College: Oregon
Height: 6’3” 7/8
Weight: 242
Strengths
Athleticism: A combine workout which resulted in a 4.61 40-yard dash and a 39” vertical jump suggest Lyerla is athletic and, when you put on the tape, he is just that. He is shifty in space whether it is at the top of a route or with the ball in his hands. Lyerla routinely beats linebackers over the middle with his dynamic game.
Versatility: During 2012 the former Oregon Duck lined up all over the field. Tight end, in the slot and at wide receiver. While he does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage, Lyerla has the tools to line up wherever asked. Finally, he possesses a knack for running the ball out of the backfield. Against Arizona in his sophomore year, the 21-year-old carried the ball seven times for 63 yards and a touchdown in which he displayed great close-area burst and a slipperiness that made him difficult to tackle.
Strength: Lyerla is able to use his strength in the running game mentioned above but also in the passing game. He routinely uses his frame and bulk to out-muscle defensive backs at the top of his route and create added separation. What is most impressive is he seems to understand how to use his tools to win cleanly and not just bulldoze through defenders in his breaks.
Weaknesses
One-year starter/Off-field issues: After being suspended for violating team rules at the beginning of the 2013 college football season – Lyerla’s junior year – the tight end left the Oregon program and stated he would be pursuing a career in the NFL and not transferring to another college. This move left Lyerla with just one years starting experience in which he caught 34 passes for 565 yards and 11 touchdowns - an alarmingly small sample of his ability. Furthermore, he was arrested for possession of cocaine in late October for which he spent a day in jail and nine days working with a road crew. That is a lot of red flags in a short period of time.
Pro Comparison: Jared Cook, St Louis Rams
Coly Lyerla is a much more polished player coming into the NFL than Cook, who was predominantly a pass-catcher. However, Lyerla is an extremely underrated blocker and Cook has developed those skills since joining the NFL which allows him to lineup in a traditional tight end position much more often. Both players are great athletes and will use that to win against linebackers and safetys.
Draft Outlook
Lyerla’s tools make him a first or second round pick. However, his off the field issues mean he could fall all the way to the sixth or seventh round. In my opinion a team may think they can keep better tabs on him than what Oregon did and take a punt in the fourth or fifth round.
Best Fits
The New England Patriots spring to mind straight away because of how comparable Lyerla is to Aaron Hernandez. Also, the Patriots and Bill Belichick have created a great environment within the football team that is all about winning and personal responsibility which allows a troubled athlete to strive away from the spotlight.
Another strong fit would be the Philadelphia Eagles where Chip Kelly, who recruited Lyerla to Oregon, is the head coach.
Follow Richard on Twitter @Richard_Gatenby