I don't have anything remarkable to talk about here but I wanted to talk about this guy and didn't see a TE thread.
Cade Stover, TE for Ohio State. I'm really impressed by him. I think I'd be willing to trade up in the 3rd or maybe even take him in the 2nd depending on how he tests.
He's just a really polished catcher, he's very physical. He's a little shorter than I like in a TE especially if he measures more like 6'2'' than the 6'4'' he's listed at. In either event, I think he's the guy I'm zoning in on in this draft since Bowers is a pipe dream.
Anybody have a guy out there they're particularly interested in that may be within range? If so, who and what round? [Reply]
Originally Posted by Palangi:
I like Jared Wiley the TE out of TCU. Started his career at Texas. Hasn’t played with the best QB play. Has good size like Theo Johnson. I think he moves more fluid than Johnson though.
I also like Wiley more than Johnson. And I agree that Johnson does play a little stiff, if that's a thing. I get what you mean.
One player listed as a TE, but I think isn't an actual TE, is Jaheim Bell. I feel like he is more of a very large and athletic fullback. I think it would be interesting to see Reid use him like a cross between Kyle Juszczyk and Deebo Samuel. He could be a very unique offensive weapon. [Reply]
You could make an argument for him early on the 3rd day or as a UDFA.
I'll say this, for everyone that likes Ben Sinnott, this guy is very similar but just better, IMO. But I also think Ben Sinnott is one of those 'local boy done good' stories that folks love. And unlike Mizzou fans (where we usually shit all over our own guys heading into draft season), K-State fans support their dudes in the draft.
In a vacuum, Bell appears to be a better, higher ceiling version of the same style of player. [Reply]
Originally Posted by ChiefsFanatic:
I also like Wiley more than Johnson. And I agree that Johnson does play a little stiff, if that's a thing. I get what you mean.
One player listed as a TE, but I think isn't an actual TE, is Jaheim Bell. I feel like he is more of a very large and athletic fullback. I think it would be interesting to see Reid use him like a cross between Kyle Juszczyk and Deebo Samuel. He could be a very unique offensive weapon.
I really like Bell as a chess piece. He's worked as both a TE and RB, is really good with the ball in his hands. 6'2" and 245 and lined up all over the field would create some matchup issues for other teams.
Tanner McLachlan is another intriguing day 3 consideration. Undersized a bit, but a surprisingly good blocker with good hands and the ability to fight for extra yards after the catch. He's good at finding spots in zones and athletic enough to work the seam. [Reply]
Theo Johnson is a TE prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1105 TE from 1987 to 2024.
As long as he believes in space, planets, and birds, I think I would take a chance on him.
Some things can be taught and coached, but you are either fast or you are not, and this dude flies for his size. What a match up nightmare Andy could create, and he would be learning from Kelce. [Reply]
I’m not a local homer here with this take….I really like Sinnott. He’s the closest thing to La Porta that I see. He’s just so damn explosive and does really well in the middle of the field.
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Tall, long-armed tight end who flashes the potential to line up in-line or as a move tight end. Wiley would benefit from better strength in his lower half to help sustain blocks, but his technique is generally good. He has the stride length to pick up speed in the seam and across the hashes on intermediate throws. The short-area foot quickness is very average and he’s an average separator underneath. Wiley’s catch talent and ability to fight through contact are big check marks in his favor. He has the versatility and potential to compete for a role as a TE3.
Strengths
Uses height and length to play over the rim.
Willing to get physical at the top of the route.
Rarely has a focus drop and uses size to shield catch challengers.
Hands-catcher with consistent extension to snare it away from his frame.
Gets into base blocks with inside hands and proper posture.
Uses footwork and feel for angles to seal blocks.
Weaknesses
Lacks desired footwork to get in and out of breaks cleanly.
Will sit and wait rather than working back to the throw.
Needs to make earlier adjustments to bring in off-target throws.
Doesn’t break enough tackles on his run-after-catch.
Inconsistent physicality to handle lead-blocking asks. [Reply]