Height: 6-2.5
Weight: 256
40: 4.74
Year: 5Sr
Kazeem Alli
School: Cincinnati
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time player the past two seasons who posted 12/156/2 as a senior after 12/124/3 the prior year.
Positive: Athletic tight end with nice size and ability. Tall target who plays faster than his forty time and gets down the field as a receiver. Extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame, catches everything thrown in his direction and uses his size as an advantage.
Negative: Never used in anything other than a backup role in college. Unrefined in almost every aspect of the game.
Analysis: Alli possesses the size and speed to play at the next level. He's shown ability as a pass catcher and blocker the past two years and is worth stashing on a practice squad for long-term development.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 250
40: 4.82
Year: 4Sr
Jake Ballard
School: Ohio State
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past three seasons who finished with 14/150 as a senior after 5/73 the prior year.
Positive: Hard-working college tight end with solid size and blocking skills. Plays with good lean, bends his knees, and works hard until the whistle blows. Nicely adjusts to the errant throw and extends to make the reception away from his frame. Good initial jolt at the point of attack as a blocker.
Negative: Lacks speed and rumbles around the field. Marginally productive as a pass catcher.
Analysis: Ballard is a marginal athlete yet a solid football player who can find a home on an NFL team as a third tight end.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 248
40: 4.85
Year: 5Sr
Daniel Beaudin
School: Montana
Position: TE
Bio: Senior totals included 31/342/3, all career numbers. Junior totals included 14/131/1. He shared starting duties as a freshman and sophomore.
Positive: Nice-sized tight end with solid pass-catching skills. Bends his knees, plays with leverage, and is fluid moving about the field. Extends his hands, offering the quarterback a nice target, shows a lot of natural pass-catching skills and snatches the ball out of the air. Plays faster than his 40 time and effectively makes the reception in stride. Resilient and shows strength running after the reception.
Negative: He has minimal strength and gets marginal results as a blocker. Does lose focus and concentration on occasion.
Analysis: Beaudin flashes athleticism yet was hampered by injuries late in his college career. He must improve his overall blocking but has enough skill to make it as a third tight end.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 288
40: 4.89
Year: 5Sr
Greg Boone
School: Virginia Tech
Position: TE
Bio: Full-time starter the past two seasons after seeing significant action with the first team as a sophomore. Pass catching totals last season included 7/75/0 after career numbers of 22/278/2 as a junior.
Positive: Massive tight end who gets the job done as a blocker. Plays with good knee bend, pad level, and strong at the point. Solid position blocker who stays square and seals defenders from the action. Quickly gets his hands into defenders, anchors in pass protection, and displays good blocking vision. Gives solid effort as a blocker and always looking for someone to hit.
Negative: Not quick off the snap and lacks speed in his game. Rarely involved in the passing offense.
Analysis: Boone has offensive lineman-type size, yet he has done well in his role at tight end at Virginia Tech. Offers potential as a third tight end put onto the field during short- yardage situations primarily as a blocker.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 268
40: 4.94
Year: 4Sr
Nate Byham
School: Pittsburgh
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors after his junior and senior seasons. Numbers last year included 10/108 when he missed six games with a shoulder injury. Junior totals included career highs of 20/260/1.
Positive: Nice-sized tight end with a well-rounded game. Strong blocker who handles one-on-one assignments or turns defenders off the line on running downs. Explosive at the point, quickly gets into blocks and plays with knee bend. Fluid releasing off the line into pass routes, defeats jams and displays consistent hands. Extends to make the difficult catch in a crowd, takes a pounding and holds onto the throw.
Negative: Lacks the speed to stretch the seam or get into the secondary.
Analysis: Coming into the season, Byham was one of the higher-rated tight ends yet missed significant action because of a shoulder injury. He looked like a real prospect after his junior season and once he gets his game back on track, Byham offers potential as a number two tight end for an NFL team.
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 240
40: 4.81
Year: 5Sr
Michael Caussin
School: James Madison
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter who posted career numbers of 25/438/4 as a senior after 18/231/5 the prior year.
Positive: Solid pass-catching tight end who plays faster than his 40 time. Quickly gets off the snap into pass routes, runs well, and is a better-than-average athlete. Effectively adjusts to the errant throw, looks the pass into his hands, and easily makes the reception in stride. Displays both focus and concentration. Bends his knees, blocks with leverage, and seals defenders from the action with good body positioning. Gets vertical and fights to make the difficult reception.
Negative: Struggles finish and blocks and just marginal blocking strength. Not at tight end consistently creates mismatches in the secondary.
Analysis: Caussin effectively handled his role in James Madison
Height: 6-6.5
Weight: 262
40: 4.78
Year: 5Sr
Jeff Cottam
School: Tennessee
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter at the past three seasons posting numbers a 3/41/1 as a senior. Sophomore totals included 4/19/1. Struggled through the 2008 season after breaking a leg during spring football
Positive: King sized tight end with terrific size/speed numbers and athletic ability. Solid blocker who stays square, shows the ability to adjust and keeps defenders in front of him. Blocks with leverage, displays vision and works hard to finish off defenders. Gets movement run blocking, quick out to the second level and can hit a moving target. Strong enough to turn opposing defensive lineman off the ball. Displays solid eye/hand coordination as a pass catcher and easily makes the reception in stride. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage into pass routes and possesses better than average tight end speed.
Negative: Marginally productive in college as a pass catcher. Must improve his blocking balance and learn to finish blocks.
Analysis: Cottam is a prospect that shows a lot of promise yet has an unpolished game. He was never able to break into the starting lineup at Tennessee for a variety of reasons but is a solid developmental prospect with the makings of a second tight end on the NFL level.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 246
40: 4.61
Year: 4Sr
Jeff Cumberland
School: Illinois
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter at the past four seasons at both wide receiver and tight end. Senior totals included 11/174/3 after career numbers of 20/352/4 as a junior.
Positive: King-sized pass catcher who never elevated his game or live up to expectations. Catches the pass away from his frame, makes the difficult reception in a crowd and effectively uses his frame to shield away opponents and protect the pass. Works his way across the field or back into the clearing to make itself an available target. Plays with good knee bend and breaks down well. Quick off the snap and blocks with excellent leverage.
Negative: Must significantly turn up the intensity as a blocker. Does not play to his time speed.
Analysis: Cumberland is a prospect who looks the part yet only plays to it occasionally, possessing tight end size and receiver speed. He possesses the athleticism to play at the next level yet really needs to pull the pieces together rather quickly.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 226
40: 4.43
Year: 4Sr
Dorin Dickerson
School: Pittsburgh
Position: TE
Bio: All-Conference selection as a senior after moving into the starting lineup and totaling career bests 49/529/10. Started two games of the prior season and posted 13/174/2.
Positive: Athletic prospect with size limitations. Very quick off the snap into routes, immediately gets to top speed and shows a burst. Possesses natural pass catching skills, excellent focus as well as concentration. Adjusts to the errant throw, making the reception without breaking stride. Goes up in a crowd, uses his frame to protect the pass, and comes away with the difficult reception. Displays the ability to consistently get downfield and make receptions in the deep secondary. Plays heads-up football and gives effort blocking, always making sure to get pad on the opponent.
Negative: Has a lean, smallish build and shows minimal strength at the point of attack. Mostly put in motion in the Pittsburgh offense and rarely asked to stay on the line as a blocker.
Analysis: Dickerson showed NFL-type ability as a senior yet his height and size will limit the number of systems he will be effective in at the next level. He has prototypical H-back skills and can also be used as a move tight end. More of a late round pick, Dickerson really deserves an opportunity at the next level and has the makings of a productive NFL player.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 240
40: 4.81
Year: 4Sr
Richard Dickson
School: LSU
Position: TE
Bio: Four-year starter awarded All-Conference honors after his freshman and junior seasons. Totals last year included 20/150. Career numbers of 2/375/5 game during his sophomore season.
Positive: Hard-working college tight end with limited athleticism and upside for the next level. Gives effort blocking, bends his knees, and plays with leverage. Solid short range target who effectively adjusts to the errant throw and looks the pass into his hands. Displays natural receiving skills and reliable hands. Works to make himself an available target for the quarterback.
Negative: Possesses just a short area burst of speed and does not have the ability to get downfield on a consistent basis. Marginal strength at the point of attack and struggles to finish blocks.
Analysis: Dickson has been a terrific college player and a prospect who gets the most from his abilities. Really does not have a true position at the next level, yet he could make a squad as either an H-back, move tight end, or fullback if he excels on special teams.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 249
40: 4.62
Year: 5Sr
Ed Dickson
School: Oregon
Position: TE
Bio: Former defensive lineman who's been a three-year starter at tight end. All-Conference selection after his senior and junior seasons. Totals last year included 42/51/6 after 35/508/3 as a junior. Sophomore numbers included 43/453/3.
Positive: Terrific pass-catching tight end who displays the ability to get downfield and make the reception. Runs well for a tight end, consistently gets into the secondary and natural catching the ball. Easily adjust to the errant throw, plays with good balance and makes the reception away from his frame. Gets up between defenders, displays good eye/hand coordination and uses his size as an advantage. Runs solid routes, displaying above-average quickness into breaks and then staying low on exit. Blocks with solid fundamentals and works hard until the whistle blows.
Negative: Marginally strong at the point of attack and struggles handling opposing linebackers. Must improve his blocking balance.
Analysis: Dickson has been a consistent player the past three seasons and the tight end who offers a nice degree of upside potential. He would be best in an offense that puts him in motion and makes pass catching his number one priority.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 242
40: 4.7
Year: 4Sr
TC Drake
School: Kentucky
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter who suffered with a groin injury last season and posted just 7/75. Junior totals included 12/204.
Positive: Size/speed prospect who's been minimally productive on the field. Gives effort blocking, quickly gets off the snap and out to the second level, controlling linebackers. Displays good movement skills, fluid into pass routes, and plays until the whistle blows.
Negative: Rarely used in the passing game. Lacks blocking balance, falls off opponents, and does not finish the play.
Analysis: Drake was a highly considered prospect who never met expectations on the field and will have to quickly produce in camp to make a roster.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 246
40: 4.87
Year: 5Sr
Jim Dray
School: Stanford
Position: TE
Bio: Four-year starter who finished his senior season with 11/149/3 after 2/12/2 as a junior. Career totals of 19/178/1 came during his freshman season.
Positive: Strong, blocking tight end who does an effective job catching the ball. Blocks with good lean, anchors at the point, and quickly gets his hands into defenders. Works hard until the whistle blows and helps out line-mates. Relatively nifty, effectively adjusts and makes the errant reception in stride as a pass catcher. Looks the ball into his hands and extends to make the reception away from his frame.
Negative: Marginal speed and shows little in the way of burst. Not a downfield pass-catching threat.
Analysis: Dray is an accomplished college tight end whose primary duties at the next level will be blocking on the line of scrimmage. He does not possess the great upside, yet he has the potential to be a competent number two for an NFL team.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 261
40: 4.85
Year: 5Sr
Brody Eldridge
School: Oklahoma
Position: TE
Bio: Broke into the starting lineup as a freshman primarily being used as a blocking tight end. Also spent time at center and left guard as a senior before suffering a season- ending neck injury nine games into the year. Pass receiving totals at Oklahoma included 13/98/1.
Positive: Well-sized blocking tight end who will also get consideration as a developmental offensive lineman at the next level. Blocks with good knee bend, leverage, and quickly gets off the snap into defenders. Strong, turns opponents off the middle of the line and plays with good awareness. Keeps his head on a swivel, displays good vision, and works until the whistle blows. Keeps his feet moving in pass protection and anchors at the point of attack.
Negative: Stiff, over-extends into blocks and lacks balance. Marginal speed and not much of a pass-catching threat.
Analysis: Eldridge has done a terrific job in his role the past four seasons and effectively helped out when called upon to play on the offensive line last season. We like him best as a blocking tight end brought onto the field during short-yardage situations.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 250
40: 4.8
Year: 4Sr
Dedrick Epps
School: Miami-Fl
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter who totaled 19/247/3 as a senior after junior numbers of 22/304/2.
Positive: Fairly athletic tight end with developing game. Blocks with terrific fundamentals bending his knees and immediately getting his hands into opponents. Explosive at the point, works blocks hard and quickly gets off the line into pass routes. Uses his frame to shield away defenders and protect the pass. Displays good eye/hand coordination, gets vertical and extends to grab the ball from the air. Above average playing speed.
Negative: Marginal strength as a blocker and pass catcher. Really does not get much movement and struggles to handle ordinary opponents.
Analysis: Epps is a talented tight end with a large degree of upside potential. He's shown flashes of ability and has all the skills necessary to develop into a solid second tight end for an NFL franchise.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 248
40: 4.75
Year: 5Sr
Dajleon Farr
School: Memphis
Position: TE
Bio: Former Miami transfer who started five games last season and finished with 14/26/1.
Positive: Athletic tight end with solid size/speed numbers. Flashes soft hands, consistently extends to make the reception away from his frame, and takes the big hit but comes away with the ball. Effectively uses his frame to shield away opponents. Extends his hands to offer the quarterback a nice target. Blocks with good lean, leverage, and knee bend.
Negative: Must improve his blocking balance. Does not display much in the way of overall awareness on the field.
Analysis: Farr
Height: 6-3
Weight: 256
40: 5
Year: 5Sr
Riar Geer
School: Colorado
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors last season after receiving totals of 36/402/4. Junior totals included 13/183/2.
Positive: Solid pass catching tight end who plays much faster than his 40 time. Runs good routes, effectively adjusts to the errant throw, and extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Make the reception in stride, effectively uses his frame to shield away defenders. Comes back to the ball and helps out the quarterback. Bends his knees, blocks with a wide base then gets his hands into opponents.
Negative: Marginal quickness and explosion in his game. Lacks strength as a blocker. Not a downfield threat.
Analysis: Geer has been reliable on the college level yet lacks the athleticism and playmaking skill to be anything other than a third tight end in the NFL.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 251
40: 4.83
Year: 5Sr
Andrew George
School: BYU
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past two seasons posting totals of 30/408/5 as a senior after 23/219/6 the prior year. Serve a church mission two years before enrolling at BYU.
Positive: Well-sized tight end with marginal upside. Flashes ability as a pass catcher, extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame, and effectively shields away defenders to make the tough grab. Fights hard to finish blocks and stays with the action until the whistle blows. Breaks down well and plays with good knee bend.
Negative: Possesses just average strength at the point of attack and struggles to finish blocks. Occasionally lets the past inside him. Marginal playing speed.
Analysis: George has the dimensions to be used as a blocking tight end on a roster yet must improve almost every facet of his game to get out of camp this summer.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 265
40: 4.8
Year: 4Sr
Richard Gordon
School: Miami-Fl
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time player the past four seasons who saw limited action last season with a left arm injury. Did not record a reception as a senior after junior totals of 3/24.
Positive: Big, athletic tight end yet to transition fully onto the football field. Fluid moving about the field, effortlessly makes the reception in contorted positions then uses his frame to shield away defenders and protect the pass. Gets up in a crowd for the difficult catch, takes a pounding and holds onto the ball. Bends his knees as a blocker, quickly gets off the line and explosive at the point.
Negative: Minimally productive in college and has four career receptions at Miami. Must be more aware of his surroundings.
Analysis: Gordon is a prospect with great upside potential yet at the same time a football player that displays more flashes then consistency on the field. His size, speed and the ability sporadically shown is worth placing him on the practice squad for a year or two.
Height: 6-6.5
Weight: 260
40: 4.53
Year: 5Sr
James Graham
School: Miami-Fl
Position: TE
Bio: Former basketball player at Miami who joined the football team last season totaling 17/21 13/5.
Positive: Large, athletic tight end prospect with an enormous amount of upside potential. Fluid getting off the line into routes, smooth moving about the field and looks like a receiver rather than tight end in motion. Displays natural pass catching skills, extending his hands and adjusting to the errant throw, or making the reception in stride. Displays good eye/hand coordination, gets vertical, and is graceful catching the ball. Displays the ability to get downfield into the secondary as a pass catcher. Gets vertical over defenders and makes a lot of athletic receptions.
Negative: Must improve his blocking techniques. On the ground too much. Does not display a good sense of timing.
Analysis: After stepping on the football field at Miami last season, Graham displayed incredible skills and looks like a big-time talent. He has a ways to go before developing a complete game, yet he is a tremendous prospect who could reward the team that is patient developing his skills.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 243
40: 4.71
Year: 5Sr
Garrett Graham
School: Wisconsin
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors as a senior after career receiving numbers of 51/624/7. Junior totals included 40/540/5.
Positive: Reliable pass-catching tight end with marginal size/speed numbers for the next level. Plays with a good degree of quickness, breaks down well, and fluid releasing off the line into routes. Shows great awareness on the field, effectively extends his hands and makes the reception away from his frame. Nicely adjusts to make the catch in stride and at times comes away with some incredible receptions.
Negative: Gives effort blocking yet lacks strength, rarely gets movement, and cannot finish off defenders. Lacks the deep speed to be a downfield threat. Occasionally lets the ball slip through his hands.
Analysis: Graham has been productive on the college level three years running yet lacks the overall physical skills to be anything other than a second tight end for an NFL team. He's best in a system that would put him in motion and comes with a special teams mentality.
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 261
40: 4.66
Year: 4Sr
Jermaine Gresham
School: Oklahoma
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter who sat on the sidelines last season with a knee injury. Junior totals in 2008 included 66/950/14 after 37/518/11 as a sophomore. Awarded varying degrees of All-Conference an all-American honors during his sophomore and junior seasons.
Positive: Gifted pass-catching tight end with a large degree of upside. Big-bodied athlete who effortlessly moves about the field, gets downfield then creates mismatches in the secondary. Gets vertical, makes a lot of athletic receptions and consistently comes away with the catch in a crowd. Runs solid routes, nicely adjusts to the errant throw, and looks the ball into his hands. Effectively extends to make the reception away from his frame.
Negative: Displays minimal blocking strength and gets pushed back into the pocket. Displays marginal blocking intensity. Loses his focus, concentration, and unnecessarily lets the pass get inside him or drops some catchable throws.
Analysis: Gresham is a fluid tight end and at times looks like a big-bodied possession receiver on the field. He constantly demands attention by the opposition because of his ability to create mismatches in the secondary or break games open. He needs a lot of work on the details of his position yet Gresham possesses starting potential for the next level.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 242
40: 4.75
Year: 5Sr
Chris Gronkowski
School: Arizona
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past two seasons who collected four receptions as a senior after 8/198/3 the prior year. Began his college career at Maryland.
Positive: Undersized tight end/H-back with marginal upside for the next level. Displays good blocking vision, nicely redirects to defenders and works hard. Fluid moving about the field, and does an adequate job catching the ball.
Negative: Marginal strength at the point of attack and struggles handling linebackers.
Analysis: Gronkowski has been a marginally productive player in college. He will have an uphill climb to make it at the next level and must quickly produce on special teams.
Height: 6-6.5
Weight: 264
40: 4.65
Year: 3Jr
Rob Gronkowski
School: Arizona
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter who missed the 2009 season with a back injury that required surgery to repair. Awarded varying degrees of All-Conference an All-American honors the prior two seasons, after totaling 47/672/10 as a sophomore and 28/525/6 as a freshman.
Positive: Terrific pass-catching tight end who possesses a great deal of upside potential. Good athlete, quickly releases off the line into routes that easily gets downfield, creating mismatches in the secondary. Makes reception without breaking stride, easily catches the long pass downfield, and possesses reliable hands. Consistently extends to make the reception away from his frame, takes the big hit and holds onto the throw. Bends his knees and works hard as a blocker.
Negative: Average strength at the point of attack. Back injury must be checked out.
Analysis: Gronkowski is a play-making tight end who burst onto the scene as a true freshman and was productive the only two seasons he was on the field for Arizona. He offers a lot of potential at the next level in a variety of systems, and he should only get better as a physically matures. The health of his back will dictate how quickly he succeeds.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 250
40: 4.86
Year: 5Sr
Jonathan Hannah
School: Texas Southern
Position: TE
Bio: Florida State transfer who moved into the starting lineup as a senior and then posted 29/404/3 in nine games.
Positive: Nice-sized tight end who plays with a large degree of athleticism. He blocks with knee bent, stays square, and jolts defenders with good hand punch. Strong at the point and controls defenders. Fluid releasing off the line into routes, he displays good movement skills, and effectively extends to make the reception away from his frame. Nicely adjusts to the errant throw and looks the ball into his hands.
Negative: He does not display reliable hands and lets some catchable throws slip by. He must develop a nasty streak as a blocker. Seems to lose a sense of where he is on the field times.
Analysis: Hanna was highly thought of by NFL scouts upon entering Florida State yet played little football until last season. He's practice squad material who could eventually develop into a third tight end at the next level.
Height: 6-2.5
Weight: 252
40: 4.62
Year: 5Sr
Clay Harbor
School: Missouri State
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his sophomore campaign. Senior totals included a team leading 59/729/4. He was named as an All-American at the end of the year. Junior totals included 40/457/2 after 45/647/3 as a sophomore.
Positive: An athletic pass catching tight end with reliable hands, He plays with good knee bend, effectively works his hands to get off jams at the line of scrimmage and displays the ability to create mismatches in the secondary. He uses his frame to box out defenders, extends his hands and makes the reception away from his body. He runs relatively sharp routes, displays good eye/hand coordination, and he is very natural catching the ball.
Negative: He gives effort blocking yet he lacks natural bulk, strength, and gets minimal results. He lacks elite tight end speed and may have difficulty beating opponents downfield at the next level.
Analysis: Harbor is a terrific athlete who will only get better as he physically matures. He must improve his blocking yet is good enough catching the ball that he will get looks as a second tight end at the next level.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 240
40: 4.91
Year: 4Sr
Gerald Harris
School: Mississippi
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past two seasons after transferring from junior college. Caught just a single pass as a senior after totals of 7/84/for the prior year.
Positive: Adequately sized tight end who displays skill as a blocker. Displays above-average footwork sliding out in pass protection, stays square and jolts opponents at the point with good punch. Fluid releasing off the line into routes, adjusts to the errant throw and makes the catch with his hands.
Negative: Bends at the waist, which adversely affects his balance. Not dominant as a blocker. Rarely used as part of the passing offense.
Analysis: Harris comes with poor size/speed numbers, yet he could make it as a third tight end if he improves his overall strength.
Height: 6-2.5
Weight: 245
40: 4.58
Year: 3Jr
Aaron Hernandez
School: Florida
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter awarded All-American and All-Conference honors as a senior after posting numbers of 68/850/5. Sophomore totals included 34/381/5.
Positive: Exceptional pass catching tight end who's been very productive the past two years. Quickly gets off the line into routes, displays sharpness into breaks, and stays low on exit. Positions himself to make the reception, extends his hands, and catches the ball away from his frame. Plays with outstanding body control, balance, and quickly transitions from making the reception to running after the catch. Follows blocks everywhere on the field and picks up positive yardage. Fundamentally sound pass catcher with both strong and soft hands. Consistently comes away with the ball, making the difficult reception in a crowd. Gives effort blocking and bends his knees, breaking down well and playing with leverage.
Negative: Not a strong in-line a blocker. May not possess the speed to be a consistent deep threat at tight end.
Analysis: Hernandez is a gifted tight end whose game has progressed the pass in seasons. He offers a lot of upside but size limitations reduce the number of schemes he can be used in. Likely best as a West Coast tight end in a timing offense.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 264
40: 4.75
Year: 4Sr
Michael Hoomanawanui
School: Illinois
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past three seasons awarded All-Conference honors as a junior. Totals last season included 10/114 after career numbers of 25/312/2 as a junior.
Positive: Gifted tight end slowly developing a complete game. Solid pass catcher who effectively finds the open space on the field and uses his frame to shield away opponents and protect the ball. Makes the difficult reception with defenders draped on him. Sells routes and shows above-average quickness into breaks. Nicely adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride. Strong blocker and plays with good leverage, stays square and then easily controls opponents at the point of attack. Works hard until the whistle blows. Displays the ability to slide his feet laterally in pass protection.
Negative: Unnecessarily lets the ball get inside him at times. Lacks deep speed and not creating mismatches in the secondary.
Analysis: Hoomanawanui has been solid on the college level and is an underrated tight end likely to be downgraded because of poor 40 speed. He has all the skills necessary to be a starter at the next level for an offense that requires the tight end to do as much blocking as pass catching.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 225
40: 4.42
Year: 5Sr
Jameson Konz
School: Kent State
Position: TE
Bio: Former defensive lineman who moved to tight end this season and finished the year with receiving totals of 21/98/2. Red-shirted in 2008 after injuring his ankle in the season opener. Junior totals of
Positive: Incredibly athletic prospect still very rough around the edges. Quickly gets to top speed, fast, and easily gets into the secondary creating mismatches. Runs well, displays above-average awareness and looks the pass into his hands. Flashed big play ability last season.
Negative: Rarely asked to block and usually lined up in the slot. Drops some very catchable throws and does not consistently come away with the tough grab. Seems stiff in his upper body and does not play with great balance. Must learn to finish blocks.
Analysis: Konz is a tremendous athlete yet a work in progress on the football field. He has the ability to develop into a downfield pass-catching threat and may even be given consideration at outside linebacker based on his dimensions. Konz is a long-term prospect, and at the very least, will end up on a practice squad next season.
Height: 6-7
Weight: 271
40: 4.81
Year: 4Sr
Steve Maneri
School: Temple
Position: TE
Bio: Two years starter who totaled 12/134/2 as a senior after 14/150/4 the prior year.
Positive: Large, powerful, tight end who is dominant blocking on the line of scrimmage. Jolts opponents at the point of attack, stays square and rides defenders off the line. Quickly gets into blocks, plays with a nasty attitude and easily controls opponents once engaged in a block. Seals defenders from the action with good body positioning or blocks down and completely removes them from the action. Effectively extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame.
Negative: Rarely involved in the offense at Temple. Marginal speed nothing more than a short range target.
Analysis: Maneri is a powerful prospect who could well be the best blocking tight end in this year's draft. He will also get consideration at offensive tackle based on his size. Mangeri is a solid late round pick who can be used as a team
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 256
40: 4.81
Year: 4Sr
Jaron Mastrud
School: Kansas State
Position: TE
Bio: Four-year starter awarded All-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 21/233/1. Played with a stress fracture in his foot late last season. Junior totals included 38/435/2.
Positive: Nice-sized blocking tight end with a solid game. Blocks with terrific fundamentals, strong at the point, and controls opposing defensive lineman. Quick out of the second level, nicely redirects to defenders and removes linebackers from the action. Terrific job sealing the edge for running backs. Fluid getting into pass routes, nicely adjusts to the errant throw, and effectively uses his frame to shield away opponents. Displays good vision as a blocker or pass catcher. Moves well on his feet.
Negative: Lacks the speed to get into the secondary and create mismatches. Tall with a relatively thin build.
Analysis: Mastrud is a terrific blocker who also does a solid job catching the ball when it is thrown to him. Once he gets back to full health, he has all the skills necessary to make an NFL roster as a second tight end brought onto the field primarily as a blocker.
Height: 6-2.6
Weight: 242
40: 4.72
Year: 5Sr
Warren Matthews
School: Southern
Position: TE
Bio: Former college quarterback who moved to tight end as a senior. Posted pass catching numbers of 27/434/6 last season.
Positive: Athletic prospect who can be used in a variety of roles. Flashes ability on the field, gets vertical in a crowd, and comes down with the difficult reception. He blocks with effective fundamentals, displays better than average strength at the point, and jolts opponents off the snap. Possesses good eye/hand coordination, looks the ball into his hands, and plucks it from the air.
Negative: Must turn up the intensity of his blocking. He does not display consistent hands at this point.
Analysis: Matthews is a size/speed prospect with the ability as an H-back or move tight end. He's rough around the edges and needs to development his game but is worth bringing into camp this summer.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 259
40: 4.71
Year: 4Sr
Anthony McCoy
School: USC
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter who posted 22/457 /1 as a senior after 22/256/1 the prior season.
Positive: Athletic tight end prospect with a great amount of upside. Quickly releases off the line into routes, immediately gets to top speed, and fast enough to make plays into the secondary. Runs incredibly well, uses his hands to get separation from opponents and effortlessly makes the reception in stride, displaying good focus and concentration. Fast in a straight line or laterally, works to make himself an available target, and catches the ball extremely well. Fluid in all his movements and natural catching the ball. Bends his knees, blocks with leverage, and stout at the point of attack. Works blocks and displays better-than-average strength. Stays square keeping defenders in front of him and easily turns opponents off the line.
Negative: Marginally productive the past two seasons. Lacks classic size/speed numbers. Has never truly been a difference maker at the position.
Analysis: McCoy is a terrific tight end whose best football is ahead of them. A natural pass catcher, he also gives effort as a blocker, and he will only improve as a physically matures and gets more experience on the field.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245
40: 4.69
Year: 5Sr
Tony Moeaki
School: Iowa
Position: TE
Bio: All-Conference selection as a senior after posting career numbers of 30/387/4. Junior totals included 13/144/1.
Positive: Natural pass catching tight end with reliable hands. Fluid releasing off the line into routes, shows quickness into breaks, and gets separation from opponents. Extends in a crowd to make the difficult reception, nicely adjusts to the errant throw and uses his frame to shield away defenders and protect the pass. Consistently catches the ball away from his frame and looks the pass into his hands. Good movement skills and fluid in every direction of the field. Bends his knees, plays with good leverage, and quickly gets into blocks.
Negative: Lacks bulk, functional football strength and rarely gets movement as a blocker. Does not display the speed to be a true downfield threat.
Analysis: After struggling with injuries the prior two seasons, Moeaki elevated his game last season and his draft stock is on the rise. He may never be a true number one tight end yet could play in a system that constantly puts him in motion before the snap of the ball.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 233
40: 4.68
Year: 5Sr
Ryan Moya
School: UCLA
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past two seasons and All-Conference selection as a junior. Senior totals included 18/189, after 38/364/9 as a junior. Struggled with a leg injury last season.
Positive: Athletic college tight end who can also be used at fullback in the NFL. Displays good movement skills, shows terrific blocking vision, and works hard throughout the action. Plays with a nasty attitude, and works to finish the play. Finds the open space in the defense and catches the ball with his hands.
Negative: Lacks strength at the point of attack and really struggles to even finish off linebackers. Marginally productive in college.
Analysis: Moya was a solid college player yet possesses poor size/speed numbers for the next level. Best possibility is a West Coast offense as a backup fullback.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 271
40: 4.81
Year: 5Sr
Nathan Overbay
School: Eastern Washington
Position: TE
Bio: Awarded All-Conference honors as a senior after posting a career numbers of 51/588/12. Junior totals included 28/364/2.
Positive: Well-sized pass tight end who looks natural catching the ball. Effectively makes the reception in stride, nicely adjusting to the errant throw and extending his hands to grab the ball away from his frame. Uses his frame to shield away opponents, displays good eye/hand coordination and fights to make the reception. Gives effort blocking.
Negative: Slow releasing off the line of scrimmage and takes a while to get to top speed. Often lined up in the slot and not a true in-line blocker.
Analysis: Overbay has shown steady improvement in his game the past two seasons and really took off as a senior. He displayed the ability to be an effective pass catcher on the college level yet also has the frame necessary to be a good blocker. Overbay offers possibilities as a third tight end for an NFL team.
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 237
40: 4.94
Year: 4Sr
Michael Palmer
School: Clemson
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter who posted career numbers of 43/507/4 as a senior. Junior totals included 12/160/3.
Positive: Terrific pass-catching tight end who took a major step forward last season. Fluid releasing off the line into routes, nicely extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame, and displays good eye/hand coordination. Easily makes the catch in contorted positions displaying soft and strong hands. Shows great focus and concentration, takes the big hit yet holds onto the ball. Makes the tough catch with defenders draped on him. Stays square as a blocker, bends his knees, and keeps his head on a swivel.
Negative: Lacks top speed and is not a true downfield threat. Marginally strong at the point and rarely gets movement run blocking.
Analysis: After being a part-time player, Palmer really took off last season and was a major pass-catching threat. He's a limited athlete, yet he does enough things well to get looks as a third tight end at the next level.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 264
40: 4.79
Year: 5Sr
Logan Paulsen
School: UCLA
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter who totaled 29/362 as a senior after 12/144/1 as a junior in 2007. Redshirted in 2008 after fracturing his foot during the first game of the season.
Positive: Nice-sized tight end with a degree of upside potential. Solid pass catcher who extends his hands and makes the reception away from his frame. Uses his body to shield away opponents and protect the pass. Relatively effective running after the catch. Gives effort blocking and jolts defenders at the point of attack.
Negative: Lacks bulk, strength, and struggles to finish blocks. Marginally fast and not a downfield threat.
Analysis: Paulsen displayed skill early in his college career before being sidelined with injury in 2008. Possesses the size and skill to find a place as a third tight end at the next level.
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 254
40: 4.85
Year: 5Sr
Colin Peek
School: Alabama
Position: TE
Bio: Georgia Tech transfer who totaled 26/313/3 in eight starts last season. Sat out the 2008 season due to NCAA transfer rules after starting 11 games in 2007.
Positive: Smart, hard-working tight end with a complete game. Displays a good head for the game, finds the open space in the defense, and is a reliable pass catcher. Extends his hands away from his frame to make the catch, looks the ball into his hands, and possesses good concentration. Uses his frame to shield away the opponent and displays the ability to come up with the important reception during the games critical moments. Blocks with leverage, quickly gets off the line, and fights with his hands throughout the action. Keeps his head on a swivel as a blocker. Attacks assignments and works them hard.
Negative: Lacks the deep speed and not a tight end who consistently gets into the secondary creating mismatches.
Analysis: Peek comes off a terrific senior season and offers a lot of potential for the next level. He's a reliable pass catcher who does a solid job blocking, and he offers starting potential for an NFL team.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 244
40: 4.87
Year: 5Sr
Steven Pfahler
School: Montana
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter also saw extensive action with the first team as a sophomore. All-Conference selection as a senior with receiving totals of 30/384/4. Junior totals included 24 receptions and 282 receiving yards.
Positive: Hard-working tight end who gets the most from his ability, he displays terrific blocking vision, plays with a nasty attitude and works hard to finish off defenders. Blocks down well on opponents, gets movement at the point of attack, and anchors in pass protection. Possesses adequate hands, extending to make the reception away from his frame and pulling the ball from the air. Nice overall sense of awareness on the field.
Negative: Marginal speed in his game and not a downfield threat. Occasionally lets some catchable passes bounce off his hands. Lacks classic size for a blocking tight end.
Analysis: Pfahler is a hard-working prospect yet a limited athlete with minimal upside at the next level. His attitude and approach to the game could help him catch on as a third tight end.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 245
40: 4.66
Year: 5Sr
Dennis Pitta
School: BYU
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his sophomore season. Led the team in receiving last year posting 62/829/8 after career numbers of 83/1083/6 as a junior. Initially enrolled at BYU in 2003, spending two seasons on the football field before serving a church mission from 2005 2006.
Positive: Terrific pass catching tight end most effective in motion. Effectively uses hand technique to protect himself, consistently finds ways to get open and displays good awareness of zones or coverage thrown by the opponent. Possesses terrific focus, natural receiving skills and goes up against defenders to make the difficult reception. Does not break stride to catch the ball, lays out or extends for the tough grab, taking the big hit it holding onto the ball.
Negative: Gives effort blocking yet lacks strength at the point and struggles to finish blocks or falls off them altogether. Adequate speed yet not a true downfield threat.
Analysis: Pitta has been wildly productive the past three seasons and is a pass catching tight end with natural receiving skills. He won't wow scouts with his athleticism yet could very easily make it as a move tight end or in a West Coast offense.
Height: 6-7
Weight: 270
40: 4.9
Year: 4Sr
Caz Piurowski
School: Florida State
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter since his freshman season. Missed extensive time with a knee injury as a senior and finished the year with totals of 13/182/2 in just six games. Junior totals included 8/83/1.
Positive: King-sized tight end prospect best as a blocker on the line of scrimmage. Fluid releasing off the line into routes, nicely adjusts to the errant throw, and displays good eye/hand coordination. Moves well on his feet, gets out to the second level, and seals linebackers from the action. Blocks with excellent knee bend, strong at the point of attack, and works hard until the whistle blows.
Negative: Marginal speed and only a short yardage target as a pass catcher. Runs hot and cold with his blocking in the past.
Analysis: Piurowski has offensive tackles size yet moves well enough to be used as a tight end. He has definite possibilities as a third tight end at the next level if used primarily as a blocker.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 254
40: 4.68
Year: 4Sr
Andrew Quarless
School: Penn State
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past three seasons who posted 41/536/3 as a senior after junior totals of 11/117.
Positive: Well-sized tight end with a solid game. Quickly releases off the line into pass routes or run blocks, immediately gets to top speed, and displays solid pass catching hands. Moves well about the field, adjusts to the errant throw, and makes the reception in stride. Looks the pass into his hands. Solid strength as a blocker. Gets out to the second level and removes linebackers from the action. Seals defensive lineman from plays with good body positioning.
Negative: Lacks the deep speed or ability to consistently create mismatches down the field. Average production until last season. Has had off the field issues in the past.
Analysis: Quarless is a solid athlete that's been productive as a pass catcher and blocker. Lacks the ability to be a number one tight end at the next level yet has enough skill to eventually develop into a second player at the position.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 240
40: 4.92
Year: 5Sr
Mickey Schuler
School: Penn State
Position: TE
Bio: Part-time starter the past two seasons who finished with 11/89/2 as a senior after 9/120/1 the prior year. Father was a tight end in the NFL for 14 seasons.
Positive: Reliable pass catching tight end with marginal size/speed numbers. Bends his knees, breaks down well and nicely adjusts to the errant throw. Makes the reception away from his frame and displays reliable hands. Gives effort blocking.
Negative: Lacks bulk, strength and does not get results as a blocker. Struggles getting off jams into pass routes and loses out in battles.
Analysis: Schuler has done well as a part-time player at Penn State yet lacks any real upside for the next level. He possesses a slight chance to make it as a third tight end.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 239
40: 4.55
Year: 4Sr
Scott Sicko
School: New Hampshire
Position: TE
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors the past two seasons and named as an All-American player after his junior campaign. Senior totals included 57/25/9 after 50/660/7 prior season.
Positive: Skilled pass-catching tight end with marginal size and speed for the next level. Quick releasing off the line into routes, he settles into the open spot of the field and consistently make himself an available target. Gets vertical in a crowd and makes the difficult reception with defenders draped on him. Smooth, adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride. Extends his hands and looks the ball in. Takes a pounding yet holds onto the throw. He shows good awareness in his all-around game. Blocks with solid fundamentals and works to finish off opponents.
Negative: Lacks the deep speed and not a threat to consistently breaking into the secondary. Gives effort blocking yet does not possess the strength to consistently get the job done.
Analysis: Sicko has been consistent and productive on the college level and offers the pass catching skills to play in the NFL. He could make it as a third tight end for a team that consistently puts him in motion and reduces his blocking duties.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 217
40: 4.61
Year: 4Sr
Cody Slate
School: Marshall
Position: TE
Bio: Four-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-Conference an All-American honors since his freshman campaign. Senior totals included 50/607/4 after 40/510/ as a junior. Career totals of 66/818/5 came during his sophomore season.
Positive: Undersized, pass-catching tight end who has been very productive on the college level. Quickly releases off the line, displays sharpness into routes, and gets separation from opponents. Nicely adjusts to the errant throw, looks the pass into his hands, and competes to make the difficult reception. Displays focus, concentration, and makes the tough catch in a crowd. Gives effort blocking and plays with good knee bend.
Negative: Effective when he extends to make the reception away from his frame, but all too often unnecessarily lets the pass get inside him, and does a lot of body catching. Lacks strength at the point of attack and struggles to control opposing linebackers.
Analysis: Slate has been consistent on the college level, but he looks more like a big possession receiver than a tight end. He projects as an H-back in the NFL.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 243
40: 4.79
Year: 5Sr
Tommy Trott
School: Auburn
Position: TE
Bio: Two-year starter who finished with 11/144/2 as a senior after 20/201 as a junior. Struggled with knee injuries the past two seasons.
Positive: Relatively athletic tight end who's been a marginal player the past two years. Gives effort blocking, stays square, and works hard until the whistle blows. Solid pass catcher who extends his hands and looks the pass in. Consistently finds the open spot in the defense.
Negative: Has a tall, thin build and possesses just marginal football strength. Not a swift tight end who makes plays in the secondary.
Analysis: Trott possesses the underlying physical skills to be a third tight end at the next level, yet knee injuries have hampered his development the past two years. Potential practice squad player who must stay healthy and get stronger to make an active roster.