Every quarterback loves to have a big body as a security blanket over the middle. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 253 pounds, Eric Saubert is just that…
Eric Saubert is the definition of a boom-or-bust prospect. He has the athletic gifts and the measurables to rival any other tight end in this draft.
However, the fact that he spent his college days outside of the FBS will have teams concerned with his effectiveness against better competition. Also, his skills as a receiver are frequently questioned.
Measurables
Height: 6’5”
Arm Length: 33 1/2”
Weight: 253 lbs
Hands: 10 3/8″
Strengths
He’s pretty quick for someone so large. Saubert can separate himself down the field from linebackers who are assigned to him. He’s lethal after the catch.
He makes great use of his long arms and big hands. In the red zone, he hauled in seventeen scores over his last two seasons at Drake. Saubert also has the ability to make acrobatic catches every once in awhile.
Saubert has the ability to line up in various spots on the line. He can be used on the line as a blocker, a step back from the line as an eligible receiver and out wide. The Drake product also has a knack for screens, something most tight ends cannot say.
He’s a very good pass-blocker. His long arms and huge hands help him seal the edge against the athletic defensive ends in today’s game.
Weaknesses
His route-running skills could use some refinement. Linebackers can bump him off routes easily because he doesn’t have enough bend in his knees. As a result, he isn’t a sharp cutter when he changes direction.
As seen in the above video, Saubert doesn’t get his hands up quickly enough. He is slow getting his head around and misses some short passes that are easily catchable.
On top of that, his hands are below average even if he gets his hands up. He gets himself open but all to often, he fails to complete catches. Obviously, his athletic ability and physical traits will be worthless if he can’t improve his catching ability.
Final Thoughts
While the Drake product has athletic ability and physical traits that leave scouts drooling, his inability to find the ball quickly and his lackluster hands turn them away just as fast. Coaching and sticky gloves can help, but hand-eye coordination isn’t acquired overnight.
Also, this is one of the deepest tight end classes in recent memory. Physical gifts alone don’t guarantee success in the NFL although efficient in college. Expect Saubert to go in one of the final two rounds of the draft.