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.