2014 NFL Draft: Tight End

Not the deepest TE pool, but this year’s crop should have several impact players at the next level. Everybody and their mother has Ebron at the top of this year’s class but the way I see it the best he could be is a less athletic Vernon Davis and the best Austin Seferian-Jenkins (needs a short nickname) could be is a less athletic Jimmy Graham. Which sounds better?

Austin Seferian-Jenkins*-TE-Washington-6’5”-262-Day 2-93

Big dude with basketball in his past. Big numbers his first two years (550 and 850 yards) which dipped as a Junior due to QB/offense change but he still won the Mackey Award. Got a DUI a year ago, no combine numbers cause he had a stress fracture that needed surgery. Definitely needs work as a blocker, but at 260+ with 33.75” arms he’s got the physical tools. Looks like Jimmy Graham with 2nd rate explosiveness but has very soft hands (9.75”). If he gets put in the right situation he should be the best TE in this draft. He makes quicker cuts than Ebron and uses his body well to shield defenders. Some people probably have character concerns, but don’t be surprised if someone takes him as the top TE because he is the most pro ready #1 TE prospect. If Tyler Eifert went in the first round so should this kid.

Eric Ebron*-TE-North Carolina-6’4”-250-Top 20--91

A willing blocker, though not the biggest guy. Shows he can runblock inline but it won’t be his strength. Expect to see him moved all over in formations as he was in college. I wish he had another inch or two and fifteen pounds, or he dropped a tenth of a second on his 40 (4.60). That would make him a top level prospect but he still deserves a look in the first round. People are drawing Vernon Davis comparisons but this kid isn’t that elite athlete (32” vert), and people forget Vernon struggled when he got in the league that’s why he sobbed in Singletary’ arms when he finally caught one. That being said he has the size and speed to get to the seam, he runs across the face of college DB’s but I still have concerns for his ability to get open in the NFL because he doesn’t have that one trait that’s gonna get him consistent separation (speed, size, route running). Long arms (33.25”), good sized hands (10”), catches the ball well. Very productive in college including setting the ACC record for TE receiving this year. Think Ben Watson with very natural receiving skills. He’s only 21 so don’t expect him to be a finished product just yet. And apparently he’s a loud mouth.

Troy Niklas-TE-Notre Dame-6’6”-270-Day 2-83

Former OLB, only last 2 years as a TE for the Irish. He’s the top inline TE in this draft. Carries 270 very well. Has trouble blocking, he engages then stops his feet. Long arms (34.12”), big hands (10”), and Bruce Mathews’ savage bloodline (uncle), he should be a good blocker with more practice and coaching. Moves well and catches the ball naturally with his hands. This kid has the tools to be a solid TE like a Marcedes Lewis, but he’s only 21 and been playing TE for less than 2 calendar years so it’s gonna take some time.

Jace Amaro*-TE-Texas Tech-6’5”-265-Day 2-80

Has some character issues, was kicked out of a bowl game for throwing a punch and was arrested for credit card fraud in 2012. But the guy was crazy productive including 106 for 1352 as a Junior, but take that with a grain of salt cause Texas Tech has been putting up insane numbers for a decade and name one person over 185 pounds that’s made it in the NFL. Played mostly in the slot in college. He’s got natural football ability and feel. Not the best athlete but has a knack for finding openings in the defense. Kind of reminds me of Jason Witten that way. Little baby hands (9”) are a concern and 4.74 40 isn’t great but he’s a quickness guy. 4.3 in the 20 yard shuttle (3rd among TE’s) is solid. Dont’t let 265 fool you, this kid’s gonna be split out as a receiver. Look for him to go to a spread offense maybe in Houston, or even with the Packers and make a quick impact. Solid pick at the beginning of the 3rd round.

C.J. Fiedorowicz-TE-Iowa-6’5”-265-Round 3-4-62

Coming from the school of Kirk Ferentz you know this kid can block. He’s got the skill set of a poor man’s Heath Miller. He runs routes like Tyler Eifert, but doesn’t have the athletic catching ability. He could be an average Y TE in a standard west coast offense. I think he is a solid choice in the 5th round. I think I should write a standard paragraph for all Iowa prospects: “Technically sound, lacks elite athleticism, extremely pale”.

*Underclassman