Chris Herndon, TE, Miami: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Tight ends are at a great premium than ever before. Could the 2018 NFL draft oblige this and is Chris Herndon among the best options?

Position:  TE

School:  Miami (Fl.)

Year:  Senior

Height:  6’4″

Weight:  245 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• Showed an awareness to find the dead spots in coverage but suffered from poor quarterback play, making it difficult to showcase any skills as a pass catcher.
• A willing blocker who exhibits the physical prowess to stonewall pass rushers and also get some movement on the ground when his technique is right.
• Physical runner after the catch. Doesn’t go down willingly, churning his legs and utilizing a stiff arm to pick up extra yardage.

Herndon proves his value in this play. He runs a good route to find some dead space in the defensive coverage and then strong hands to secure the catch. There is also a fearlessness to this as he’s almost certain to know he’ll get hit with three defenders in the area. Instead of shrinking to contact though he immediately runs through a tackle and breaks it for the TD.

• Reliable hands. Consistently makes the catch without bobbling the pass and isn’t known for dropping the ball too much.
• One of those subtle route runners who doesn’t seem to do anything flashy but always is able to create just enough separation when given a little space off the line.
• Never gives up on a play. Even when the ball doesn’t go to him he shows good awareness and effort to throw a downfield block for his teammates.

WEAKNESSES:

• Not overly fast. Doesn’t come off the snap with a ton of acceleration, making it difficult for him to be the primary target in passing situations.
• Never a featured part of the passing game. His production was limited, never cracking the 500-yard barrier and didn’t establish himself as a red zone threat either.
• Blocking fundamentals are poor. His footwork is all over the place and he struggles to properly use his hands, allowing defenders to routinely knock him off balance.
• Somewhat undersized for the position. He doesn’t look overly big on tape both in terms of height and overall bulk. Looks like more of an H-back.
• Unlikely to ever be the feature tight end in an offense. He’s just not athletic enough to threaten NFL defenses in that capacity.

Pro Comparison:  Dion Sims

It’s important to note that Sims is around 30 lbs heavier, so he had a distinct advantage that Herndon doesn’t. The similarities rest in their playing styles. Neither is athletic or fast enough to be the go-to tight end in an offense but they can be a threat who understands how to get themselves open for the occasional productive play. They’re also both decent blockers who can be relied on for the most part to hold their ground against pass rushers.

Projection:  6th Round

He’s not big enough or fast enough. That’s what most teams are going to say about him for most of the draft. That said there is some hidden value in what Herndon brings to the table. He seems like that sort of depth player who never is the primary guy but always seems to deliver two or three meaningful catches a game while fulfilling his role as an extra blocker. If he lands on a team with a creative offensive coordinator, he’ll find a way to contribute.