Chris Gallon, TE, Bowling Green: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Every year scouts are looking for that late round sleeper who can make a difference for their team.  Guys like Tom Brady, Antonio Brown, or Richard Sherman who went from draft day nobodies to NFL super stars.  This year will be no different as we await to see who the next great diamond in the rough will be.  Well there are sleepers, then there are deep sleepers, and then there is Bowling Green tight end Chris Gallon.

Height: 6’4

Weight: 245 lbs

Strengths

Gallon started his college career as a wide receiver.  He showed decent speed and had the obvious size that allows him to move to the tight end position.  This gives him the versatility to play on the line or move out to the slot to cause match up problems.

He also retained a lot of his skills from his wide receiver days.  He can run routes, turn up field, catch the ball in traffic, and anything else you’d want in a pass catching tight end.  He brings the tools that could make him a weapon at the next level.

Weaknesses

Gallon wasn’t even the starting tight end on his own team, in fact he wasn’t even the back up.  While he has a skill set, it was only used in certain situations.  This indicates that he will only be a situational pass catcher at the next level.

Gallon isn’t really a great blocker.  He’s not someone you want protecting your franchise quarterback or paving the way in the running game.  His role will likely be limited in the NFL to just a pass catcher.

While there is some speed to work with, it is in no way eye-opening or really even greatly above average.  He struggled to create separation as a tight end.  He did show more speed as a freshman, when playing wide receiver.  Gallon might have to trim down to gain back some of that lost quickness.

In 2013 Gallon tore his ACL.  He worked hard in rehab and was set to come back to the field until he tore the same ACL again during summer workouts in 2014.  Two major injuries to the same ACL is a giant red flag and he will have to clear very detailed medical exams.  However, even if he does clear those exams, he might never gain back the type of speed we saw from him as a freshman, even if he did go down to a lighter playing weight.

Overview

Players with Gallon’s skill set have found a home in the NFL.  Tim Wright, a player with the same type of skill set that Gallon possesses, has racked up 907 yards and 13 touchdowns over three years with the Buccaneers, Patriots, and Lions.  Just like Wright, Gallon will likely find his role in the NFL limited to being a third string tight end and a red zone target at best.

I have major concerns about Gallon’s injury history and I even question if he can physically handle the NFL.  Due to his limited role and extensive ACL injuries I doubt Gallon will be drafted.  Look for a team in need of depth to pick him up as an undrafted free agent.