If you haven’t heard already, the 2016 tight end class isn’t as talented as recent years. That doesn’t mean talent is obsolete from the class as a whole.
You can find diamond in the rough everywhere in the this year’s draft but at the tight end position it may be a tad more difficult. Of course, you guys like Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, and Tyler Higbee leading the group.
After them, there are some who may emerge into the spotlight later in the draft. One player who seems to be undervalued a lot is David Grinnage from NC State.
Player Overview:
Arrowhead Addict
Redshirted Junior.
Career Stats – 67 receptions, 798 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, and 11.9 yards per catch.
Measurables:
Height: 6’5
Weight: 251lbs
Arm Length: 34 1/2″
40-yard dash: 4.9 seconds
Vertical: 29.5″
Broad Jump: 106″
Positives:
Great space blocker than helps out in the run game. Latches on to defenders on second level and towards defensive backs. Utilities his size to his advantage when asked to create space for ball-carrier.
Surprisingly great hands that attacks the ball rather than waiting for its arrival. Isn’t very disturbed by the defenders when making difficult catches.
Plays at a high physical level and gives great effort on majority of snaps.
One of Grinnage’s biggest attributes may be his strong lower body. He doesn’t gets pushed around by linemen and linebackers often and fights through traffic while running routes. Not as athletic as most tight ends in the draft class but climbs the top of his routes well.
He has fluid hips when making changes during routes also.
Weaknesses:
Good route-runner but isn’t able to consistently find open holes getting out of his breaks. Tends to let plays “run it’s course” at times and lets his teammates handle the situation rather than helping himself. He isn’t great after the catch and may never actually become a passing threat in the NFL. Gets off balance a lot which is taken advantage of when defensive backs take their pass reads. In other words, it’s pretty easy to tell when he is and is not getting the ball.
Never really built off his sophomore season, which left much potential on the table. In terms of Football IQ, I don’t think he is a super genius but he is capable of learning a NFL playbook.
Draft Projection:
7th round – UDFA