Senior Bowl: 5 Fringe 1st Rounders Who Can Solidify Their Draft Status

Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State    Height: 6’4    Weight: 260 lbs

2021 Season Stats: (12 games)

90 receptions, 1121 yards, 1 receiving touchdown

Best Performance: (vs South Dakota State)

13 catches, 116 receiving yards

Best Traits: Hands, Blocking, Route Running

-Hands: Hand usage is an essential component to success at the tight end position. McBride has incredibly strong hands when reeling passes in through traffic. He is willing to go up and pluck the ball out of the air, knowing that the play will end with a big hit from the oncoming defender. Furthermore, McBride meets the ball at the catch point and rarely allows it to travel to his body. Reliable hands are vital to gaining trust from the quarterback and he checks that box with flying colors.

-Blocking: As stated, Trey’s hand usage and technique are two of his most redeeming qualities. This holds true with his blocking, as well. McBride is a people mover in the run game. He has a sturdy frame, good core strength, and impeccable balance when inline and even downfield as the play develops. He has prototypical NFL size but could even add more strength to his game as he ages.

-Route Running: I was thoroughly impressed by McBride’s proficiency as a route runner in the intermediate passing game. He is always aware of where the chains are located and possesses great footwork when working the sidelines. He is a mismatch for slot defenders with his quick release and crisp breaks out of routes. McBride ran routes from multiple different positions on the field, which highlights his versatility.

What to Improve: Consistency, Red Zone Production, YAC Ability

-Consistency: Trey McBride did not play against high-level competition, and thus, had difficulty staying locked in with his fundamentals. Oftentimes, he did not have to give consistent footwork in order to get open against lesser talent and this led to some lazy moments on tape. It is pivotal that he focuses on the details and more nuanced parts of the position. Rounding off routes is another thing that he is guilty of when he becomes complacent, which will not work against better defenders.

-YAC Ability: McBride is a good athlete for his size but is not a blazer by any means. He didn’t shake many tackles, electing to barrel through them instead of looking for a bigger gain after the catch. While that was productive for him in college, he is going to need to start looking for more openings. It will be clear he’s not at Colorado State anymore from the moment he arrives in Mobile and witnesses the droves of talent around him.

-Red Zone Production: Admittedly, a lot of the blame for this bullet point goes to the play calling. McBride is such a gifted blocker that they frequently used him to clear lanes rather than sending him out on routes. He scored a touchdown in only 25% of his 40 career games played at the collegiate level. It is odd, because he does well getting open when moving the ball downfield so you know the talent is there. Hopefully he is put in more advantageous positions in the red zone by the coaching staff during Senior Bowl week.

NFL Ceiling: Mark Andrews