NFL Draft 2014 Preview (23 page)

Strengths:
Big, soft hands and adjusts very well to the ball — outstanding hand placement and catching radius. Good muscularity and weight-room strength — benchpressed 225 pounds a TE-best 35 times at the Combine. Very good coverage recognition — feels his way through zones and finds open areas. Will drop his shoulder and barrel through contact. Flashes some power running after the catch. Respected, vocal, emotional team leader and it shows. Extremely smart. Outstanding football IQ. Football is extremely important to him. Emergency kicker and long-snapper. Superb production for a tight end.

Weaknesses:
Average arm length and foot speed. Benefited heavily from facing inferior competition (able to separate vertically vs. small, slow defensive backs). Unsudden route runner. Not distinguished as an in-line blocker and plays down to the competition. Very inconsistent second-level blocker — does not sustain or finish. Will be a 25-year-old rookie. Durability is a concern — had multiple surgeries on his right leg.

Future:
Stands out against lesser competition and could have made a statement in postseason all-star competition to solidify his draft standing. However, he broke his foot training for the Senior Bowl and only showed to interview. Age and injury history can diminish his value, but he possesses the intelligence, leadership traits and versatility desired at the bottom of a roster. Long-snapping ability could be his ticket.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

TE [F, Y] ERIC EBRON, #22 (JUNIOR)

NORTH CAROLINA
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Grade: 6.40

Ht: 6-4 3/8 | Wt: 250 | Sp: 4.58 | Arm: 33 1/4 | Hand: 10

History:
Prepped in North Carolina. As a true freshman in 2011, appeared in 10 games (one start) and tallied 10 receptions for 207 yards (20.7-yard average) and a touchdown. Did not play in the Independence Bowl against Missouri (academics). Started 11-of-12 games in ’12, catching 40-625-4 (15.6). In ’13, set the Atlantic Coast Conference single-season record for yards by a tight end — started 11-of-13 games and totaled 62-973-3 (15.7), breaking Vernon Davis’ ACC record for receiving yards. Hurt his right shoulder and was limited against Old Dominion. Strained his right hamstring on his second 40 attempt at the Combine and did not perform shuttles or drills.

Strengths:
Releases cleanly and accelerates into patterns. Outstanding athletic ability and receiving skills. Threatens every level. Advanced route runner. Pierces the seam and is a mismatch vs. man coverage — regularly bested defensive backs. Terrific quickness, agility, balance and body control. Catches cleanly off his frame. Makes one-handed grabs look routine. Wide catching radius. Catches on the move and has an extra gear to pile up yards. Excellent production. Will be a 21-year-old rookie.

Weaknesses:
Lacks ideal bulk. Can improve as a blocker, both in-line and on the move — could stand to improve technique, physicality and finish. Not equipped to lock horns with NFL defensive ends. Inconsistent adjusting to and fitting on moving targets. Could stand to play with more consistent intensity and focus. Makes the occasional concentration drop. Ordinary touchdown production.

Future:
Highly athletic, highly productive “F” tight end loaded with upside and mismatch capability. Possesses the speed, movement skills, hands and run-after-catch skills to emerge as a playmaking weapon in the pros, though has room to continue developing as a blocker.

Draft projection:
First-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“He’s a big-time talent — no doubt about it. He looks the part. He has really good hands and movement skill. He will step inside and battle and shows the footwork to control the edge. He is going to be a complete, all-around tight end. I already put a middle-of-the-first-round grade on him and he keeps getting better. He might go in the top 10. He’s better than all the first rounders I’ve done in recent years — (Brandon) Pettigrew, (Coby) Fleener, (Tyler) Eifert. Vernon Davis is special. He’s not better than Vernon.”

TE [Y] C.J. FIEDOROWICZ, #86

IOWA
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Grade: 5.48

Ht: 6-5 1/2 | Wt: 265 | Sp: 4.76 | Arm: 33 | Hand: 10 1/4

History:
Given name is Colton John. Last name is pronounced “feh-DOR-uh-wits.” Saw limited action in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2010 and did not record any receiving stats. Played all 13 games in ’11, starting five, and caught 16 balls for 167 yards (10.4-yard average) and three touchdowns. Started all 12 games in ’12, producing 45-433-1 (9.6). Started 12-of-13 games in ’13, snagging 30-299-6 (10.0). Was replaced in the starting lineup by Ray Hamilton against Minnesota. Said head coach Kirk Ferentz: “Ray has been playing well as has C.J. It was more a matter of giving Ray an opportunity based on how he has been performing in games and practice.’’

Strengths:
Outstanding size and big hands. Carries his weight well. Has size to widen the hole or seal defensive ends. Good balance and body control for his size. Surprising lower-body flexibility to sink his hips to run sharp-angle routes. Has stature and enough speed to threaten the seam. Understands how to use his frame and physicality to create subtle separation. Makes athletic hands catches off his frame. Sizable catch radius. Shows toughness and concentration in traffic. Lowers his shoulder to deliver a blow after the catch. Can line up in-line or split out. Smart and durable.

Weaknesses:
Has average, build-up speed. Not elusive after the catch. Can improve as a move blocker and develop more of a mean streak to finish blocks. Average production. Could stand to adopt a more blue-collar work ethic when people aren’t watching — is not a self-starter and has been able to cruise on his rare size and natural ability.

Future:
Big-framed, linear and dependable, Fiedorowicz looks the part and has balanced skills to become a legitimate “Y” tight end in the pros. Is an asset as a competitive blocker and as a sure-handed, underneath receiver. Draft status could benefit from an average tight end crop.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“He is a middle-round pick. He is a true blocking Y. He power-cleans almost 400 pounds and is a freak in the weight room. I wish I saw more hip snap on tape. His weight room numbers don’t always convert to the field. He’s robotic. His father is a big power-lifter.”

TE [Y] CROCKETT GILLMORE, #10

COLORADO STATE
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Grade: 5.12

Ht: 6-5 7/8 | Wt: 260 | Sp: 4.89 | Arm: 33 3/4 | Hand: 10 3/8

History:
Receiver-defensive end who also wrestled, played basketball and ran track as a Texas prep. As a true freshman in 2010, injuries to other players forced a switch from tight end to defensive end in August — tallied 11 tackles, two for loss and a sack in nine games played (wore jersey No. 99). Moved back to tight end during ’11 spring practice, and was the Rams’ leading receiver in ’11 when he started all 12 games and recorded 45 receptions for 468 yards (10.4-yard average) and four touchdowns. Started 10-of-11 games played in ’12, managing 19-263-2 (13.8). Did not play against Hawaii (torn left labrum). Started all 14 games in ’13 and caught 47-577-2 (12.3). Did not lift at the Combine because of a strained left elbow.

Strengths:
Has a good compact frame with long arms and very big hands. Scrappy, competitive blocker — latches on and plays through the whistle. Good finisher. Natural hands catcher. Catches in a crowd and will shake off a hit and run through contact. Rises to a challenge and matched up well as a base blocker vs. Alabama’s Adrian Hubbard. Functional positional, pass protector — gets in the way. Very durable.

Weaknesses:
Underdeveloped lower body with limited overall weight-room strength. Not a nuanced route runner to create separation and lacks polish releasing off the line (pinballed too easily). Limited suddenness and burst out of his breaks. Marginal creativity after the catch. Lacks top-end speed to threaten the seam. Has been a bit of a china doll and long-term durability requires evaluation. Recorded a 1.77-second 10-yard time, tied for slowest among tight ends at the Combine.

Future:
A try-hard, developmental blocker capable of catching on as a No. 3 tight end with continued improvement in the weight room. Possesses above-average base blocking ability, hands and foot speed to carve a role.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

Scout’s take:
“He catches the ball okay. He’s an above-average blocker. His biceps look bigger than his lower body. He looks like he does a lot of beach workouts. He’s kind of a china doll. …I can see him stick as a team’s third tight end. I thought he jumped out a little bit at the Senior Bowl and had a good game.”

H-BACK XAVIER GRIMBLE, #86 (JUNIOR)

USC
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Grade: 5.10

Ht: 6-4 1/4 | Wt: 257 | Sp: 4.94 | Arm: 33 5/8 | Hand: 10 1/4

History:
Cousin of 2013 Browns first-rounder Barkevious Mingo, who starred at LSU. Grimble was a Parade and USA Today All-American who won football and basketball state titles at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. Redshirted in ’10 after he hurt his ankle during fall camp. Started 7-of-12 games in ’11 and recorded 15 receptions for 144 yards (9.6-yard average) and four touchdowns. Started 9-of-13 games in ’12 and snagged 29-316-5 (10.9). Missed time during ’13 spring practice because of a fractured rib. In the fall, started 6-of-13 games and caught 25-271-2 (10.8). Sprained his shoulder against Arizona, then sprained his ankle against Notre Dame and missed the Utah contest. Did not lift at the Combine because of a right shoulder injury or perform any running because of a strained left calf.

Strengths:
Has a nice frame for the position — room to pack on bulk. Can work the middle of the field, take a hit and maintain possession. Solid hands — can extend to catch and is a reliable short-to-intermediate receiver. Has the look of a throwback with the ball in his hands — rumbles downfield and is a load to bring down. Shows willingness as a blocker and potential to be functional with improved strength and technique.

Weaknesses:
Needs to get stronger and could use more glass in his diet. Average balance. Narrow-based, underpowered, in-line blocker — gets manhandled and tossed aside. Releases tall and mechanically — too easily jammed and rerouted. Linear mover who builds to speed. Has been dinged up and durability could be an issue. Recorded a 26 1/2-inch vertical jump, lowest of any tight end at the Combine. Recorded a 4.85-second 20-yard shuttle time at his pro day, demonstrating poor agility.

Future:
Big-framed, underpowered, underachieving tight end who did not live up to expectations at USC and made a curious decision to forgo his final season of eligibility despite producing a modest 25-271-2 (10.8) during an injury-affected 2013 campaign. Has size and enough athletic ability and hands to warrant developmental consideration.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

TE [Y] NIC JACOBS, #88 (JUNIOR)

M
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NEESE STATE
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Grade: 5.00

Ht: 6-4 3/4 | Wt: 269 | Sp: 4.85e | Arm: 34 1/8 | Hand: 10

History:
Tight end-defensive end who prepped in Louisiana. Began his college career at LSU (wore jersey No. 84), where he redshirted in 2010 and did not record receiving stats in ’11 (10 games). Played nine games in ’12 (one start) and tallied five receptions for 58 yards (11.6-yard average) and zero touchdowns. Was suspended for the Tigers’ final four games for a violation of team rules. Transferred to I-AA McNeese State for the ’13 season, starting 12-of-13 games and catching 32-453-4 (14.2). Strained his right pectoral muscle during the bench-press test and did not work out at the Combine.

Strengths:
Outstanding size with a good frame — possesses enough girth to block inline. Effort blocker — works to position and
tries to run his feet on contact. Effective move blocker — shows good awareness and reactions to adjust to and fit on targets. Functional short receiver — generally catches what he should and offers a short-to-intermediate target.

Weaknesses:
Could stand to improve weight room and functional football-playing strength. Tight hips and stiff ankles. Pedestrian foot speed — does not threaten the seam. Will struggle to create separation vs. man coverage. Limited after the catch. Does not generate power through his lower half. Could stand to improve his blocking technique — tends to bend at the waist. Does not physically dominate FCS competition.

Future:
An LSU transfer, Jacobs is a monotone, inline-blocking “Y” tight end lacking any distinguishable trait for the pro game. Will have to excel as a blocker to stick as a No. 3.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

TE [Y] MARCEL JENSEN, #89

FRESNO STATE
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Grade: 5.26

Ht: 6-5 3/4 | Wt: 259 | Sp: 4.84 | Arm: 34 7/8 | Hand: 9 7/8

History:
Defensive end who also played basketball as a California prep. Signed in 2008 and grayshirted. Arrived with a broken right leg and redshirted in ’09. Was listed as a defensive lineman in ’10 when he appeared in two games. At tight end in ’11, played 10 games (one start) and recorded two catches for 16 yards (8-yard average) and a touchdown. Added three blocked kicks. Did not play against North Dakota (left knee sprain) and missed games against San Jose State and San Diego State (left calf). Started 8-of-13 games in ’12 and caught 20-339-4 (17.0). Started 9-of-13 games in ’13 and tallied 26-353-3 (13.6). Strained his groin during Senior Bowl practice.