NFL Football Now

2011 NFL Draft Tight Ends

April 14, 2011 at 11:12 am Leave a comment

The thinest of all positions in the NFL Draft is the TE.  While there is not much established talent, there are a few players worth taking a closer look at.

• Kyle Rudolph (Notre Dame): The clear top prospect in the class measures at 6’6 and ran a 4.78 forty yard dash. Next in line as a ND TE in the NFL, who has unfortunately disappointed.  The former high school All-American declared after his junior season which saw him miss the final seven games with a torn hamstring.  His ability to stretch the field his him a shot to go in the first, but likely early second round pick.
• D.J. Williams (Arkanasas): Because of his size (6’2 245) projects as an H-Back.  Excellent hands and good initial quickness make him reliable short yardage target. Rob Rang compares Williams to Dustin Keller.
• Luke Stocker (Tennessee): Strong and agile TE, had strong junior and senior seasons for the Vols.  6’5 248, reminds me of Kevin Boss. Best 40 was 4.71.  Should be a middle round pick.
• Virgil Green (Nevada): Performed the best of any TE at the NFL Combine. Could be a TE or H-Back, not a polished blocker. Excellent downfield receiver with reliable hands and good acceleration.
• Jordan Cameron (USC): Former Bball has been rising up draft boards with stellar workouts. One played TE one year but has rare athleticism at 6’5 220.
• Lance Kendricks (Wisconsin): First team All Big-Ten and Mackey finalist.  Moves and catches like a WR, even ran a few reverses. Improved his 40 at his pro day running 4.50 after a 4.65 at the combine. Going to be the fourth Wisconsin TE drafted in a row. Listed at 6’3 245, he seems like former teammate Travis Beckum.
• Weslye Saunders (South Carolina): Didn’t play last season because he lied to the NCAA about two trips he took with Marvin Austin involving agents [red flag, green flag].  Even though he didn’t play this season, he just had a pin inserted in his foot to repair a fracture (6-8 weeks). However, he is 6’5 272 and one the field one of the best receivers in the class. Father has a football pedigree. If he doesn’t get into trouble, will be a major player. Truly a BOOM or Bust prospect, a matchup nightmare.
• Rob Houseler (Florida Atlantic): Height, hands, and speed make this wr/te hybrid an intriguing prospect, who can stretch the field.
• Andre Smith (Virginia Tech): Great blocker with upside as receiver.

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