Tight end Luke Farrell is the next player to get evaluated on the march to the NFL draft. Farrell became a bigger weapon for Ohio State as the season wore on, helping his draft status a little along the way. Jeremy Ruckert was seen as the higher prospect had he entered the draft, but Farrell should not be overlooked.
Farrell is a tight end who offers a more traditional in-line style tight end with the ability to flex out if needed. He doesn’t have the speed of the more modern style tight end but is the sure-handed, tough yardage player we have seen over the years. He is probably best suited for a TE2 position at the next level with a ceiling that could reach a TE1 in a more traditional style offense.
Next … The Pros of Luke Farrell
Next … The positives of drafting Luke Farrell
2021 @ShrineBowl Selection
Tight End, Luke Farrell, Ohio State@OhioStateFB / @LukeFarrell89 @Ourlads_Shonka
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— 🇺🇸American Football Stories Podcast🏈 (@AmericanFBStory) January 22, 2021
Farrell is a solid tight end who fits the role of a blocking tight end at the next level who can be relied upon in the passing game. He pulls well to seal the edge for running backs, can set the edge enough in the screen game, and can be moved around to offer a solid chip on a blitz.
As a receiver, he offers a good catch radius and sure hands in the passing game and does well to pick up the tough, inside yardage. He runs decent routes, but at times will round a route off at the top. He uses his body well to shield defenders and does well to adjust to the pass. He will work his way back to the quarterback if the quarterback has to get outside the pocket.
NEXT … The Cons to Luke Farrell
The Cons to drafting Luke Farrell
TE Luke Farrell working with Duke Manyweather…the OL guru. Interesting.
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) January 24, 2021
While Farrell can offer something in the passing game and has the ability to flex outside, he is not the deep threat that some of today’s tight ends display. He is a good option in short-yardage or red zone play but doesn’t offer a ton in the way of big plays. Against man coverage, I am not sure how much separation he will be able to generate himself. He does find pockets in the zone and sits down in them well.
As a blocker Farrell is good, but sometimes will get a little off-balance if a defender gets under his arms. He showed times of being pushed off his point of attack and should not be asked to hold blocks for long periods. He will need to work on some of the hand mechanics in blocking to mitigate this.
At the next level, Farrell should be a very good TE2 with an outside ability to be a traditional TE1. He could get drafted anywhere from the bottom of the sixth round to a priority undrafted free agent. Farrell’s ceiling is low, but he is a consistent and solid role player for any team looking for depth.
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