best to counteract it. Good effort and trust in his technique helped him compete as a blocker. Has experience of playing inline, as a h-back and in the slot during his time in Durham.
CON’S: Fair height but a severe lack of weight to his frame, and not nearly physically competitive enough. Blocking issues stem from a skinny lower half and an inability to show good anchor at first contact. Better blocking on the move when he can take advantageous angles and attack the hips of opponents, particularly on zone running plays, he still will struggle to match up with bigger, faster defenders. Athletically limited; creates all of his separation with nuance, timing and technique, and won’t worry defenses down the seam. Not particularly dynamic with the ball in his hands either; willing to run through tackles but yards after the catch are hard to come by. Lack of agility highlighted by a low average yards per reception (9.0) and average depth of target (7.6).
SIMON CARROLL: “Noah Gray is a dedicated tight end who has worked hard to perfect the things he can control - he brings a very safe pair of hands and an ability to find space in the middle of the field. Sadly, that’s pretty much the sum total of what he offers an NFL offense; his size and speed just aren’t at the requisite levels to compete at the next level. That means he can’t stretch the field and is unreliable as a run blocker. Whilst I think his smarts and work ethic could see his name called late on day three, I think his ceiling is too limited for him to find a role as a depth piece and a team likely takes advantage of his meticulousness as a practice squad player.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’7”. Weight: 265lbs
PRO’S: This dude is BIG. Somehow was a dual threat quarterback at this size at high school and as a freshman at Central Michigan, and brings some pretty good movement considering the mass he is carrying. Basically an extra lineman with some ball skills; tough and competitive at the point of contact, and utilises excellent length and upper body strength to rock defenders with his first strike. A body mover and drives his feet to manipulate the block away and open the running lane. Uses his body well to box out defenders at the catch point, and competes with hands when it’s a fight for the football. Smart and understands the holes in zone coverages to exploit. Productive as a receiving threat despite the lack of experience; chalked up 900 yards and ten TD’s in his last two years at different schools, and wasn’t at all intimidated by the step up to a power 5 conference.
CON’S: Very much a work in progress as he gets a feel for the position. Surprising movement for his size but still isn’t elusive; sluggish route running, very deliberate in his breaks and creates little to no separation against man coverage. Physicality might see him break tackles with the ball in his hand but a lack of deep speed and acceleration means he won’t be racing away for extra yardage. Adjusting to the football when it’s in the air is something he is yet to learn, and whilst he shows reasonable ball skills he's not a dynamic playmaker and limited to playing inside the numbers. Poor ball security with fumbling issues. Needs to show better upper body technique as a blocker - drops his head when taking on stouter linemen and needs to keep his mask up and pads down.
SIMON CARROLL: “Tony Poljan is something of an enigma. Shaped like an offensive tackle, i’m not sure how anyone that size could claim to be a dual threat quarterback, yet he showed moments of scrambling ability that you wouldn’t believe. The transition to tight end hasn’t been completely clean; Poljan has legs but lacks the agility to create his own space to work in, and he really is best left as close to the tackle as possible. Despite the athletic limitations he has chalked up good numbers, and it was pleasing to see he wasn’t overawed by the step up in competition at Virginia. His blocking remains his best asset and with some more development could be a real plus for an NFL team, who will need to accept any productivity in the passing game as a bonus. Get him on special teams and throw a few gadget plays his way and as a late round pick he might just stick on a roster.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 234lbs
PRO’S: Versatile tight end with good experience in a variety of roles in the prolific Alabama offense. Impressive athleticism; covers ground smoothly and efficiently. Excellently coached and pays attention to the fundamentals in his route running; very clean out of his breaks and uses good head fakes and body movement to create short area separation. Able to test linebackers vertically down the seams and employs disciplined hand eye coordination, tracking the ball well. Fearless across the middle and will bring in suicide passes when required. Ultra-tough; played five games on a broken ankle in 2018.
CON’S: Very slender for a tight end, and core strength is underwhelming as a result. Blocking will be an obvious concern at the next level; technique has improved during his time in Tuscaloosa and effort isn’t in question, but he simply doesn’t possess the anchor to help against bull rushes or the pop at contact as a down blocker. Tested physically by aggressive man defenders in maintaining his route lines, and can be delayed and derailed off the line of scrimmage against press. Injury prone; As well as the broken ankle. Forristall endured another ankle injury in 2020, suffered a broken foot in 2019 and had an ACL issue in 2018. Lack of production; just 500 yards and 5 touchdowns in his five years at Alabama
SIMON CARROLL: “A true competitor and a coaches dream, Miller Forristall’s desire to win made him choose Alabama when perhaps he could have had an easier time elsewhere; he only moved to tight end as a junior in high school after Trevor Lawrence took his quarterback job, and had a lot to learn to gain Nick Saban’s trust. Despite the uphill start, his dedication meant he saw gametime as a freshman and he has more than earned his place in this offense. Athletically gifted and a good understanding of route concepts and defensive schemes, Forristall has polished his game nicely, but his lanky, lean frame means he comes with significant limitations that will be hard to overcome at the next level. He may be better served being utilised in a more hybrid tight end/slot receiver role and certainly will have a limited playbook, but he likely makes a living as a practice squad player.”
PROJECTION: UDFA
Height: 6’7”. Weight: 283lbs
PRO’S: Monster frame with excellent weight distribution that gives him excellent functional play strength. Dominant blocker at Iowa State; Loves jolting out of a two point stance and attacking downfield. Has heavy hands that, when landed accurately, move bodies out of the way. Good length allows him to maintain the block and frogmarch defenders bigger than himself. Proficient in both gap and zone blocking schemes and is smart with the angles he takes into blocks when on the move. Tough to bring down with the ball in his hands and shows good leg drive to maximise yardage when being tackled. Holds his ground when the ball is being delivered and extends back to the quarterback, minimising the ability for the defender to disrupt the pass.
CON’S: Athletically limited. Laboured movement and unable to create separation versus man coverage. Little shiftiness to his game; he’s a straight line juggernaut without any route running nuance to find some space for himself in close quarters. Stiff hips make sharp cuts or changes in direction slow and doesn’t threaten a defense with any suggestion of big play ability. Size and frame suggests a viable redzone threat but had very little production for the Cyclones - just one touchdown and 300 yards in 25 games at Ames.
SIMON CARROLL: “Cutting an imposing figure with the frame that suggests he can get even bigger, Soehner essentially shapes up to be a pure blocking tight end at the next level. He executes well and shows good consistent technique that is complimented by a healthy amount of power to be an inline tight end. Outside of helping out in the run game he offers very little; I was disappointed to see him be ineffective in the redzone as I thought that would be where his extra value lied. A run-heavy team who use a lot of jumbo sets could be interested in his services once the draft is over, and I imagine he could have a prominent role on special teams, but there is a definite limit to what he brings to an NFL team.
PROJECTION: UDFA
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 250lbs
PRO’S: Pass catching tight end whose experience as a high school basketball standout shows on tape. Excellent hands and vertical leap, and able to high point the football in traffic. Understands the mechanics of catching the football, with excellent positioning, body angles with regard to his opponent,and utilising full extension to catch away from the body. Big time redzone threat who can go up above DB’s in busy areas and come down with the ball. Plays with an edge and likes to own the space around him; happy to go up against man coverage and fight for positioning on a route. Attacks zone with the ball in his hand and covers as much turf as possible before contact.
CON’S: Raw. Played just one year of football at high school before a couple of seasons in the JuCo system, then spent the last two years at TCU. As a result, there is a lot to do before he is pro ready; Route running has little to no nuance or misdirection, and he gears down going in and out of his breaks. Sluggish off the snap and has only average athleticism in general - garners only modest separation on shorter routes. Blocking is a mess; just hasn’t developed the fundamentals correctly. Footwork is sloppy and he doesn’t sit with a wide enough base, whilst his hands routinely miss the breastplate and he is easily brushed away or unable to sustain the contact. Low production numbers as you would expect from his time in Fort Worth.
SIMON CARROLL: “The experts when it comes to harvesting talent from the Junior Colleges, TCU thought they had found a diamond in the rough in Pro Wells. And they very well might have, but they certainly haven’t polished it up at all. Wells has pretty much been a work in progress throughout his football career, and he’s still a big projection in terms of his transition to the NFL. What makes him appealing are his ball skills and flashes of sporting intuition, but right now that’s held back by a general lack of technique. You can argue that two years at the top tier of college football isn’t long enough to be coached up, but it will be a steep learning curve at the next level, and he might find patience at a premium. His ceiling is a move tight end - whether he gets there is anyone’s guess.”
PROJECTION: UDFA
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 246lbs
PRO’S: Excellent ball skills. Started his football life as an ‘athlete’ but predominantly had a wide receiver role at high school, and has proficiency catching the football. Tracks it well in the air, shows good timing when throwing his arms out, can high point the football and catch outside of his frame - despite limited gametape at Iowa he has more than enough highlight reel receptions. Used as a blocker at Iowa to complement their ground and pound philosophy, and answered the call well; extremely tough at the point of contact and can generate good pop out of a two-point stance. Big powerful body and throws everything into winning the duel, staying low and driving feet to create lateral movement.
CON’S: Limited athlete. Fine running down the seams but little in the way of separation on crossers and underneath routes. Physical with the ball after the catch but there isn’t much in the way of yardage once he’s hauled it in. Seems a little heavy legged, particularly for a former wide receiver. Poor production numbers as a Hawkeye and struggled to establish himself atop the depth chart - finally became TE1 as a senior and had just one score and 275 yards across 15 games in his collegiate career. Pass protection a work in progress, with footwork and fluidity whilst pushing wide rushers round the pocket his biggest weakness.
SIMON CARROLL: “A similar prospect to John Bates, Shaun Beyer has had a sheltered tight end existence at the college level. Predominantly used as a run blocker, it is difficult to say with any degree of certainty how good he is or can be as a weapon in the passing game. We know for a fact he can catch - often spectacularly - but unlike Bates he doesn’t show the full requisite athletic profile and that is likely to deter scouts from taking a gamble on him. I think he needs to be an inline tight end only and continue to be an asset when running the football whilst trying to prove he can offer a wider portfolio, and he’ll have to show complete dedication to a special teams role in order to stick on a roster. Training camp is going to be one hell of an uphill battle for him.”
PROJECTION: UDFA
SIMON CARROLL
HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN SCOUTING DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. HE FULLY MIGRATED TO THE TOUCHDOWN AS HEAD OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND NFL DRAFT CONTENT IN JULY 2019. ALL THE RANKINGS ABOVE ARE HIS OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF ALL THE WRITERS AT THE TOUCHDOWN. FOR DISCUSSION OF ANY OF THE DRAFT PROSPECTS ABOVE, HIT HIM UP ON TWITTER @NFLDRAFTSI.