6’4” – 260 lbs.
Sustained a season-ending injury during the opener of his freshman year and ended up redshirting. Started six of thirteen games played the following year, going 22-274-2. Started nine of twelve games the following year (22-273-3), then broke out as a full-time starter in 2018, posting 50-774-7 (15.5). Followed that up with a line of 20-233-2 as a senior. A little bit shorter than you’d like, but otherwise has excellent size for a pro tight end; stock could take a hit if he comes in any shorter than his listed size at the Combine. Frame is more consistent with an inline option, but took perhaps even more snaps as an H-Back, as well as some split out as a receiver (both tight to the formation and wide, in that order of frequency). Does a good job of disguising delayed releases when working as a Y. Pretty good athlete for his size, with solid acceleration and just enough speed to challenge down the seams against both man and zone coverage, often from a tightly-aligned receiver look; mixes in a swim move to slip past linebackers sitting in short zones. Looks good plucking the ball away from his frame, with soft hands and impressive body control to adjust to high throws or passes behind his frame. Able to go up and get throws over the heads of opposing linebackers. Has enough size and toughness to lower his shoulder, pinball off of opposing defensive backs and fight for additional yardage after initial contact to finish his runs. Rangy blocker with pretty good form. Able to come from motion or out of the backfield and line up opponents, get out in space and stalk, or mix things up from an inline position. Plays with solid balance and arm extension; grip strength is just adequate. Wasn’t retained too often in pass protection during the games reviewed but is able to get in his seat and place his hands pretty well when helping on the edge. Can occasionally lapse into letting up slightly before the whistle; would like to see more dedication and physicality. A big, thickly-built tight end with smooth movement skills and soft hands, he really put himself on pro radars with a strong junior year, but was unable to match that type of production as a senior after previous quarterback Kyle Shurmur graduated. Still looks like he might come off the board on the second day as a pretty pro-ready option for teams looking to improve their passing game.
DRAFTEXAMINER 