Kenyon Sadiq, 6’3″ 240lbs, Oregon
Strengths
-4.39 speed is ridiculous!
-Can play all over the formation
-Athletic skills are off the charts
-Tracks the ball as well as any tight end you’ll see
-Very good feel for zone defenses; finds the perfect spot to sit down
-Great, powerful hands
Weaknesses
-Is 240lbs too light for an NFL tight end?
-Blocking is an issue relying more on hands than driving with his legs
-Press man can give hims some problems; Needs to find suitable counters
Game Videos: vs Minnesota, vs USC
Projection: I see no reason why Sadiq isn’t taken in the first round of this Draft. Yes, there are questions about the blocking but he is a legitimate threat to score anytime he gets the ball and there are very few tight ends one can say that about. If he were still sitting there at 21 the Steelers would likely have numerous offers from teams looking to trade up. This guy has a bright future in front of him.
Eli Stowers, 6’4″ 240lbs, Vanderbilt
Strengths
-Former Texas high school QB who had great success
-Extremely versatile; Lines up all over the formation including the backfield
-Really good hands
-Sneaky speed gets by Linebackers quickly
-Above average route runner
Weaknesses
-Is the low weight a concern in the NFL?
-Run blocking is not good; Needs significant time to develop there
-Physical LBs and DBs can re-route him too easily
Game Videos: vs Alabama, vs Auburn
Projection: If you’re looking for a classic slot tight end who won’t be tasked with blocking much then he’s your man. I have a feeling he will get picked in the second round. Teams will fall in love with the athleticism and they should. He could be a really nice piece to a team with some established pass catchers.
Jack Endries, 6’5″ 245lbs, Texas
Strengths
-Tough kid; Hangs onto the ball in traffic like a champ
-Very durable missing just one game during his college career
-Sneaky fast hands that come from nowhere to snag passes
-Excellent use of box out move on defenders
Weaknesses
-Disappointing run blocker; Just doesn’t have much of an anchor
-Needs to improve his route running; Must learn how to make sharper cuts
-Not much of a RAC guy
Game Videos: vs Ohio State, vs PITT (2024)
Projection: If Endries were more of a blocker I could make a third round argument for him but he’s likely going to be taken in the fourth. He does a lot of really nice things and he’s a smart kid having attended Cal for two years. I like the fact he was a walk-on who made himself into something. The work ethic is there in other words.
Sam Roush, 6’6″ 260lbs, Stanford
Strengths
-Has desired size and weight and then had a monstrous Combine where his stock soared
-Classic in-line tight end who seems to love the job
-He will make his money on those intermediate routes
-A true competitor who plays through every whistle
Weaknesses
-Hands are a question mark; Some legitimate ball dropping issues at times
-Effort is there but the technique needs work in blocking
-Seems to struggle on deeper throws as timing just isn’t there to catch it
Game Videos: vs PITT, Highlights
Projection: His great uncle is Hall of Fame Defensive Lineman Merlin Olsen. He’s a well-traveled kid having grown up in several different parts of the world. I honestly think he was destined for the late fourth or fifth round then blew up the Combine with some great numbers in the three-cone shuttle, vertical and broad jumps. Don’t be surprised if he goes in the third.
Max Klare, 6’4″ 245lbs, Ohio State
Strengths
-Former QB who displays good feet and awareness.
-Classic ‘Get down the seam’ TE.
-Good athlete who pulls away at times from LBs and Safeties.
-Blocking was definitely better after he arrived in Columbus from Purdue.
Weaknesses
-While the blocking improved, it’s still below par. Struggles to find his base/anchor.
-Needs to add strength and weight.
-Can have stretches where he just can’t corral the ball.
Game Videos: vs Indiana, Highlights
Projection: He’s a pass catching tight end plain and simple. I see him lining up in the slot a lot or being used to chip on pass rushers in an effort to assist tackles. There are a few questions related to his durability but his ability to catch the ball and do something with it will make him hard to pass up. Late third is where I see him going.
Michael Trigg, 6’4″ 240lbs, Baylor
Strengths
-Excellent route runner with impressive feet for a big man.
-Really good against zone coverage. Knows how to find the open areas.
-Excellent box out of DBs
-High quality Run After Catch skills.
Weaknesses
-Baylor was his third program. Are there concerns with this?
-Blocking is a work in progress and might not ever get up to necessary standards.
-Press coverage seems to pose him some problems.
Game Videos: vs Kansas State, Highlights
Projection: In my book he’s a third wide receiver right now because he just doesn’t block that well. I see teams with already solid tight end groups taking a shot on him. That will give him time to develop and work on his blocking. I’m thinking mid-fourth round for Trigg. Lots to like but if you can’t block then getting on the field consistently is a problem.
Other guys to consider: Justin Joly – NC State, Nate Boerkircher – Texas A&M, Tanner Koziol – Houston, Marlin Klein – Michigan
