The debate between who is the most dangerous tight end prospect really comes down to two names. Washington Huskies tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is the more recognized talent, for his incredible size but also a driving under the influence arrest in March. The other player was Oregon Ducks tight end Colt Lyerla, someone who didn’t break out until this past season and is only beginning to scratch the surface of what he could be.

Both players are tall, with Seferian-Jenkins standing at 6’6” and Lyerla just an inch shorter at 6’5”. Seferian-Jenkins outweighs Lyerla by 20 lbs., but both players are still incredible athletes for their size. While Seferian-Jenkins may be more polished now and draw more of the spotlight, Lyerla is the most dangerous tight end prospect in the 2014 draft class.

Lyerla is classified as a tight end on the depth chart, but his versatility to play all over the field stands out when you watch him. The Ducks have lined him up on the line next to the tackle; he has been split outside like a receiver and even used in the backfield to carry the football. For a player so new to the position, you have to admire Lyerla’s willingness to block and his ability to block as well.

He is able to seal lanes for his running back to break free on the outside and he can push his defender around and to the outside to create a seam for his running back to run through. He has actually been relied upon more on a blocker than anything else in his first year starting for the Ducks and showed progress throughout the season. He still needs to work on getting stronger and maintaining better leverage, but there is plenty to like about him as a blocker.

Lyerla can also split out wide and serve as a receiver in the Ducks offense. Because of his size, he can create matchup problems against corners and safeties. His strength allows him to separate from smaller corners and get free across the middle. When he gets open, Lyerla has the soft hands to hold on to the football and the athletic ability to go up and grab the jump ball. He still has room to improve with his routes

The Ducks even line Lyerla up in the backfield where not only can he block, but also can run the football as well. While Lyerla’s skills as a blocker have already been talked about, his ability to run the football stands out. He has the vision to read the defense and find the right hole to run through and when that hole opens up his quick burst is eerily similar to some of the top running back prospects. Lyerla is familiar with the running back position; he played it in high school and was a three star recruit before being moved to tight end. He has quick feet, which allow him to change direction and break free of oncoming defenders. He even recorded a rushing touchdown this past season working inside the red zone.

There are few players of his size that can do the type of things he does for this Ducks offense. He is a tight end that can create holes for his running back to make plays. A receiver who can beat a cornerback off the snap with his strength, then streak down the middle for the first down or stretch the field for a big play. Finally, he can be a running back that picks up the short yards in big situations and can even find the end zone.  De’Anthony Thomas may draw the attention from highlight reels, but Lyerla is an all-around threat on offense.

He is still a work in progress and much more unpolished than Seferian-Jenkins but he is the most dangerous tight end prospect in the 2014 class. His name may not be well known now, but he will become a star this season.