Our friends over at Draft Wire have released individual scouting reports of some of this year’s top prospects, including six tight ends that the Atlanta Falcons may have interest in drafting with Austin Hooper potentially on his way out.
Let’s go through all six tight end profiles and see what Draft Wire had to say.
Thaddeus Moss — LSU
Size: 6-foot-2, 250 lbs
“Great blocker on the edge, running backs will love running behind Moss. Some of the best hands in the class, he is as sure handed as they come. Get the ball near his frame and Moss likely comes down with the ball. Rarely will he require double-catches to bring the ball in. When dealing with smaller defenders, will box them out with his wide frame to seal off defenders to prevent passes defended.”
“Not a well defined route runner, a bit of a shock since he is the son of the one of the two best wide receivers of all-time. Needs to become more refined as a route runner since Moss won’t win matchups with his limited athleticism.”
Highlights:
Cole Kmet — Notre Dame
Size: 6-foot-6, 262 lbs
“One of the best aspects of his game is that Kmet can create separation at the second level. While he can bring down contested throws, he provides his passer a good target. A linebacker will have trouble keeping up with Kmet, and they will struggle with his physicality at times. Very much a bowling ball as he will crash into defenders when running after the catch.”
“Pass blocking is suspect at best. Not where he will win early on in his career, will need a lot of work on technique. As well as understanding of where he needs to get in his block fits. He will need on getting stronger and holding his blocks in the pass game. However, Kmet needs to be running routes on passing downs instead of staying in to protect his quarterback.”
Highlights:
Brycen Hopkins — Purdue
Size: 6-foot-4, 245 lbs
“Hopkins has plenty of experience lined up in the slot, and his combination of size and speed makes him a difficult player for opposing defenses to contain in man coverage. His ball skills are impressive: he excels at adjusting to the ball and high pointing passes in contested situations. The son of former All-Pro offensive lineman Brad Hopkins, the Purdue star has professional football in his blood, too.”
“For all the upside that Hopkins brings as a pass-catcher, he still needs to get better as a blocker. His pad level could use some work, as he isn’t great at sinking his hips into contact and staying low when engaged with a defender. His grip strength is decent at best, and he doesn’t have the nastiest of edges as a run blocker.”
Highlights:
Adam Trautman — Dayton
Size: 6-foot-5, 255 lbs
“Where he wins best will be up the seam of a defense and in the red zone. Not a guy who you have to lineup as an inline target, has flexibility to move around. At Dayton, Trautman lined up in the backfield, on the line and split out wide. Great matchup chess piece for any offensive coach.”
“In terms of being raw, Trautman will need to be refined as a route runner as well. It is a relative unknown on how he will respond to press coverage as his tape showed a lot of free releases, so how does he react when he is impeded by coverage?”
Highlights:
Harrison Bryant — Florida Atlantic
Size: 6-foot-5, 243 lbs
“Looks more like a big wide receiver when running routes. Can attack up the seam or at the second and third level of a defense. He will do a good job of getting behind linebackers and will sit down in a vacated zone. Shows good burst coming out of breaks.”
“For someone whose game is based on athleticism, his short area quickness is average at best. As evident with his 7.41 three-cone performance at the NFL Combine. Finished 11th among tight ends who participated. Will have to win on technique over god-given ability.”
Highlights:
Hunter Bryant — Washington
Size: 6-foot-2, 248 lbs
“Once Bryant gets the ball in his hands, defenders beware. One of his best qualities is the ability to get yards after the catch. His 4.74 speed will be on full display. His burst off the line and coming in and out of breaks gives him ample opportunity to create space needed for long runs after the catch. Two of his three touchdowns came on receptions of 20+ yards.”
“Given his size, you would expect him to be more physical. Working with strength coaches and a position coach will be crucial. Despite instances of brilliance with contested catches, Bryant needs to be more consistent. His production could be a concern, but he has shown that he can be a viable target up the seams.”
Highlights:
