2010 NFL Draft: Tight Ends
Jermaine Gresham—Okla—6’5”-261—1st—I believe the best TE prospect in a while and that means like since Vernon Davis. If he came out last year likely would have been top 15 pick. The season ending meniscus injury sucks especially because those keep being a bitch for the rest of your career, but he will be a quarterbacks best friend at 6’5” with separation type athleticism. Tremendous after the catch with physicality and in the red zone. Reasonable blocker but Dan Graham was same way when he came out. Played in spread scheme in a 3-point stance as well as in a slot position, I believe he could be a great fit in a pats uni or in a Saints type system, but less so in a running offense like Cinci
Rob Gronkowski—Zona—6’6”-264—2nd round—All the talent you could want from a 6’6” white kid. Season ending back injury in 2009 sucks especially with its nerve damage. The guy has all the tools and can play much the same game Gresham can. Love how he whips his head around to look back to the qb which reminds me of Dallas Clark. Nerve damage scares me, but for a 2nd round pick his potential and versatility (could play in really and system) is very tempting and could be worthwhile for Bungals.
Ed Dickson—Oregon—6’4”-249—2nd day—He’s long, athletic, and has terrific receiving skills. Will need to add size in NFL but that’s not really a problem. Has what it takes to be a real receiving threat in the pro’s especially from a slot position, will need to study up big time to transfer from Oregon’s spread attack though. Athletic enough he was often a screen target. I like him a lot
Aaron Hernandez—Florida—6’2”-245—2nd day—Very athletic player, better blocker than expected but is still very much a receiving te. Won Mackey Award and was 1st team all American in 2009. A little short and will likely have to play a Chris Cooley or Bo Scaife type role which will prob put him in the 3rd round, but his athleticism and pure receiving skills will make him a difficult downfield matchup for LBs
Dennis Pitta—BYU—6’4”-245—2nd-3rd day—Will be a value pick, guy is coming out with natural receiving instincts combined with 5 years of college fball experience. I like him a lot and think he could be the sleeper of the bunch comin out as a 4th round possibility, nice fit for pats, comparable skills to Owen Daniels
Anthony McCoy—USC—6’4”-259—2nd-3rd day—Tested positive for mary jane at combine which will drive his draft stock down, aside from that I believe him to be the most overrated prospect at TE position this year. He does not have great athleticism or receiving feel. I believe he was an adequate college te in a dominant program who will not be able to transition favorably to the NFL. To make a place for himself I think he will need to put on another 10 pounds and focus on blocking.
Dorin Dickerson—Pitt—6’4”-226—3rd day—got ppl’s attention at combine when he blew away other TEs in the 40, but then ppl realized he weighs as much as Dez Bryant, wont be able to transition that game in NFL and will likely see his Pitt teammate Nate Byham getting more time by being a solid blocking TE
Garrett Graham—Wisconsin—6’3”-243—3rd day—Poor mans Aaron Hernandez, pretty small, will be lined up as H-back if he is lucky to make a team. Could provide depth and receiving skill to a TE group but will not be a real good player at the next level
Jimmy Graham—Miami—6’6”-260—3rd day—Everyone wants the next basketball player turned TE, well this guy has more potential than anyone, at 6’6” he’s big, after 2 years on Miami bball team he’s athletic enough. The problem is he only played 1 year of football and unfortunately wasn’t all that productive, regardless somebody is gonna take him (might reach) and they’ll be interested in what he could become.