DRAFT TRACKER 2017
2017
DRAFT TRACKER
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PLAYER
DRAFTED BY
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 1 • Pick 19
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Howard has struggled to live up to hype that has come with his play-making ability while at Alabama, but some scouts put the blame on the staff and scheme. He has elite athletic traits and raw talent, but must add polish to go along with those attributes. Should become substantially more productive as a pro, but the difference between "potential weapon" and "elite tight end" will likely be tied to his desire and overall football character.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 • Pick 29
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Ascending pass catching talent with elite athleticism and enough fight in his run blocking to believe that he can be lined up anywhere on the field at any time. Njoku should annihilate the combine with monster numbers in speed and explosion, but his play on the field shows he's more than a combine warrior. He is still growing into his body and has to add to his play strength, but his playmaking potential and elite traits should make him a first-round pick and a future Pro Bowler.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New York Giants
Round 1 • Pick 23
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Makes up for his lack of size with athletic ability and plus speed for the position. Engram has experience as a safety blanket for Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly and can work all three levels of the field. He will appeal strictly to teams looking for a move tight end who can be deployed as a chess piece in a matchup-based passing attack. Engram's ability to stress defenses could land him on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the draft and a potential starting role early in his career.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Los Angeles Rams
Round 2 • Pick 12
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
It's difficult to find a good comparison for Everett because his size and toughness are similar to Marshall's coming out, but his playing style resembles Delanie Walker at times. Everett has size, speed and tremendous run-after-catch potential, but it is his willingness and ability to block that separates him from other "matchup" tight ends. Route running is below average, but he should improve with NFL coaching. Everett has the talent to become a very good NFL starter with Pro Bowl potential if he puts it all together.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 5 • Pick 1
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
In-line tight end with strong, natural hands and the toughness to make a living in the middle of the field as a chain-moving safety blanket. While he's shown ability to operate as an intermediate target as well, he might lack the athleticism and separation to uncover against NFL safeties and some linebackers in man coverage. Butt must improve greatly as a blocker to reach his potential as a Y tight end. However, his ability as a reliable, productive target should earn him an early starter's nod with a chance to become a solid pro.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Minnesota Vikings
Round 6 • Pick 17
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Hodges still has work to do as a route-runner and his inconsistent hands could be a concern. He can line up inside or outside while his size and ability to work all three levels of the field should be appealing to teams looking for pass catching options. The competitive nature of the NFL could bring out more consistent toughness in him as a blocker. He has the tools to be a long-time starter and touchdown-maker in the league.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Chicago Bears
Round 2 • Pick 13
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Big, fast and athletic, Shaheen will immediately interest teams who are looking for size and traits. He's a poorer blocker than what might be expected for a player with his frame, but he's also a much more dangerous pass catching target. The jump in competition will be substantial and teams will expect him to become a more consistent blocker, but he's a pass catching tight end in a Y-tight end's body. Shaheen has starting potential with an ability to impact a passing game early in his career.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Washington Commanders
Round 5 • Pick 10
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
True "Y" tight end with outstanding length and a frame that can handle more weight. Has the toughness to be an NFL blocker, but might need to add more upper- and lower-body strength before he's ready. He's a big, reliable target in the red zone and underneath against zone, but needs a longer runway to create separation in his routes. Sprinkle isn't great in any one area, but he's good in most and should be a safe pick and quality starter in the league.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New York Jets
Round 5 • Pick 6
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Has elite size for the position, but his motor and effort leave a lot to be desired. Despite his size, might not have the attitude necessary to be an in-line blocker on the NFL level. Tape shows a route-runner who could struggle to uncover against quality man coverage. Leggett has traits and talent, but his production was helped along by Clemson's system. Will need a more ramped-up motor to reach his potential.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'6"
- Weight
- 254 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Auclair gets check marks across the board for size, length and athleticism and it doesn't hurt that he plays with some edge as an in-line blocker. While the step up in competition will be substantial and could require an adjustment period, Auclair has all the tools to become a quality NFL backup with eventual starter traits if he reaches his potential.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 5 • Pick 30
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Tape study is absolutely maddening on Saubert as it roller coasters from eye-popping potential to lapses in concentration and effort as a blocker. Saubert's speed and athleticism will get him open and he should test well at the combine. Teams will have to balance the flashes with the drops and decide how early they want to pull the trigger on a tight end with starter's potential but a low floor.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
San Francisco 49ers
Round 5 • Pick 2
PLAYER ANALYSIS
H-back type who lacks the desired size for in-line blocking but certainly has the technique and willingness to do it. He has good hands and flashes an ability to challenge as a pass catcher on all three levels. Kittle has the athleticism and blocking ability to become an effective move tight end if paired in the right system.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Tennessee Titans
Round 3 • Pick 36
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Athletic tight end with four years of pass-catching production and experience as an in-line blocker. Smith is electric after the catch and has the speed to attack all three levels of the field, but his inconsistent hands could hold him back. Smith's lack of size will likely push him into a "move tight end" role, but he's a more effective blocker in the zone game than many who have been asked to do it on the pro level.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Detroit Lions
Round 4 • Pick 20
PLAYER ANALYSIS
One season of "wow" production, but has NFL size and length. Roberts' tape shows inconsistent effort from a blocking standpoint, but it also shows the strength and ability to handle those chores on the next level. He should be a functional receiver target as well and could come in as a third tight end with the ability to work his way up the ladder.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'5"
- Weight
- 248 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Unexciting statistical production belies his potential as a pass-catcher on the next level. He has the necessary athleticism, uncover, and toughness to work both the first and second levels of the defense. Jarwin needs work in the weight room and as a blocker in order to handle reps as an NFL tight end. He has eventual starter potential and should find a spot on a roster as a rotational tight end with the potential to play in-line and on the move.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 3/8"
- Weight
- 247 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/4"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
- 78 3/4"
Production
73.67
Athleticism
66.38
Total Score
140.05
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Athletic move tight end prospect with natural hands and the quickness to create separation along his routes. He has NFL ball skills to win in competitive catch situations and he will be a challenge for linebackers to cover in space. Hikutini lacks NFL toughness as a blocker which could put a ceiling on his draft value. He will have to prove he can play special teams as he waits for his turn as a pass-catching option.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'5"
- Weight
- 255 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
While there is tape to watch for Barnes, it doesn't take very long to get through most of his targets since his pass-catching production was limited, comparatively speaking. Barnes has the frame, length and athletic ability that teams love to groom. He's very raw and will require patience and extensive work as a blocker and receiver, but there is enough of a ceiling to make him a Day 3 or priority free agent pickup.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3 1/4"
- Weight
- 247 lbs
- Arm
- 34 1/2"
- Hand
- 10 1/4"
- Wing
- 80 7/8"
Production
67.28
Athleticism
86.40
Total Score
153.68
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Converted wide receiver who is definitely a pass catcher rather than a combination tight-end who can handle blocking assignments as well. Daniels' combination of athletic ability and physical traits figures to land him as a third-day draft pick, but he will have to learn to run routes more effectively as a matchup tight end in the NFL or he will find himself stuck on the practice squad for a couple of seasons.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Cincinnati Bengals
Round 7 • Pick 33
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 7/8"
- Weight
- 253 lbs
- Arm
- 33 1/4"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
- 80 3/8"
Production
68.53
Athleticism
55.63
Total Score
124.16
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Blocking tight end whose yards per catch numbers do not represent his vertical ability. Orndoff will struggle to get open, but can make contested catches and function as a play-action threat near the end zone. He does have the size and desire to become an NFL blocker who might improve a rushing attack that is soft on the edge.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3 1/4"
- Weight
- 241 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/8"
- Hand
- 9"
- Wing
- 76 1/2"
Production
56.50
Athleticism
67.91
Total Score
124.41
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Carter is a block-first, move tight end in the Nebraska offense but he lacks the size and ability to sustain at the point of attack to handle in-line blocking duties on the next level. He may not have the hands or route separation to handle pass-catching duties on the next level and he has played sparingly on special teams. To carve out a spot on a roster, Carter will have to prove that he can do one of those things well.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'5 5/8"
- Weight
- 255 lbs
- Arm
- 35 5/8"
- Hand
- 10 3/8"
- Wing
- 84 1/2"
Production
64.95
Athleticism
75.97
Total Score
140.92
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Brown's 2014 leg injury appears to have taken away some of his functional athleticism and separation quickness. Brown has good size, but his poor hands and inconsistencies as a blocker will make it tough for him to stick on a roster unless he gets back to where he was pre-injury.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'5"
- Weight
- 247 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Move tight end with limited pass catching production and a need for more bulk as a blocker. With decent athleticism and a willingness to work at his blocking, McNamara has a chance to make it into camp and catch a team's eye if he can stand out on special teams.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'7"
- Weight
- 254 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
In-line blocking tight end who lacks power at the point of attack to turn defenders out of the hole or sustain long enough for stalemates against quality competition. Jeter won't be a pass catching threat and may not be consistent enough as a blocker to get much of an NFL shot.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 1/4"
- Weight
- 264 lbs
- Arm
- 32 1/2"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
- 76 1/2"
Production
62.67
Athleticism
51.82
Total Score
114.49
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