Cherry's 2017 Draft Scouting Notebook: Inevitably Quitting After 25 Prospects

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Kermit Whitfield

Wide receiver

Florida State

Senior

Age 23

5'8"

183 pounds

4.40 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very quick feet. Special teams potential. Able to make guys miss in space. Accelerates well once he gets the ball in his hands.

Negatives

Easy to bring down. Not overwhelmingly fast for a smaller guy. Body-catches way too often. Not a guy who can elevate and make plays on high passes. Average hands.

Overview

Solid depth option who brings special teams skills and slot receiver abilities to the table. He's not a game-changing player, but he has the skills to pick up yardage over the middle and make guys miss when he has openings.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him in the middle of the sixth, but he could probably move up or down a round. He has the acceleration that teams would love in the slot, and the agility to be more than a possession receiver. That said, his size and inconsistent hands will cause some teams to overlook him in favor of guys who are more refined in the later rounds.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Josh Reynolds

Wide receiver

Texas A&M

Senior

Age 21

6'4"

194 pounds

4.52 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good blocker. Great size & catch radius. Good hands. Able to compete for catches down the field. Physical in the red-zone.

Negatives

Tends to fail to get separation. Slow off the snap. Below average route-runner. Tends to quit on plays. Inconsistent concentration causes him to occasionally drop passes.

Overview

Good red-zone threat who has the size and athleticism to make plays on jump balls. Not always the greatest at getting open from one-on-one coverage, and can lose concentration on passes at times. A lot to love, but he's never going to be much more than a big-bodied red zone target.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder, and that's right around the range he should go. He isn't fast enough or polished enough to be worth much more than that. He needs to tighten up his routes and work on his footwork. If he does that, he could be worth taking higher.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Damore'ea Stringfellow

Wide receiver

Ole Miss

Junior

Age 22

6'2"

220 pounds

4.58 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good route-running. Solid hands. Has the ability to elevate and make plays on jump balls. Good boundary receiver.

Negatives

Not always able to get separation against faster defensive backs. Tends to slack off at times on routes when the ball isn't coming his way.

Overview

Very smart and physical possession receiver who lacks the speed to burn teams deep. Can be a red-zone threat who can push around defensive backs and get up to make plays. Also has the hands to keep onto the ball through contact.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder, but it would really depend on if teams get scared off based on the slower route-running of Stringfellow. A lot of people are going to draw comparisons to Laquon Treadwell. It's an unfair comparison, but it's going to likely damage his stock.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Cooper Kupp

Wide receiver

Eastern Washington

Senior

Age 23

6'2"

194 pounds

4.54 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hands. Smart route-runner. Good concentration and ability to track deeper passes.

Negatives

Rather slow for a guy who isn't 6'4" 220. Tends to body-catch too much. Takes a lot to start going once he stops. Not great at getting separation. Sluggish footwork.

Overview

Very sluggish possession receiver who understands the game well, but won't be able to compete with defensive backs at the next level. He's a smart player and has great hands, but just doesn't have the physicality or the athleticism to make it big at the next level. Potential depth guy.

Grade

2.4 - Potential Depth Player

Projection

He should go undrafted, and I think he will. That said, a lot of teams are going to love the hands and he could get taken somewhere in day three. Teams should likely cool off on him as the draft rolls closer and more scouts get to see his tape.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Amara Darboh

Wide receiver

Michigan

Senior

Age 22

6'2"

212 pounds

4.46 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good speed down the field. Solid hands. Physical enough in space to bust through arm tackles and do damage with YAC. Good blocker. Athletic enough to elevate and make plays on jump balls. Can keep control of the ball through contact.

Negatives

Below average route-runner, not very refined with his footwork through routes. Has a tendency to go slow through his routes when he isn't going down the field. Gets jammed up at the line of scrimmage by bigger DBs too easily. Fails to get separation too often.

Overview

Well-rounded possession receiver with the physicality to do damage after the catch and stretch the field. Unpolished as a route-runner and takes too many plays off, but has the necessary hands and size to be good at the next level. Likely a #2 option at the next level.

Grade

4.8 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fourth rounder due to concerns with his ability to get separation and his inconsistent route-running. That said, a team might like his hands and his scrappy style of play through contact. He should be a late day two or an early day three pick.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Speedy Noil

Wide receiver

Texas A&M

Junior

Age 21

5'11"

200 pounds

4.36 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very shifty runner. Legitimate 4.3 speed. Special teams potential. Tough blocker. Good hands. Good size for a faster guy. Able to play physical when attacking the football. Has the athleticism to make plays on passes that go high.

Negatives

Route-runner needs touched up. Tends to round off with his footwork rather than cut consistently. Doesn't always consistently get separation.

Overview

Speedy special teams guy who has the ability to come out on occasion and make a catch or two. He lacks the necessary polish to do much at the next level from a receiver standpoint right now, but that could certainly change. He plays with tenacity, and teams are gonna love it.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

He'd be better served staying in school, but if he does declare I have him listed as a sixth rounder. The special teams potential alone is going to make a lot of teams happy with taking him later in day three.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Victor Bolden

Wide receiver

Oregon State

Senior

Age 21

5'9"

172 pounds

4.42 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very quick through cuts. Special teams potential. Has breakaway speed.

Negatives

Inconsistent route-running. Tends to round off on routes at times. Easy to bring down. Smaller frame might not hold up at next level. Inconsistent hands, tends to drop easy passes. Below average blocker.

Overview

Glass cannon special teams guy. He's not worth putting on a 53 solely due to size concerns and lack of versatility as a potential depth receiver, and he's not electric enough to warrant being solely a special teams guy.

Grade

2.2 - Potential depth player

Projection

He should go undrafted. He doesn't have the traits or durability as a receiver to make it at the next level, and rarely do teams burn a late-rounder on a guy who is an average kick returner.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Zay Jones

Wide receiver

East Carolina

Senior

Age 21

6'1"

190 pounds

4.53 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very large catch radius. Good hands. Good spacial awareness. Can catch on the boundary. Decent blocker. Red zone threat. Fights for extra yardage.

Negatives

Awkward and lanky. Doesn't gain separation through route-running or speed. Runs his routes very slow.

Overview

Good possession receiver with the ability to go up and fight for the ball. He's not a great route-runner, and he will have issues with getting separation at the next level, but he has the hands and physical style of play to succeed at the next level. He's not afraid to get dirty and fight for extra yardage.

Grade

4.4 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fifth rounder, and that's about where his value lies. He's going to struggle if teams try to use him as a #1 target, solely because he doesn't have the speed or footwork to consistently get open. That said, he's a good backup option who can fight for contested passes and usually come up the winner. Great hands and a durable game will make a lot of teams jump at the opportunity to get him.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Fred Ross

Wide receiver

Mississippi State

Senior

Age 21

6'2"

207 pounds

4.58 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hands. Quick cutting ability. Tough to bring down. Very physical receiver who can fight through contact for receptions. Can elevate to make plays on jump balls.

Negatives

Inconsistent route-runner. Relatively slow in space. Doesn't get natural separation.

Overview

Very scrappy secondary option who can consistently make catches despite good coverage and play physical after the catch. Not a prime target or a guy who will wow you with highlight plays, but a solid addition to any receiving corps.

Grade

4.8 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him going somewhere in the fourth round. The stacked class at receiver may cause him to fall even further, but I like his well-rounded game. He may not be the most polished but he has the attributes that you can piece together and stick on the field day one at the next level. He's likely an early day three or late day two selection.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Amba Etta-Tawo

Wide receiver

Syracuse

Senior

Age 23

6'1"

204 pounds

4.54 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very large catch radius. Physical despite slender frame. Tough to bring down.

Negatives

Inconsistent hands. Not a well-developed route-runner. Doesn't naturally get separation. Doesn't have much YAC ability. Wastes too much time through his routes.

Overview

Inconsistent player who will likely struggle to get away from NFL caliber defensive backs. He's not a natural route-runner and can't do anything after the catch, even if he makes it.

Grade

2.2 - Potential Depth player

Projection

He should go undrafted, even though there is going to be buzz about him potentially getting drafted due to his college production. I would argue it's more a product of his system, not his actual talent.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Teldrick Morgan

Wide receiver

Maryland

Senior

Age 23

6'0"

195 pounds

4.55 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Physical blocker. Great route-runner. Very quick in open space. Goes through cuts very fluid. Great returner. Good boundary receiver. Uses footwork well.

Negatives

Easy to bring down. Doesn't get great separation. Gets pushed around too easy by bigger defensive backs. Inconsistent hands. Very limited vertical ability. Doesn't have breakaway speed.

Overview

Very limited as a professional receiver, but plays tough and has the ability as a returner to make it for special teams. Could round out a receiving corps as a #5 or #6 receiver who returns punts and kicks.

Grade

3.1 - Potential backup

Projection

He could be a seventh rounder, but most teams aren't gonna spend a pick on a guy with limited upside as a total package. He's most likely going undrafted, but he certainly has draftable traits.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Marcell Ateman

Wide receiver

Oklahoma State

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

215 pounds

4.57 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great hands. Can elevate to make plays on jump balls. Handles contact well, and fights through it to make plays. Great at boxing out defenders. Huge red-zone threat. Good footwork. Has the spacial awareness and body control to make plays on the sideline. Physical blocker.

Negatives

Slow route-runner. Doesn't get separation well.

Overview

Big-bodied receiver with great hands and a physical style of play that is way too slow to get open. He's underwhelming as a route-runner at the moment. That said, he's one of the best big receivers in this class and certainly deserves to get drafted.

Grade

5.3 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

Even though he is slow to get open, he has the traits you want in a big-bodied #1 target. Teams are gonna fall in love with a big guy who can catch and make plays through contact. I have him pegged as a third rounder if he declares, but the lack of production and injury history will probably scare teams. He missed all of 2016 with a broken foot, so it draws his durability into question. I'd expect him to go somewhere early day three.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

David Njoku

Tight End

Miami

Sophomore

Age 20

6'4"

240 pounds

4.64 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid hands. Incredible athlete. Can go up for jump balls and beat almost any DB with his size and catch radius. Tough to bring down. Very fast for a tight end. Can usually outrun linebackers and out-muscle defensive backs. Great concentration with pass-catching, particularly when he's in physical coverage. Has the ability to play out wide. Great coordination as a pass-catcher. Can maneuver his body well to find space and get in position to make a play on the ball. Tends to tap feet and get feet inside well when he's on the boundary.

Negatives

Mediocre blocker. Not as versatile as you'd like from the position, does most of his work as a receiver rather than a combo blocker/receiver. Inconsistent hand placement and coordination as a blocker. Tends to waver side-to-side on blocks, rather than getting up under the pads and locking defenders up.

Overview

Great pass-catching tight end who has the ability to do damage both on the inside or on the outside. A consistent mismatch regardless of coverage due to pure athleticism and size. Very difficult to take down once he gets into the open unless you pick of a head of steam to hit him or go for ankles. Initially I made the comparison to a young Vernon Davis due to his athleticism, but he's not exactly on that level. He might be better compared to a Jimmy Graham type.

Grade

6.4 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him as an early second rounder right now, but he could rise into the first round. I don't think a team would be willing to burn a first-rounder on a guy who has so many questions as a pass-blocker and is primarily just a receiver, but he's certainly a phenomenal mismatch. His value lies somewhere in that same area where Hunter Henry was drafted last year.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

O.J. Howard

Tight End

Alabama

Senior

Age 22

6'6"

242 pounds

4.57 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly physical player. Great blocker. Tough to take down. Very scrappy when getting contact. Can pinball off of guys with ease. Solid hands. Has the athleticism as a receiver to do damage downfield. Great red-zone threat. Can go up for jump balls. Versatile. Has the size and athletic ability to play outside, but does most of his best work on the inside. Can substitute as a FB.

Negatives

Somewhat awkward in terms of foot placement. Not always the most aware player, and isn't a boundary receiver by any means.

Overview

Incredible athlete who is tough to stop in space. Runs top-heavy and pinballs off of defenders. Great hands for a tight end. Can elevate and make plays on jump balls down the seam and in the red zone. Versatile enough to be used as a blocking back. Great at driving defenders back off blocks. It is a bit difficult to analyze Howard though largely due to how Alabama utilizes him.

Grade

7.0 - Perennial Pro Bowler, Potential All-Pro

Projection

He's a first rounder, and that's almost a lock. He's one of the most well-rounded tight ends to come out in a while, and has the versatility to be used all over the field. I doubt he survives the first round in a league where the model tight end is Rob Gronkowski. He's a poor version of that, and if he develops properly he could take that role.

Edited December 27, 2016 by Chernobyl426

[FartWaffles 1,857]

Would you mind doing Wyoming QB Josh Allen. A friend of mine threw his name out, and I'd never even heard of him. Watched some tape and it actually looked pretty good.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Brian Hill

Running back

Wyoming

Junior

Age 21

6'0"

219 pounds

4.57 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Decent vision on inside runs. Can pinball off of tacklers on the inside. Typically safe with the ball. Very aware as a runner, and finds his way into space. Solid pass blocker.

Negatives

Tends to go down on the outside too easily. Not a powerful runner. Inconsistent acceleration, and struggles to burst into the open. Mediocre receiver. Seems incredibly sluggish in space and rarely rips off longer plays. Typically just falls down for a couple yards and never does much to change the field position.

Overview

Solid depth guy who has the NFL frame, but not the NFL athleticism. Very slow guy who is more of a threat in short yardage situations than consistent down-to-down play. Good blocker who can be out there on passing downs as a protection guy, but not a receiver.

Grade

3.4 - Potential backup

Projection

He should go undrafted, and that's what I'd mostly expect. He lacks the speed and change of direction you want, and because of that he's gonna fall a bit. If a team falls in love they might take him way deep into the third day of the draft.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Josh Allen

Quarterback

Wyoming

Sophomore

Age 20

6'5"

230 pounds

4.74 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great pocket awareness, has the ability to slide around and avoid defenders. Great velocity on passes. Can hit incredibly small windows when he has time to set up and deliver. Smart scrambler. Keeps eyes down the field rather than focusing on running when his options aren't immediately open.

Negatives

To often fails to set his feet and because of it a lot of easy passes aren't on the money. Slightly awkward mechanics, tends to low-arm passes and because of it the ball doesn't come out accurate and at a proper release point. Doesn't go through his reads. Tends to lock down on one receiver and never look at other options.

Overview

Great project who has the traits in the pocket and with his mental processing that can be developed well. That said, I don't buy the hype yet. His release point is way too low and causes so many poor plays that could have been great. The reads aren't fully there yet either. He's a smart pocket passer who can maneuver in the pocket and scramble, but the total package is not complete.

Grade

4.0 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder, and that's probably where he will go if he declares. I'm not buying the total package yet, and I don't think NFL teams will either. He has the look of a project that rides the bench for a few years before stepping into the limelight. High ceiling. Depth player floor.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jake Butt

Tight End

Michigan

Senior

Age 21

6'5"

250 pounds

4.74 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great hands. Has the ability to play outside. Solid route-runner. Good footwork. Very good concentration when fighting for the ball in traffic. Can go up for jump balls. Red-zone threat. Decent blocker. NFL frame.

Negatives

Not a phenomenal athlete. Doesn't drive guys when blocking on the run. Not always the best at getting leverage when playing on the line and blocking. Not a deep threat like Njoku or Howard. Tends to struggle when asked to work beyond 20 yards down the field. Inconsistent hand placement as a pass blocker. Not a huge match-up issue for more athletic linebackers. Struggles to get separation at times.

Overview

Great possession guy who has the technique as a receiver in terms of route-running and pass-catching to play at the next level, but not a phenomenal athlete. He needs touched up as a blocker as well, and seems to lack the ability to slide and defend faster edge-rushers. Overall he's a high floor low-ceiling player who can be plugged in day one and do okay.

Grade

5.1 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as an early day three guy. The value of his position isn't as high, and having that low of a ceiling is going to a do a lot of damage to his stock. He's certainly worth a high day three pick or maybe even a late day two, but guys like Njoku and Howard are so athletically gifted it's tough to say he's in that top tier.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Gerald Everett

Tight End

South Alabama

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

240 pounds

4.67 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hands. Great athlete. Incredibly tough to pin down as a route-runner. Can go up and fight for jump balls in the red-zone. Great body control. Good concentration when the ball is in the air, and rarely drops passes. Tough to bring down when he's in space due to the balance he has. Good footwork in space.

Negatives

Average blocker. Usually can't work as effectively from the inside. Fails to get underneath leverage when blocking both for the pass and run.

Overview

Great option to put out wide or use strictly as a receiving TE. He would get absolutely mauled by NFL-caliber pass-rushers so his use as a blocker needs to be limited. That said, he's a very high-end receiver at the position and does a great job using his physicality and great hands to win fights with defenders. He's incredibly tough to beat in a matchup sense.

Grade

5.6 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a third rounder at the moment. He's not a special enough receiver to warrant a higher grade like Njoku, and he's not a good enough blocker to be in the same tier as a dual-threat guy like Howard. He's essentially in the same boat as Jake Butt, although he might be a slightly better receiver and a slightly worse blocker. He should be in that second run on tight ends once you reach day two talent guys.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jeremy Sprinkle

Tight End

Arkansas

Senior

Age 22

6'6"

240 pounds

4.76 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Phenomenal blocker. Great understanding of when to chip and move off on blocks. NFL frame, very bulky guy for the position. Drives through on run blocks, one of the few TEs who can really impose their will on opposition. Great side-to-side movement when blocking. Incredibly physical player. Tough to bring down in space. Good hands when he has the opportunity to go out and catch. Can use his size to box out defenders and make plays in the red-zone.

Negatives

Not versatile. Can't be sent out wide. Struggles to get separation at times due to lack of speed and footwork with his route-running. Very easy to cover unless he is going up for a pass due to speed. Not a real weapon down the field.

Overview

Very technically sound blocking tight end with a lot to love in terms of physique and strength. He has the ability to catch and be a security blanket for his quarterback, but not going to be a consistent threat. Throwback type of player who loves to get dirty and fight in the trenches.

Grade

5.5 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him going somewhere in the third round, and that's the perfect spot for him to end up. In terms of athletic ability and upside he's a day three pick, but the technique and pro-readiness easily shoots him into day two. Punch the ticket on being picked somewhere in the third round.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dallas Goedert

Tight End

South Dakota State

Junior

Age 20

6'3"

250 pounds

4.76 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hands. Great concentration through the catch. Has the ability to go up and make plays on jump balls. Red-zone threat who can box out defenders. Can be sent out wide and work from the inside. Very quick feet going through his routes. Very good athlete for the position, not necessarily powerful but very agile.

Negatives

Not a particularly great blocker. Has a tendency to lose angles on his blocks and let defenders slip around the side. Tends to overrun defenders in his run blocking, and lose his assignments.

Overview

Good pass-catching option who has the athleticism to make it at the next level and do damage from both the inside and outside. Consistent hands and footwork. Not a very technical or powerful blocker. Tends to lose most hand-fighting and would be better off being use more as a receiving option.

Grade

5.1 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed at the top of the fourth round right now, and that's probably the area he should be going. He's not a particularly impressive player in any area, but he has the overall package to be a starter at the next level with his route-running and hands. Maybe he squeaks into day two, but he's more likely a day three guy.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Bucky Hodges

Tight End

Virginia Tech

Junior

Age 21

6'6"

245 pounds

4.78 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

NFL size. Physical player down the field. Can get separation based on his height and catch radius alone. Good concentration when the ball is in the air. Tracks deep passes very well, and can adjust accordingly. Great balance and coordination to make plays on contested passes.

Negatives

Terrible blocker in both the passing and running game. Can't move laterally properly and slide to counter pass-rushers. Not a particularly fast route-runner. Struggles to get off of man coverage against defensive backs way too often. Questionable motor when he isn't asked to go run routes.

Overview

Pass-catching TE who plays relatively one-dimensional. Incredibly limited as a blocker and should not be used as anything but an outside weapon or a mismatch over the middle. Great size and decent hands but a lot of negatives when it comes to his motor and athleticism beyond his catch radius & height.

Grade

4.1 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder, and I'm completely content with that. He's a limited player due to his lack of blocking and inability to get separation. I still think he will hang around in the league for a little bit. If he touches up his blocking and works on his footwork he could definitely transform his game into something much more threatening. Day three pick with the upside of a day two guy.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Ikaika Woolsey

Quarterback

Hawaii

Senior

Age 23

6'1"

215 pounds

4.79 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Goes through his reads at an NFL level. Very good arm, can stretch the field and do damage over the top. Good pocket presence, has the ability to move around when pressure comes. Good velocity and spiral on his passes, short passes usually hit their target. Knows when to scramble and uses it effectively.

Negatives

Inconsistent ball placement, particularly on deep routes. Constant misunderstandings with receivers on where they're going to be. Inconsistent accuracy when throwing on the run. Mechanics are inconsistent at times, doesn't always step through on his deep passes.

Overview

Solid pro-ready quarterback who has the ability to come in and do solid in an NFL offense from day one, but will likely not blow anyone's mind with his performance. The ability to go through his reads and find an open receiver is key at the next level though. He has too many flaws to be taken really high, but he has good traits that can be molded into a long-term backup or spot starter.

Grade

4.4 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fifth rounder, and he should go somewhere in that middle of day three range. If not the fifth, the sixth. His scrambling ability and smarts in the pocket are going to bring him up draft boards a lot from where he currently sits as a UDFA. He has the tools, just needs molded.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Zach Terrell

Quarterback

Western Michigan

Senior

Age 23

6'1"

204 pounds

4.89 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very good velocity on his passes. Beautiful mechanics, follows through properly and torques his body to generate the best throw possible. Good pocket presence, has the ability to scramble and do it well. Goes through his reads at an NFL level, and usually finds the open man before he gets hit or pressured hard.

Negatives

At times overthrows his targets. Seems to lose his timing with his receivers too often, and it causes him to throw too far ahead or too far behind. Inconsistent deep ball placement.

Overview

Solid arm strength and great mechanics look nice on his resume, but he struggles too much with the mental portion of the game. He misjudges his receivers, loses his timing, and has a tendency to overthrow easy underneath passes. The physical tools are there, but his game needs refined if he is going to be successful at the next level.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder, so I'd expect him to go somewhere later in day three. At best he's scraping the compensatory picks in round five. At worst he's on the line of going undrafted entirely. It all depends on if teams believe they can fix his game from a mental standpoint and build him into a pro-style passer.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Evan Engram

Tight End

Ole Miss

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

227

4.64 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hands. Good footwork in his route-running and is fast enough to get separation. Able to find space in defenses when the play is extended, and can act as a safety net for his quarterback. Has the ability to go up and make plays on jump balls. Very long strider.

Negatives

Inconsistent blocker and unable to effectively take on pass-rushers without help. Not a particularly physical player, and doesn't use his size to push around defensive backs effectively. Relatively easy to take down.

Overview

Great pass-catching tight end who has the ability to go up and make plays on jump balls. Very long strider who has a great catch radius. He has good footwork and can get separation naturally. He's not the greatest blocker and has lapses in his ability from the inside, but can occasionally pick up outside blocks.

Grade

5.7 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him at the beginning of the third round. I feel like he's gonna end up going somewhere within day two, even if it ends up being a little bit later in the day. Teams are going to fall in love with his route-running, speed, and hands. He's worth being taken somewhere in those first two days.