Player, Pos, Team Height Weight Draft Grade
11 Chris Gragg TE, Arkansas 6-3 236 5.5 J Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Gragg's ability to get off the LOS quickly enables him to either gain leverage block or a step against coverage. Gragg's strength and physicality enables him to knock the LB / DL off the LOS giving a room for the ball carrier or more time to set for the QB. His strong legs enable him to get low and explode up and drive his legs. He is able to block consistently without penalty. His quickness enables him to get up the field quickly. Gragg is also a very solid route runner, uses his quickness to his advantage and will cause mis-matches with LB's when going down the field. He showed the ability to run tight smooth routes and has the ability to plant hard, freezing the defender and explode off the plant. Shows solid hands, will go and grab the ball out of the air, allowing him to turn and get upfield

WEAKNESSES - While Gragg shows strength and physicality in blocking, he has a very slim makeup which concerns me as to whether he will be able to sustain the strength in the NFL as an every down TE. Gragg has the tendency to lower his head, making him susceptible to getting knocked to the ground or the defender getting by him easily. In run blocking he showed a tendency to hesitate and seemed confused as to his blocking assignments. When he is beat off the edge he struggles to react quickly enough and will need to improve his hip turn and slide his feet better in order to slide back into the pocket and pick up the blown block.

SUMMARY - Gragg shows both the ability to block consistently and the ability to be a reliable receiving threat. He has the speed to get down field causing a mis-match with most LB's. His route running is very smooth and crisp, shows the ability to make hard cuts, freezing the defender and explode off the plant, enabling him to give the QB an easy target over the middle or on down and outs. His hands make him reliable and by taking the ball out of the air, he allows himself to turn upfield more quickly. When he is able to turn upfield, he does not have the strength to gain much yardage after first contact and does have the tendency to be tackled upon first hit. Gragg shows the consistently at the collegiate level to be a solid blocker and blocks with technique without penalty, keeping his hands inside and uses his legs to drive the DL / LB off the LOS. Gragg's tendency to put his head down will cause him to get knocked to the ground, especially against the stronger defensive players. In 2012, Gragg did not see very much action as he was injured in the Rugers game with a bone bruise in the leg and was again injured against Mississippi. With a slim frame, he is going to struggle at the next level being a consistent 3 down blocking tight end as well as consistently being healthy. Gragg will find his way on a team due to his speed and route running ability and the mis-match he can cause against the LB's. Overall, at this point, Gragg will not be an every down TE but I believe he will get an opportunity as a pass catching Tight End, and could be effective in a 2 TE package, especially against 34 defenses.

12 Nick Kasa TE, Colorado 6-6 260 5.4 I Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Kasa does a good job getting out of his stance quickly, although there were times where he was unable to get a good first step. Kasa uses form blocking technique, keeping his hands inside and shows the ability to block aggressively and physically, and will punch when he needs to fend off the pass rush. Kasa's strong legs enable him to both drive a DE/LB forward or hold his own and maintain balance against the bigger athletes. Kasa also shows the ability to go down the seam quickly and can create a miss-match with LB's in coverage and is a quick route runner, although his footwork will need to become more crisp in order to become a more dangerous receiving TE. Kasa shows the ability to run curl routes effectively as his ability to get down will cause LB to freeze.

WEAKNESSES - While Kasa is a guy that can get down the field quickly and create a mis-match in coverage, he will need to improve his footwork that will enable him to run crisper routes as he does not show the ability to break coverage on routes to the sideline or over the middle. I would like to see him plant his foot better to freeze the LB. He will also need to improve his hands as he had a few dropped passes in the games I evaluated and needs to do a better job in securing the ball as the ball was knocked out upon contact. Kasas will also need to become more consistent on his first step to allow him more leverage when asked to block. While he has solid footwork and slides his feet well and shows the ability to recover on a missed block, Kasa showed some poor body control and positioning on blocks, enabling the DE to gain leverage on him and get him off balance.

SUMMARY - Kasa is a very solid athlete and shows his willingness to do what he is asked to for his team. He was moved to TE 8 games into his Junior season from DE so he still has somewhat of a learning curve. As a former DE, he will have the instincts in both blocking and in route running and can use that to his advantage. Kasa is a solid blocker, he shows the strength, the technique and can be very physical when he has to be in order to fend off the pass rush. He has strong legs that enable him to withstand the pressure from the outside and uses the strength to muscle the pass rusher. He uses good technique for the most part, although at times he will bend his waist enabling the pass rusher to gain some leverage on him. As far as receiving goes he can be a solid receiver as he has the quickness and speed to go down the seam and create mis-matches with LB's and also uses his speed as an advantage on curl routes as his speed will cause the LB to freeze due to the deep threat. In order for him to improve and be a more reliable receiver he will need to improve his footwork and show that he can create separation in short to medium routes, and he must become stronger in securing the ball once he makes the catch as he showed a tendency to drop the ball at contact. Overall, Kasa is a very solid blocking tight end but will need to improve on his receiving skills in order to become a more well-rounded Tight End at the next level.

13 Travis Kelce TE, Cincinnati 6-6 260 5.4 I Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - He is a solid route runner, shows quick stutter step and ability to come back to the ball. He has very good hands, will grab the ball from air instead of letting ball into body, which enables him to turn up the field more quickly. His ability to consistently gain yards running after contact makes him an even more valuable offensive weapon. Kelce gets off the line quickly and has solid playing strength to move smaller defenders off the LOS on run blocks. In pass protection he shows quick hands punching defender and turns his hips well to maintain his block. He bends his knees well and stays over feet well most of the time, which helps him to stay on and maintain blocks. .

WEAKNESSES - Kelce needs to become much more physical at the POA. He struggles to consistently maintain run blocks against bigger defensive linemen. Would like to see more explosion off the snap, especially on blocks as he tends to get out of his stance more quickly when running routes. When blocking, he has a tendency to take a poor angle instead of squaring up his block enabling DL to get leverage on him. He struggles to get through the LOS quick enough to get in position to effectively block LB on the second level.

SUMMARY - Kelce is a solid blocker as he shows the strength to move players off the line and re-direct them, but he needs to become a more physical blocker especially off the snap in order to gain better leverage. He turns his hips well and has very good hand use in pass pro. His ability to get to the 2nd level is poor as he does not have the quickness to get there in time to make a block on linebacker. He has strong hands to rip the ball out of the defenders hands and make the contested catch. He has very good ball skills and shows good awareness and reaction to where the ball is thrown. He catches with his hand, tucks the ball away quickly, gets started up the field fast and is a good runner after the catch. Overall, Kelce will need to become much stronger and much more physical at the LOS in order to be a good all-around tight end. However, he has the receiving skills to be productive catching passes early in his career.

14 Ryan Griffin TE, Connecticut 6-6 247 5.3 I Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Griffin's awareness and quickness off the LOS enables him to gain leverage on a DE / LB in pass/run protection, or a clean break off the line to go into his route. He shows that he can be physical at the POA, although he needs to become more consistently physical as he tends to hesitate at times. He uses his hands instead of his body to make the catch which allows him to snatch the ball out of the air. With his height he is able to go up and grab a poorly thrown ball. He is a solid blocker, keeps his knees bent which enables him to explode into a block. Has excellent awareness as to where he is on the field. His ability to slide his feet well in pass coverage allow him to maintain his blocks, although he needs to improve on his hip turn to recover against the quicker DE.

WEAKNESSES - Has a thin frame and fear that he will be over-matched against some of the bigger and quicker NFL DE & LB's. He shows the strength to move guys off the line in college, but he needs to develop more punch to create more separation in pass pro, and will need to develop better technique as a whole, especially against the run and re-directing his assignment away from the play. He has a tendency to put his head down and lean instead of continually bending his knees. His tendency to hesitate in the open field enables the defender to gain a step on him and get to the ball carrier.

SUMMARY - Griffin has the height to go up and get the ball on poorly thrown passes and is a guy that can be utilized in the red zone. Combine his height and his ability to catch the ball and his quickness off the line; he can be an asset.in play action on short yardage situations. He needs to become stronger if he is going to be able to see the field on more than just passing situations. Although he can move guys off the line, he does not seem able to re-direct them successfully on a consistent basis. He is a very athletic TE and he has very good field awareness and knowing where he is, especially on sideline throws. He is a good blocker, shows solid technique at times, but needs to become more consistent in bending his knees and exploding into the block. Through each game I evaluated, Griffin had more of an effect on the game. Overall, Griffin is not a starting TE at this point but could be a very good backup in the NFL.

15 D.C. Jefferson TE, Rutgers 6-6 250 5.2 I Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Jefferson has the ideal body for the TE position with excellent height and a thick build. He is a fluid athlete capable of making smooth cuts and getting in and out of his breaks quickly. He is capable of using his body to shield defenders from the ball and elevate to pluck balls out of the air from their highest point. He is an aggressive blocker capable of locking out, playing with solid base and leverage and using his foot quickness to seal his man out of the play.

WEAKNESSES - While a smooth runner, Jefferson is a one-speed athlete that is not able to accelerate of the LOS and out of his breaks. He does not use his hands well to protect his frame and struggles to create separation. He also doesn't consistently finish his routes out of his breaks, throwing off the his timing with the QB and making it easy for defenders to stay on his hip.

SUMMARY - Jefferson looks the part of an NFL TE and is a competent, competitive blocker that uses his length, strength and foot quickness to establish positioning at the POA and turn his man out of the play. While his blocking skills will translate quickly to the NFL, he is still a raw route runner that does not use his hands aggressively on his breaks and struggles to create separation. He is not a quick twitch athlete and has to rely on his bulk and ball skills to win balls in the air, as he is not a threat to consistently stretch the seams. Jefferson is a former QB and thus is still learning the position, and considering his competitiveness as a blocker he has some clear, developmental upside. While he doesn't appear to have the natural COD ability and speed to develop into a starter, he should be a solid backup and special teams player.

16 Philip Lutzenkirchen TE, Auburn 6-5 255 5.0 I Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Lutzenkirchen is a surprisingly smooth route runner that is capable of making tight cuts and changing directions fluidly. He looks comfortable catching the ball away from his body and shows the ability to adjust his body and snag off target passes. He is a competent blocker in pass protection, as he is quick to identify blitzers on the edge and show the ability to slide and adjust on the edge with proper base and leverage.

WEAKNESSES - Lutzenkirchen looks smaller than listed, and could stand to add another 10-15 lbs. of bulk to his frame. He lacks the burst out of his stance and his cuts to create separation naturally, and is not a threat to stretch LBs in the seams. While a competent positional blocker, he is not physical at the POA, and as a result struggles to get consistent movement. He missed the final six games and Senior Bowl weeks with a torn labrum and bone spurs in his hip.

SUMMARY - Phil Lutzenkirchen lacks the quick-twitch athleticism to be a mismatch in the passing game, but his experience from a variety of alignments and ability as a pass blocker lends itself well to the NFL level. Although he will struggle to gain consistent separation from LBs and safeties at the next level, his ability to run efficient routes and pluck the ball with soft hands makes him a reliable secondary target. In pass protection he plays with good base and can shuffle and redirect against quicker, smaller blitzers. He must become more physical both as an in-line blocker and out of his breaks against man coverage, but he should be able to add needed bulk to his frame. Lutzenkirchen's most natural NFL position will be at H-Back, and he warrants a selection in the middle of day three.

17 Jake Stoneburner TE, Ohio State 6-5 245 5.0 I Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Experienced lining up in a variety of alignments, Stoneburner brings versatility to the tight end / h-back position that NFL teams love. From both an in-line alignment and when he goes in motion, Jake does a good job of seal blocking defender inside to help running back get the corner. Able to get through the LOS to the second level quickly, Jake can be a good blocker out in space when he stays over feet and under control. When he keeps his knees bent and stays over feet he does a good job of pass blocking; primarily from a wing-back alignment. While not a blazer, he has good straight line speed for a tight end. He has soft hands and does an excellent job of getting the ball tucked away fast so that he can hold onto the ball when he gets hit right after the catch. He is a strong and competitive runner after the catch who can run through arm/grab tackles.

WEAKNESSES - Lacking explosiveness off the ball, Stoneburner does not have the speed to get down the seam to stretch the defense. He is not a quick athlete and lacks burst out of cuts to get separation against NFL linebackers. While he is definitely versatile, he lacks the bulk/size to be a consistently effective in-line run blocker and is not the elite athlete that teams want to split out as a slot tight end. More than anything, Stoneburner seems to be more of a jack of all, master of none type player. While he is a competitive run blocker, he is not an aggressive fire-off the ball blocker and relies more on positioning, strength and competes to be productive.

SUMMARY - A versatile and productive tight end at Ohio State, Stoneburner will likely need to carve out a role as a backup tight end, H-back and fullback. With good height, deceptive speed and soft hands, Stoneburner has the short area receiving skills to contribute catching passes in the NFL. While he is a good positional run blocker, he will need to be more aggressive on run blocks to be effective as an in-line blocker in the NFL. After being arrested prior to his senior season, Stoneburner will need to handle the interview process well to ease any concerns that teams may have. Overall, I do not expect Stoneburner to be an early draft pick, but in the later rounds he should be picked. He would be most effective going to a team with an elite receiving tight end and a creative offensive coordinator, where he would not be asked to make big plays as a receiver and could use his versatility to line up in a different spots to contribute as a backup tight end / H-back.

18 Michael Williams TE, Alabama 6-6 269 4.9 F Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Mike is a solid blocker that can really seal the edge. He uses his hands well to keep counter act pass rush moves and then is slippery enough to get out in his routes. He is fairly fluid and shows enough speed to threaten the middle of the field. He is an efficient route runner and gets in and out of his breaks easily. Runs like a bull dozer after the catch.

WEAKNESSES - As a receiver he is limited as an athlete and can be neutralized by athletic linebackers. He doesn't show great explosiveness as a receiver especially when split out wide. At best he shows average hands and is inconsistent as a receiver. He needs to improve his ability to use his body to shield off defenders especial in the red zone as a receiver.

SUMMARY - Michael Williams is one of the most experienced players on this Alabama Offense. He has had over 40 career starts and shown to be a very efficient overall TE. He has had big games as a receiver but is much more of the old school TE that is more of a blocker then a receiver. His inability to be a threat in the passing game will keep him from getting drafted early but his skills as a blocker will allow him to make a solid backup in the NFL. Overall Williams would be a great pick up in the 6th round and should be able to be a good special teams player right off the bat because of his physical nature and solid straightline speed. If he can improve his receiving skills he would be a solid starter but is best suited to be the primary back up to come in on short yardage and goal line plays

19 Ryan Otten TE, San Jose State 6-6 245 4.6 J Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Otten looks fluid moving in space and has the ability to change directions effectively. He displays excellent body control adjusting to off target throws, and shows the ability to pluck balls away from his frame with his hands. When blocking he does an excellent job of utilizing proper base and leverage, and is able to lock on and sustain blocks because of his ability to keep his feet moving.

WEAKNESSES - Otten will need to add at least 15-20 lbs. to his frame in order to be an in-line TE at the next level. Despite being a fluid athlete, he does not run precise routes and rounds off too many breaks. This, combined with his lack of explosion out of his breaks, allows defenders to meet him at the break point and often cut off his route. He is sluggish off the LOS and does not demonstrate the speed needed to consistently stretch the seams. While he was consistent catching the ball in the games I evaluated, too often he let the ball get into his body, allowing his man extra time to recover and leaving him susceptible to breakups and drops.

SUMMARY - While Ryan Otten clearly has some next level skills for the TE position, he is not a polished product and will not be ready to contribute to an NFL team immediately. While he is a fluid athlete that can effectively change directions in space, he does not run precise routes and tends to gear down coming out of his breaks, allowing his man ample time to close and cut him off at the POA. His habit of body catching, even on balls outside his frame, could lead to drops at the next level considering the increased physicality of the NFL. He was a very effective in-line blocker at San Jose State as he showed the competitiveness, base and foot quicks to sustain blocks, but at just 230 lbs. he is undersized and will struggle to hold the POA against bigger, stronger NFL defenders. Otten warrants a selection on day three because of his blocking potential and smooth athleticism, but his lack of top end speed will prevent him from ever developing into a full time NFL starter.

20 MarQueis Gray TE, Minnesota 6-4 250 3.9 H Full Scouting Report

Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS - Quick and explosive, Gray is a dynamic athlete who makes big plays when he has the ball in his hands. Naturally instinctive and possessing great vision/awareness running with the ball, he cuts quickly to follow blocks and has the wiggle to make tacklers miss. Thickly built with good balance and agility, he can keep his feet vs hard hits. Although he rarely shows it in routes because they need so much work, he does have the natural burst/quickness to get separation out of his cuts when his routes are sharp. Possessing big hands, good body control and coordination, Gray flashes the ability to make tough catches. A smart young man, Gray has the character, work ethic, smarts and intangibles that NFL teams love. Although he is very raw as a quarterback, he does have a strong arm and with his athleticism and intangibles some team may work with him for a season to see if he can develop his physical talent and become a quality passer at the NFL level.

WEAKNESSES - Gray is a really raw prospect who is a long way from being a major contributing player. As a quarterback he had bad mechanics, inconsistent accuracy and does not seem to have a great feel as a pocket passer, which is why I do not believe he can ever develop into a starter. While he is no doubt athletic enough to start at tight end in the NFL, he is a long way from becoming a contributing one. At the Texas Versus the Nation Game he looked like a long term project who will need at least a season or two on the practice squad to be able to make an NFL roster. He was upright running his routes and struggled getting in and out of his cuts quickly, which limits his ability to get separation. However, most alarming were his hands. For a player who looks natural catching the ball warming up, he struggled greatly catching the ball every day of practice. Way too often he allowed the ball to dictate to him how he should try and catch the ball, which led to him fighting the ball and dropping more passes than he caught.

SUMMARY - A highly productive, multi-faceted offensive weapon at Minnesota, Gray does not have the passing skills to ever become a quality starting quarterback in the NFL. However, I was very disappointed with how much he struggled playing tight end at the Texas versus the Nation Game as I thought he was going to shine that week and earn a spot as a mid-round draft pick. Overall, Gray is unlikley to be drafted because he is such a long term project. I think he will likely be tried as a quarterback as a rookie because of his arm strength, character and intangibles, but after a season his team will try to convert him to tight end as his lack of passing skills will become apparent. With time, patience and development, Gray has the physical talent to contribute as a pass catching tight end in the NFL, but I doubt he will ever become a starter.

Next 11 - 20 of 22 Prev PLAYERS