The 2014 NFL Draft tight end group features some really intriguing prospects. Oregon’s Colt Lyerla and Washington’s Austin Seferian-Jenkins are the two biggest names to keep an eye on. They are very different players in that Lyerla gets the job done because of his explosiveness and Seferian-Jenkins relies more on his size.
At the bottom of the article I included several other prospects to watch. They fall into that category because I wasn’t able to find enough footage to properly evaluate them.
1. Colt Lyerla, Oregon (Top 15)
Colt Lyerla might be the most versatile player in all of college football. Oregon uses him at tight end, H-back and even running back. It’s his tremendous athleticism and aggressiveness that allows him to fill all these rolls.
His fit at the next level will be at tight end where Lyerla can impact the game both as a pass catcher and run blocker. He uses his explosiveness and second gear to attack all parts of the field. Lyerla has a knack for locating opening in the defense and providing his quarterback with an open target.
He routinely fires off the ball, gains inside hand placement and works to get a push off the line. His willingness as a run blocker only increases his overall value.
2. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington (1st Round)
Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a matchup nightmare because of his rare combination of size and athleticism. He not only possesses good height he also has a thick frame that helps him box out defenders.
Seferian-Jenkins isn’t as explosive as Colt Lyerla, but he makes up for it by attacking the football, using his size to his advantage and locating space in the defense.
I also have some concerns about his all-around effort on the field. It appears that he doesn’t always give 100% effort. In fact, he looks to be more aggressive when Washington gives him an opportunity to play some defensive end.
Teams will need to keep an eye on Seferian-Jenkins’ off the field issues. He has this entire season to rebuild his reputation.
3. Xavier Grimble, USC (Early 2nd Round)
Xavier Grimble is a very natural pass catcher who has ton of potential. He’s very aggressive in his approach to the football in that he always plucks the ball away from his frame, uses his leaping ability to attack the ball at its highest point and uses his body to gain position on the defender.
At this point, Grimble just needs to show more consistency to increase or stabilize his draft stock.
4. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech ( Early 2nd Round)
Jace Amaro features excellent height which makes him a matchup nightmare for the defense. He combines his good size with surprising speed and quick-twitch ability. Amaro shows the ability to attack the seam and even gain yards after the catch.
His height isn’t all a positive as he can be a little leggy at times which impacts the crispness of his routes. Amaro is a willing run blocker who shows a nasty streak, but needs to get strong to improve in this area.
5. Arthur Lynch, Georgia (Late 2nd Round)
Arthur Lynch might be the most rounded tight end prospect in this draft. His best skill is his ability to help open running lanes. Lynch is committed to gaining inside hand placement, maintaining leverage and Velcroing to the defender. He combines his solid technique with good natural strength.
Lynch also has enough athleticism and strong hands to contribute in the passing game. He’s not someone who’ll strike fear into a defense, but he’s capable of providing the quarterback a reliable target.
6. Eric Ebron, North Carolina (Late 2nd Round)
Eric Ebron has as much natural talent as any tight end in this class. However, he has a tendency to drop too many passes. This is a combination of losing focus and the fact he just isn’t a natural pass catcher.
Because of his size and athleticism, Ebron has the potential to be a difference maker at the next level. The issue is he won’t reach that potential if he doesn’t find a way to hang onto the football.
It’s important to note that Ebron is a willing and effective run blocker. He fires off the ball, gains inside hands and shows the nasty streak needed to drive defenders off the ball.
7. Kaneakua Friel, BYU (3th Round)
Kaneakua Friel is a solid all around player who contributes in both the running and passing game. He’s a little lower in my rankings because he appears to close to his ceiling with little room to improve.
However, this is a player who can find a role as a starter and solid contributor at the next level. Friel has excellent awareness which helps him read the defense and find openings. He routinely catches the ball away from his frame and is a reliable target.
8. Clive Walford, Miami (3rd Round)
Clive Walford is features excellent height and good overall bulk for the tight end position. He’s a committed run blocker who gains inside hands, takes balanced steps and keeps his feet moving. In the passing game, Walford provides the quarterback with an excellent target. He routinely plucks the ball away from his frame.
Miami recognizes the matchup problems he creates and will split him outside to run a fade route in the red zone. While Walford is a good overall athlete, he doesn’t always run the cleanest routes. He shows a tendency to be a little leggy because over his length. Walford also doesn’t show elite speed and may struggle to consistently outpace defenders.
9. Trey Millard, Fullback, Oklahoma (5th Round)
Trey Millard is an interesting prospect and sees most of his action at fullback for Oklahoma. However, they also give him opportunities to make plays in the passing game and as a runner. Millard shows good quickness and overall athleticism.
His best role at the next level might be as an H-back where the offensive coordinator can find different ways to work him into the offense.
10. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa (6th Round)
C.J. Fiedorowicz is a solid college tight end, but lacks the explosiveness to really make a difference at the next level. He’s best case scenario might be to land a spot as a backup and run-blocking tight end.
Others to Watch: Gabe Holmes- Purdue, Ted Bolser- Indiana and Jacob Pedersen- Wisconsin