Possible TEs for the Jets (if they draft one)

I have a little extra time on my hands, so thought it might be helpful and of interest to create a series of threads on different positions that are needs for the Jets. The first was on RBs, and the second on OLB/Edge Rushers. This is the third. An additional thread on CBs will follow, time permitting. I'll include where they are ranked by several different web sites, links to draft profiles where I can find them, and will include comments from these profiles about their strengths and weakness that I think are relevant to the Jets. I invite your feedback regarding these players, any TEs I might omit that you like, and a poll that will of course have a limited number of options, but will include space for "other" and "Do not draft a TE." I listed the top TEs and then some others are ones that I have seen mentioned most often here.

NFL.com Ranking: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/track...t-tabs:dt-by-position/dt-by-position-input:te

CBS Draft Scout Ranking: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2017/TE

Draftwire/USA Today: http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/02/11/2017-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-tight-end/

Drafttek: http://www.drafttek.com/2017-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Rankings/Top-College-Tight-Ends-2017-Draft.asp

I don't have access to ESPN Insider, but if anyone does, would love to add their rankings.

These are listed in the order that NFL.com has them rated, as after Howard and Njoku, the 4 sites had them listed in different rankings.

Rounds 1-2

1. O.J. Howard: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/o.j.-howard?id=2557856
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2061190/oj-howard

NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.51

STRENGTHS
Exceptionally gifted athlete. Has long arms and massive hands for his position. Tremendous acceleration into his routes. Has tools to torment defenses on second and third level. Play speed resembles a wide receiver's when the ball is in the air. Linebackers have no shot against him in space. Can turn a short throw into a long gain. Light on his feet and smooth out of his breaks. Easy separator who creates instant throwing windows when he hits the gas. Natural pass catcher who plucks it away from his body. Can adjust to poorly thrown balls and secure contested catches. Shows no lack of toughness over the middle. Can be lined up all over the field. Monster championship game in 2015 season revealed true potential. Has elite ceiling as playmaker. Lands his hands inside the frame as a blocker. Operates with wide base and attempts to snap hips into his block.

WEAKNESSES
Will need more muscle and mass to be an in-line blocker as a pro. Appears passive. Doesn't have the field demeanor of most Alabama players. Needs better hand strength to sustain his blocks. Can do better job of working feet into position after contact. Needs urgency in his routes to tilt defenders and get them guessing. Needs to show more elusiveness after the catch. Saw playing time diminish from junior to senior season. Explosive talent who doesn't make enough explosive plays. Scheme creates some wide-open deep-ball catches at time. Scouts question his competitive nature.

SOURCES TELL US
"Alabama recruited a shiny toy but (Lane) Kiffin never really knew what to do with it. I don't worry about the talent at all. He could be an all-pro. I just need to know if he loves football." -- NFC general manager

NFL COMPARISON
Julius Thomas

BOTTOM LINE
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.


2. David Njoku: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/david-njoku?id=2557986
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2136474/david-njoku

NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.35

The former high school receiver and national boys high jump champion only started nine games in his two years on the field with the Hurricanes, but was a regular option in the passing game. He caught 21 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown as a redshirt sophomore, leading the team by averaging 17.2 yards per reception. In 2016, Njoku didn't win all-conference honors because the ACC was stacked at the position, but he was a major threat in the red zone (43-698, eight TDs).

STRENGTHS
Great muscular definition with long arms and room for 10 more pounds. Elite athlete and seam buster deluxe. Can stick a foot in the ground and break in either direction at a 90-degree angle in shorter routes. Tremendous acceleration out of breaks to separate and widen the window for quarterbacks. Opens the throttle in open field. When he catches it on the move, the YAC yards can become an avalanche. Was 7 foot high-jumper in high school and can go up and over most everyone he faces. Hand quickness to get a last second push-off and still get hands up to secure catch. Finds soft spots against zones. Plays outside, from the slot and in-line. Willing to compete as a blocker. Can push defensive backs around from slot. Gets early arm extension into defender and looks to create some turn. Shows lateral blocking ability for zone scheme.

WEAKNESSES
Inexperienced at the position and still a work in progress. Needs to add to his play strength to handle in-line blocking as a pro. Don't skip leg days, bro. Struggled badly to stay in front of Pitt powerhouse Ejuan Price. Hands too high and wide at point of attack. Inconsistent hands over two years at Miami. Focus drops were a problem. Had eight drops over last two seasons for drop rate over 11 percent. Speed allows him to uncover on downfield routes and hasn't had to learn nuances of setting up defenders with route work. Needs to get head around and find ball quicker when working over top of linebacker.

NFL COMPARISON
Greg Olsen

BOTTOM LINE
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.


3. Evan Engram: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/evan-engram?id=2557858
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2079887/evan-engram

NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.03

The nation's most prolific tight end won first-team All-SEC and All-American accolades by catching a team-high 65 balls for 926 yards and eight scores. The two-time team captain was productive throughout his career, starting with a great freshman season (21-268, three TD) in spite of missing a month of the regular season with an ankle injury. In 2014, Engram was a first-team all-conference pick after leading the nation's tight ends with a 17.4 yards per catch average (38-662, two TD). That average dropped the following year, but league coaches still voted him second-team All-SEC (38-464, two TD).

STRENGTHS
Good explosion over the first 5 yards of his route. Plus athletic ability with easy-opening hips. Nimble feet with quick, controlled strides into and out of his breaks. Accelerates out of his breaks to uncover from defenders for quarterback. Will have to be guarded by defensive backs. Opens quickly to find the ball. Successful working all three levels at Ole Miss. Has true vertical speed to attack the seams. Competitive, athletic runner after the catch. Springy leaper. Jumped out of the gym to snare a touchdown over the head of a Georgia defender. Able to pluck balls low, high, and behind him.

WEAKNESSES
Needs to learn when and where to sit down in the middle of the field. Must learn to do a better job of working back to the ball. Doesn't post up defenders effectively. Allows defender to work through him and disrupt the catch. Has had issues with drops and contested catches could be an issue. Allows throws to beat him up at times. Needs to do better job of selling a two-way go to the top of his routes rather than giving route direction away. Move tight end only who lacks dependability as a blocker.

NFL COMPARISON
Jordan Reed

BOTTOM LINE
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.

 

Rounds 2-3

4. Gerald Everett: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/gerald-everett?id=2557889
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2142692/gerald-everett

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.91

Everett played just one year of high school football while starting on the hardcourt, then went to Hutchinson Community College to hone his skills so major programs would find his talent. He showed talent in his only year at Alabama-Birmingham (17-292, 1 TD) but was forced to transfer after the school cut the program. South Alabama was glad to have him, as he earned first-team All-Sun Belt notice in 2015 (41-575, eight TD) and 2016 (49-717, four TD).

STRENGTHS
Slick athlete with leftover wide receiver traits. Easy acceleration into routes and can blow by safeties who sit down looking for a route break for too long. Good acceleration off of plant foot in route breaks. Can create immediate separation. Carries play speed throughout routes. Cover linebackers are usually in for a rough day vs. Everett, who eats in the middle of the field and shows no fear. Maximizes arm length for wide catch radius. Hands look fairly natural as pass catcher. Adds to totals with yards after catch. Runs physically and with excellent balance. Rips his legs through arm-tackle attempts. Instinctive runner who sets up blocks on bubble screens. Alters stride length to elude diving tackle attempts. Able to work all three levels of the field. Blocks with anger and is prone to longer engagements than most blockers on perimeter. Put on a show, including game-winning touchdown, in upset of Mississippi State on the road.

WEAKNESSES
Route running doesn't appear to be high on his priority list. Routes are rounded, dull and lack urgency. Leans into most of his breaks. Talented cover safeties can jump his routes. Drifts on square-ins, allowing deep safeties a door into the play. Needs work on double moves. Could have issues playing through route redirection off line of scrimmage. Shows deceleration when locating ball on deep throws. Hands are small. Too many one-handed stab attempts on throws outside his frame limit ability to make the "wow" catches. Touchdown production lower than expected.

SOURCES TELL US
"He's got all the tools. He could end up being one of the top pass catching tight ends in the league. There is question about whether he can handle a full playbook, but I think that is overblown. Cut him loose and let him make a bunch of plays." -- AFC area scout

NFL COMPARISON
Quincy Enunwa

BOTTOM LINE
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.


5. Adam Shaheen: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/adam-shaheen?id=2558144

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.83

Talk about a Cinderella story. Shaheen was an all-conference pick in basketball and football in Galena, Ohio, and signed with Division II Pittsburgh-Johnstown to play hoops (5.5 pts, 3.1 reb per game in 2013-2014). He then transferred to Ashland to play football, which turned out to be the right move. Shaheen caught two passes for 85 yards as the team's No. 3 tight end in 2014. He then took over the starting job the next year, catching 70 passes (for 803 yards and 10 TDs), a Division II record for tight ends. The two-time AFCA All-American and first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference pick had another great year in 2016, setting a school record with 16 touchdowns among his 57 receptions for 867 yards.

STRENGTHS
Enormous frame for a tight end. Powerfully built, well-proportioned frame. Accomplished high school hooper who brings the same footwork to the field. Has good sink into breaks and can make sharp cuts coming out. Has foot quickness for clever stutter-and-go double moves to uncover against linebackers. Above average speed and acceleration for his size. Creates leverage points against man coverage before breaking his routes off and pulling away. Moved all over the field. Was isolated for fade routes near endzone. Plus hand-eye coordination and shows ability to alter body positioning to improve catch-odds while ball-tracking.Trusted in pass protection. Sees twists and blitzes and responds to them. Needs work as run blocker but has desired frame of a Y-tight end.

WEAKNESSES
Physically overwhelmed a lower level of competition. Upper body is stiff and mechanical in his routes. Hasn't learned how to utilize hands to free himself against press. Gets jammed up in his release and can be knocked off the timing of his patterns. Will need to learn to adjust in space in order to maneuver past traffic. In need of his fair share of technique work as a run blocker. Ducks head into initial contact. Finds himself lunging and chasing when asked to climb to second level.

SOURCES TELL US
"I watched him for two games and turned the tape off because I want to see him live in Indy before I develop any more of an opinion of him. I saw some things that has me very excited." - AFC pro personnel director

NFL COMPARISON
Vance McDonald

BOTTOM LINE
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.


6. Bucky Hodges: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/bucky-hodges?id=2558011
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2071631/bucky-hodges

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.82 (CBS has him as their #10-ranked TE, where as Draftwire has him as their #3, and Drafttek has him at #4)

Temuchin "Bucky" Hodges is not your typical tight end. At 6-7, 245 pounds, he looks like a big wide receiver. A converted quarterback, Hodges started 10 games and earned USA Today Freshman All-American honors in 2014 (45-526, seven TDs). He was named a second-team All-ACC pick in 2015 (40-530, six TDs) and a third-team selection (48-691, seven TDs) in 2016.

STRENGTHS
Outstanding combination of size and athleticism for the position. Smooth glider around the field. Runs fast and plays fast. Long target with extended catch radius. Can get up and over the top of most defenders at the high point. Willing to work over the middle and has the frame for it. Spent time at all receiver spots and could be an option from the slot as well as outside as a pro. Seam-beater who can get over top of linebackers and work all three levels of the field. Saw 28 percent of his catches go for 20-plus yards in 2016. Can access a second gear out of route stems. Once he stacks defender on his hip, he wins. Excellent ball tracker with second gear and hand usage for late separation down the field. Former quarterback with valuable knowledge of coverages. Will demand additional attention if covered by a cornerback near goal line. Shows strength to overwhelm defensive backs as a blocker.

WEAKNESSES
Has played the position just three seasons and still has much to learn. Long strider who can be put into neutral by a physical jam from press. Too nonchalant along his routes. Needs to hit route landmarks more quickly to give quarterback a timely, presentable target. Defaults into running through defender rather than effectively adjusting routes. Throws beat him up at times this season. Struggled to finish challenging catches. Lower percentage of clean catches trapping throws against his body and double catching it. Athletic but takes awhile to access acceleration after catch and may not be the "YAC" people expect. May lack power and toughness to be a reliable in-line option as a blocker.

NFL COMPARISON
Devin Funchess

BOTTOM LINE
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.

 

Rounds 3-4

7. Jake Butt: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jake-butt?id=2557859
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2060719/jake-butt

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.72

STRENGTHS
Has NFL size and steps up big in the passing game. Strong hands are like magnets. Can snatch and secure at the catch point. Tough and reliable when working in traffic. Fearless in the middle of the field and understands how to protect himself and the ball while there. Slick with hands. Has slap move to free himself off line of scrimmage and able to create separation at top of his route with sly push-offs. Sinks into space and chews up zone coverage. Play attributes will help him win in the red zone. Effective in intermediate work adjusting routes according to defensive positioning. Competitive after catch with ability to add to his yardage through force. Team co-captain.

WEAKNESSES
A little cumbersome getting off the line and into his routes. Very average athleticism. One-speed runner without many gears. Lacks speed to threaten vertically. Upright into and out of his breaks. Acceleration out of his cuts can be slight. Separation often comes from rub routes and scheme. NFL linebackers should be able to stick him in coverage. Limited catch radius. Grabby as a blocker and takes questionable angles up to second level. Allows physical outside linebackers to set strong edges against him. Needs more commitment and work as a run-blocker on NFL level.

SOURCES TELL US
"He's going to be a good pro. Everyone wants Kelce, Olsen or Gronk but those are elite players. Butt is dependable and will make first downs. They all get better as blockers once they get up here." -- AFC director of scouting

NFL COMPARISON
Zach Miller

BOTTOM LINE
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.


8. Jeremy Sprinkle: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jeremy-sprinkle?id=2557886
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1999945/jeremy-sprinkle

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.62

One of the perks of going to a bowl game is getting a "gift bag" from the game sponsor. The Razorbacks went to the Belk Bowl this year, and as a bonus, got $450 to spend at a Belk department store the week before the game. Unfortunately, Sprinkle tried to take more than that amount from the store, and was cited with shoplifting the extra items and suspended for the game.

STRENGTHS
Combination tight end who doesn't have to leave the field. Has arm length and base to help in pass protection. Effective blocker willing to do the physical work. Snaps into down blocks and secures. Strong hands lead to sustained blocks. Able to engage and sustain against safeties in space. Long frame with room to carry more weight. Has arm length and hand size of an NFL offensive tackle. Big, presentable target over the middle. Plus red-zone worker. Sells blocks on delayed-release play-action. Burrows into holes of zone and protects passes with his frame. Goes down to pick low throws off top of grass. Sneaky build-up of speed in routes. Long strides eat up ground as route progresses. Can pull away from linebackers on intermediate routes. Uses height, arm length, and high-point technique to go way up the ladder and over top of defenders. Nasty stiff-arm after catch. Above-average body control for size.

WEAKNESSES
Needs more work on arm day in the gym. Upper-body thickness hasn't caught up with frame yet. Feet a bit heavy out of release and into routes. Legs and arms flail away into some of his breaks. Below-average at utilizing route leverage to create additional throwing room for quarterbacks. Needs to adjust crossing routes to keep defenders on his hip. Lacks short-area quickness to make defenders miss after catch. Needs to work back to ball more often. If block assignment vacates, he doesn't find new work. Instincts as blocker need work as he appears lost at times. Hand placement is average. Ankle injury limited his effectiveness for about a month.

SOURCES TELL US
"I think Sprinkle is a much better blocker (than Michigan's Jake Butt) and he's got more of an NFL body type." -- NFC South regional scout

NFL COMPARISON
Larry Donnell

BOTTOM LINE
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.


9. Jonnu Smith: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jonnu-smith?id=2558207
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2081506/jonnu-smith

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.53

His last two seasons at FIU had their ups and downs, as he only played eight games as a junior (36-397, four TDs), missing the final four games due to a sprained knee. Smith was then named first-team All-Conference USA in 2016 (42-506, four TDs), but missed the end of the year when his pregnant girlfriend doused him with a pot of boiling water during an argument.

STRENGTHS
Plays with urgency and looks to squeeze the most out of each play. Flashes an electric burst up the field and into his routes. Seam buster with ability to race over top of the linebacker and into a throwing window quickly. Plays fast. Talented, competitive runner after the catch. Mashes the gas and can run away from linebackers. Loose hips with slick lateral side step after the catch. Has ability to work on all three levels. Competitive high school weight lifter with good functional strength as a blocker. Shows willingness to handle the heavy lifting as zone scheme blocker. Uses good angles and timing in his combination blocks.

WEAKNESSES
Body catcher who doesn't trust his own hands. Has dropped 10 passes over the last two seasons with too many double catches. Needs to do a better job of helping his QB by working to the ball and shielding. Gets grinded on by redirects out of his release into routes. Needs to learn how to adjust routes or disengage earlier. Not a convincing route runner and just kind of goes through the motion rather than selling fakes. Undersized for an in-line option. Frame may not be able to carry additional weight.

NFL COMPARISON
Delanie Walker

BOTTOM LINE
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.

 

Rounds 3-4 Continued

10. George Kittle: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/george-kittle?id=2558266
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2060713/george-kittle

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.52

Kittle redshirted in 2012, played in a reserve role in 2013 (5-108 receiving) and 2014 (1-25 receiving). He shared playing time in 2015, starting six of 14 games, catching 20 passes for 290 yards and a team-high six receiving touchdowns. Kittle was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick last season (11 starts, 22-314, four TD), even though he was limited by a foot injury the second half of the year.

STRENGTHS
Has broad shoulders and waist with a durable frame. Plays in pro-style attack and approaches blocking like an offensive lineman. Comes off the ball with good pad level and strikes with leverage and hands inside opponent's frame. Blocks with good technique and has footwork to get to reach blocks and combos. Hands are confident and sure with just one drop against 48 catches. Able to make sudden body adjustments to poorly thrown balls. Flashes vertical speed to become a seam worker. Physical runner after the catch with more wiggle than you would expect.

WEAKNESSES
Patterns are inconsistent and he rarely tilts defenders at the top of his routes. Could generate better separation with improved route leverage. Route breaks can be too easy to decipher. Plays fast but seems to be missing separation burst coming out of his breaks. Needs to work back to the ball harder in space. Allows defenders a pathway to the throw rather than sealing them out of the passing lane. Has tendency to keep weight too far forward as run blocker creating opportunity for defender to pull him off-balance.

NFL COMPARISON
Charles Clay

BOTTOM LINE
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.


11. Jordan Leggett: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jordan-leggett?id=2557885
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2060412/jordan-leggett

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.51

Leggett's play on the field the past two seasons has gained him significant notoriety, being named a first-team All-ACC selection and finalist for the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end. As a junior, he caught 40 passes for 525 yards and eight touchdowns. Leggett had 46 receptions for 736 yards (16.0 per) and scored seven times in Clemson's 2016 national championship season. During his first two seasons playing in Death Valley, the Florida product contributed heavily (one start, 12-176, two TDs in 2013; seven starts, 14-161, TD in 2014).

STRENGTHS
Outstanding size for the position. Has experience playing in-line, from slot, and as a wingback. Former high school receiver with natural, confident hands to snatch throws out in front of him. Just two drops over final two college seasons. Desired foot quickness in tight quarters. Seam-buster in Clemson's offense. Has feel for finding the throw when working over top of linebackers between the hashes. Able to drop and dig out the low throws. Shows some ability to turn out edge linebackers when he puts his mind to it. Rises to the occasion, with big games against Florida State in 2015 and 2016 and another against Alabama in National Championship. Saw his yards-per-touch increase to 17.1 in 2016.

WEAKNESSES
Has referred to himself as lazy in the past. Passion and urgency seem to be tied to a switch he flips for the big games. Lacks natural flexibility as an athlete. Shows stiffness in his routes. Leans into his breaks rather than sink hips and has no explosion out of his cuts. Struggles to get route back on track quickly once redirected with force. Catch radius is marginal. Fights his body to adjust to throws behind him and high. Loose with football after the catch. Aggressiveness and desire to block are questioned by scouts. Lacks instincts and block-sustaining as a move blocker. Accepts the brunt of the force at the point of attack. Is a little plodding coming off line of scrimmage and into his routes.

NFL COMPARISON
Kellen Davis (the kiss of death for Jets fans, but not accurate at all! Zierlein must be on drugs. Davis has stone hands, Leggett has excellent hands)

BOTTOM LINE
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. (Again, I think Zierlein is on drugs or has something against this kid. I've seen Clemson play a LOT and never saw any evidence whatsoever of a lack of motor, effort, or blocking. Now he may be right about the lack of athleticism and the other negatives, and Leggett might not be as effective in the NFL as in college.).

Draftwire has Leggett as their 4th best TE in this class, behind only Howard, Njoku and Hodges, and ahead of Engram and the rest.


12. Michael Roberts: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/michael-roberts?id=2558049
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2082652/michael-roberts

NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.45Toledo's 2016 first-team All-Mac tight end did not have it easy growing up. His father spent time in jail, and he was suspended from elementary school a few times until it was discovered he had a speech impediment and attention deficit disorder. Once that was under control, Roberts did well in high school, though his grades prevented him from receiving a scholarship. He also lost his grandmother to cancer and a younger brother to an accidental shooting. Roberts made his own way as a college student at Toledo, eventually getting eligible to play for the Golden Rockets. He played in five games as a reserve in 2013 (no catches) and nine contests the next year, seeing a bit more playing time (4-65, two TD). Coaches began relying on him in his junior year, starting him once in 12 games (21-234, four TD). As a senior, Roberts became quarterback Logan Woodside's favorite red zone target, scoring 16 times (sixth-most in the FBS) on 45 receptions that covered 533 yards.

STRENGTHS
When he catches the ball, it matters. Has had over 80 percent of his career catches go for first downs and this season saw 35.5 percent of his catches go for touchdowns (16). Big target with gigantic hands. Quick to open and find the ball on stop routes. Plus body control to adjust and clamp down on throws outside his frame. Will continue to probe and adjust for openings against zone coverage. Very capable run blocker. Operates from strong base and utilizes lengths well. Sinks hips to brace up and neutralize defensive ends with leverage and uses hips and shoulder turn to steer out of the play. Has experience blocking from in-line and from wing spot.

WEAKNESSES
Comes out of a knock-kneed stance from line of scrimmage. Upright short strider into routes. Gradual gear down into his breaks. Tight at the top of his route. Rolls through his cuts to create momentum for his separation. Angles up to linebackers as blocker will need work. Overshoots targets and allows them to make plays underneath his block. Needs blocks to be right in front of him. Too many misses in space.

BOTTOM LINE
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.

 

Like the OLBs, I'm a little confused and frustrated at this point, and need to watch more film.

Howard is the easy #1, but if he doesn't love the game and doesn't have a fire burning within to be the best, then I don't want him at #6. Njoku sounds like he has potential as a blocker, but is somewhat raw overall. I love Everett's attitude regarding blocking, but is too small, and questionable in a number of other ways, so I don't want him at all. Engram has a ton of talent, but is a move TE and not what the Jets need imo. Shaheen has some possibilities, but the 2nd round sounds too high for him. I don't like Hodges for the Jets, and would have a hard time getting enthused about Butt. I wouldn't consider him before the 3rd round, and with his limitations, would prefer someone else. Sprinkle has some character issues and sounds like he is limited and needs a good bit of work, although he is a true in-line "Y" TE. Smith is a move TE and body catcher, so have no interest in him. Kittle sounds like a very good prospect as a move TE, but again is not what I think the Jets need. It sounds as if Roberts' potential is somewhat limited and like he needs a lot of work, but at least he is a "Y" TE.

It looks like if we want a quality TE out of this draft, then our options are more limited than I originally thought. There's Howard, but again we need to make sure about his love for football and desire to improve and be the best he can be. In terms of "Y" TEs after Howard, Njoku, Shaheen, Leggett, Sprinkle, and Roberts are it. They'd need to trade down for Njoku. They'll have to vet Sprinkle's character, Leggett's motor and Roberts' potential. Either that, or hope that ASJ will develop into a quality Y TE, and then add a move TE in the draft.