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2007 Rookie Profiles: Running Backs
Posted:
5/07
Courtesy of the
TFY Draft Preview Full Name: Michael Allan School: Whitworth College Ht: 6-6 Wt: 252 40: 4.78 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his sophomore campaign. Posted career numbers of 53/1,100/9 as a senior when he received All-America notice. Junior totals included 36/693/15.
Pos: Nice-sized pass-catching tight end with a developing game. Quickly releases off the line, finds the open spot on the field and offers the quarterback a nice target. Consistent hand-catcher who extends to make the reception away from his frame. Flashes the ability to split the seam.
Neg: Marginal blocker who does not get the results he should.
Analysis: Dominating a low level of college competition, Allan has the production, size and speed to get late-round consideration. May need time adjusting to the big leagues yet has the tools to be a productive NFL tight end.
Full Name: Jonathan Allen School: Norfolk State Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 213 40: 4.70 Year: 4Sr
Bio: Former receiver who posted 21/283/1 as a senior. Handled long-snapping duties in the past.
Pos: Athletic pass catcher with consistent hands. Quickly releases into routes, adjusts to the errant throw and displays natural receiving skills. Possesses strong hands and makes the difficult reception with defenders draped on him. Takes a hit and holds onto the ball. Gives effort blocking.
Neg: Undersized to be a blocker at the next level and lacks strength at the point. Weight fluctuates between 215 and 225 pounds.
Analysis: A solid pass catcher with adequate speed, Allen has a slight chance to be used as a third-down/red zone target in the NFL.
Full Name: Kevin Boss School: Western Oregon Ht: 6-6.5 Wt: 250 40: 4.83 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Three-year starter who was limited to six games due to a shoulder injury last season, finishing with 33/403/5. Junior totals included 53/621/8. All-Conference selection after his sophomore and junior campaigns.
Pos: Productive small-school tight end who dominates the competition. Fluid pass catcher who adjusts to the errant throw and gets vertical to high-point the ball. Finds the soft spot on the field, offers the quarterback a nice target and displays good eye/hand coordination. Flashes the ability to get downfield and create mismatches.
Neg: Marginal size and strength as a blocker. Does not possess top playing speed.
Analysis: A natural pass catcher with fluid movement skills, Boss offers average size/speed numbers and is now coming off a major injury. A practice squad player who could eventually develop into a third tight end.
Full Name: Cody Boyd School: Washington State Ht: 6-7 Wt: 260 40: 4.83 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Moved into the full-time starting position as a senior, posting career-best numbers of 32/481/2. Missed significant time the prior two years with assorted foot and shoulder ailments.
Pos: A nice-sized, athletic tight end who has been unable to stay healthy. Plays with leverage, stays square as a blocker and shows good punch with his hands. Fluid releasing off the line, finds the open spots of the defense and extends to make the reception. Adequate playing speed and size.
Neg: Must work harder to finish blocks and improve his playing strength. Displays limited footwork in pass protection. Poor route runner.
Analysis: Coming off a productive campaign in which he spent most of the season on the field, Boyd displayed ability in most aspects of the game. Possesses the size and for a third tight end at the next level.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 240 40: 4.81 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Former backup quarterback who caught 18/228/2 in eight games as a senior after catching 17 passes the prior year. Also experienced as a long snapper and holder on special teams.
Pos: Long-limbed pass catcher with solid size/speed numbers. Quickly releases into routes, immediately gets to top speed and works to make himself an available target. Uses his frame to shield away defenders and looks the pass into his hands. Gives effort as a blocker.
Neg: Does not consistently make the difficult reception in a battle. Marginal strength at the point. Cannot split the seam down the field.
Analysis: Still learning the position, Bright will get consideration for a team which employs an H-back.
Full Name: Tim Calhoun School: Eastern Washington Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 255 40: 4.87 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Two-year starter and All-Conference selection as a senior after receiving totals of 5/38/1. Junior numbers were 15/213. Sat out the ‘03 and ‘04 seasons with injury and may be able to regain an additional season of eligibility.
Pos: Stout blocking tight end with solid size/speed numbers. Stays square and controls opponents at the point. Fluid releasing off the line and extends his hands, offering the quarterback a nice target. Pulls the difficult reception from the air.
Neg: Overall game lacks explosion and playing speed. Marginally productive in the passing game.
Analysis: A solid athlete effective in all areas of the game, injuries held Calhoun’s progress back. Practice squad material if not offered a sixth season of eligibility.
Full Name: Scott Chandler School: Iowa Ht: 6-6 Wt: 258 40: 4.75 Year: 4Sr
Bio: Former wide receiver who moved into the starting lineup as a junior. All-Conference selection last season after totaling 46/591/6. Led Iowa in receiving as a junior with 47/552/2.
Pos: Natural pass-catching tight end with a consistent game. Runs good routes getting separation from defenders, extends and makes the reception away from his frame. Adjusts to the errant throw, displays good eye/hand coordination and comes away with the reception in a crowd. Shows terrific focus and lays out for the acrobatic reception downfield.
Neg: Not quick releasing off the line into routes, possesses average playing speed and is not fast enough to beat defensive backs in a foot race. Marginal blocker who lacks strength at the point of attack.
Analysis: One of the better pass-catching tight ends in the nation, Chandler offers potential in a West Coast offense and could make it as a second/third tight end for a team which brings him onto the field during third-down situations.
Full Name: Daniel Coats School: BYU Ht: 6-2.5 Wt: 255 40: 4.85 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore and then rotated as a first-team player the next two years. Senior receiving numbers were 22/239/2 after 21/189/3 the prior year.
Pos: Good-sized tight end who stands out as a blocker. Strong, gets leverage on opponents and seals defenders from the action. Displays good awareness, works well with teammates and always looks for someone to hit. Finds the soft spots in the defense as a receiver, works routes and possesses reliable hands.
Neg: Offers minimal speed and is not a downfield receiving threat. Does not play with great balance.
Analysis: Offering a solid overall game, Coats has potential as a second or third tight end brought onto the field for third-and-short situations.
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 250 40: 4.87 Year: 6Sr
Bio: Spot starter the past three seasons. Posted 12/155/2 in eight games as a senior after a career-best 21 receptions during his junior campaign.
Pos: Efficient college tight end with no outstanding aspect to his game. Intelligent, stays with assignments and works until the whistle blows. Solid position blocker who seals defenders from the action. Plays with good body control, adjusts to the throw and effectively uses the sidelines.
Neg: Not quick into routes. Possesses marginal playing speed. Not a dominant blocker.
Analysis: Solid for the past three years at Michigan, Ecker has the abilities to make it as a third tight end in the NFL.
Full Name: Marcus Freeman School: Notre Dame Ht: 6-2 Wt: 250 40: 4.85 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Part-time starter the past three years and totaled 9/98/2 as a senior.
Pos: Complementary tight end who has been overshadowed in the Notre Dame program. Breaks down well, plays with a wide base and effectively works his hands as a blocker. Adjusts to the errant throw, reaching back to grab the ball from the air. Finds the clearing in the defense, displays soft hands and uses his frame to shield away opponents.
Neg: Displays marginal strength as a blocker. Not a tight end who splits the seam or creates mismatches in the secondary.
Analysis: An average athlete with marginal production in college, Freeman does things well enough to get looks in camp this summer.
Ht: 6-2.5 Wt: 252 40: 4.67 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Former defensive end who transferred from Arkansas. Posted 25/254 receiving last season.
Pos: Solid tight end developing a complete game. Fluid releasing off the line into routes, displays adequate playing speed and gives effort until the whistle blows. Works blocks hard, stays square and turns defenders off the line. Breaks down well playing with good knee bend. Extends and adjusts to make the difficult catch. Flashes the ability to stretch the seam.
Neg: Gets minimal movement from blocks. Has had minor injury problems in the past.
Analysis: A prospect with solid size/speed numbers, Hall is a potential second tight end for a team willing to be patient and develop his skills.
Ht: 6-3.5 Wt: 241 40: 4.85 Year: 4Sr
Bio: Junior college transfer who’s started the past two seasons, winning All-Conference honors both years. Senior totals were 58/935/12 after 63/853/5 the prior year.
Pos: Pass-catching tight end with marginal size and playing speed. Works his hands to get off jams at the line, finds the soft spot in the defense or comes back to the quarterback, making himself an available target. Gets vertical in a crowd, adjusts and displays the ability to make the difficult reception. Possesses soft hands and plays with good body control.
Neg: Marginal blocker, and usually lines up in the slot or out on the flanks. Lacks the speed to get deep or stretch the seam.
Analysis: A hard-working tight end with a nice feel for the game, Harline’s best opportunity would be as a pass catcher in a West Coast offense.
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 254 40: 4.85 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his sophomore campaign. Senior receiving totals were 38/294 after 38/584/4 as a junior. Career-best numbers of 53/725/5 came as a sophomore.
Pos: Consistent receiver who projects as a number-two tight end. Fluid releasing off the line, reads defenses and sneaks it downfield. Finds the open seam, consistently makes himself an available target and displays good eye/hand coordination. Looks the pass in, is an effective body catcher when necessary and is tough running after the reception.
Neg: Not aggressive with blocking assignments and gets marginal results. Does not have the speed to be a true deep threat.
Analysis: Harris lacks the size/speed numbers to be anything other than a backup tight end. His production as a long snapper last year could help him secure a spot on a roster.
Full Name: Matt Herian School: Nebraska Ht: 6-4 Wt: 240 40: 4.87 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Returned to the starting lineup as a senior and totaled 12/150/2. Played eight games as a junior in ‘04, totaling 24/308/3 before fracturing his left leg, which caused him to sit on the sidelines for a year and a half. Totaled 22/484/3 as a sophomore in ’03, averaging 22 yards per reception.
Pos: One-time playmaking tight end who has been fractionally effective since his broken leg. Natural pass catcher who adjusts to the errant throw, displays good concentration and comes away with the tough grab. Showed the ability to get down the seam into the secondary and consistently make big plays prior to his injury. Played faster than his 40 time.
Neg: Seemed haphazard and lacked balance last season. Lacks overall quickness and not effective as a blocker.
Analysis: At one time a prospect with first-round ability, Herian has struggled since his serious leg injury in ‘04. May have a difficult time passing medical exams, and has a long way to go to return to his prior dominance.
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 262 40: 4.93 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Three-year starter who’s been an All-Conference and All-American selection since his junior campaign. Receiving numbers were 23/358 last year after 32/465/5 the prior year.
Pos: Well-built tight end who is an effective short-range target. Blocks with good lean, gets leverage on opponents and is strong at the point of attack. Controls defenders or moves them off the line. Blocks with a nasty attitude. Displays good hand punch and rides opponents from their angle of attack. Plays heads-up football. Adjusts to the throw and looks the ball in.
Neg: Overall game lacks quickness and speed. Rarely gets into the secondary to make plays. Marginal footwork in pass protection.
Analysis: Offering the size and ability to be a blocking tight end in the NFL, Herold could make it as a number three at his position.
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 263 40: 4.95 Year: 4Sr
Bio: Full-time starter the past two seasons, posting a career-high 25/241/1 as a senior.
Pos: Hard-working blocker with limited upside. Quickly releases into routes, shields opponents away with his frame and looks the ball into his hands. Attacks assignments, effectively uses angles and seals defenders from the action.
Neg: Does not show soft or consistent hands. Loses out in battles for the reception. Lacks footwork sliding out to protect the edge.
Analysis: Possessing outstanding size and showing flashes as a blocker, James could make it as a third tight end used in short-yardage situations.
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 256 40: 4.70 Year: 6Sr
Bio: Former Northwestern transfer who was an All-Conference choice last season after leading the team in receiving with 32/521/7. Had a number of off-the-field incidents at Northwestern, including an arrest for attempted robbery.
Pos: Solid pass-catcher coming off a productive season. Finds the seams in the defense, has a burst of speed and makes the difficult reception downfield. Fluid moving about the field, runs well laterally and makes the catch in stride.
Neg: Marginally strong and limited as a blocker. Unproductive at tight end until his senior campaign.
Analysis: A former linebacker, the light may have finally gone on for Jones last season. Has the skills to be a second or third tight end in the NFL but must get his act together off the field and show better judgment.
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 233 40: 4.75 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Reserve tight end who posted 11/151/2 in eight games as a senior after career-best numbers of 23/446/5 the prior year.
Pos: Fluid pass-catching tight end with solid hands. Finds the soft spot in the defense and makes the reception in stride. Gets vertical, extends and snatches the ball from the air. Possesses reliable hands.
Neg: Has a thin build, is not strong at the point and marginally effective as a blocker. Not quick into routes and has just average playing speed.
Analysis: Pass catching skills could help Lewis could find a home as a third tight end or H-back at the next level.
Ht: 6-4.5 Wt: 260 40: 4.63 Year: 3Jr
Bio: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors every season since his freshman campaign. Posted 50/485/4 as a junior after 38/476/4 as a sophomore. Pac-10 Freshman of the Year after career-best numbers of 56/552/6 during the ’04 season.
Pos: Athletic pass-catching tight end who creates mismatches in the defensive secondary. A solid route-runner who gets separation from opponents, uses his frame to shield away defenders and effectively body-catches when necessary. Fluid, natural receiver who effortlessly makes the reception in stride, adjusting to the errant throw and looking the ball into his hands. Comes back to the quarterback finding the open spot in the defense, and knows where the sticks are on third down. Blocks with leverage, picks up blitzes and works well with linemen. Effectively fights with his hands and makes solid use of angles in pass protection.
Neg: Play leveled off after a tremendous freshman campaign. Must improve the strength of his base and his blocking. Performed terribly at the combine.
Analysis: A physically gifted tight end with all the traits necessary to become a complete player, Miller flashes game-breaking skills. Must take his game to the next level, but offers a lot of upside.
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 252 40: 4.65 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Former rotational starter who became a full-time first-teamer as a senior. All-Conference selection last year after leading Georgia in receiving with 30/425/3. Junior totals were 14/291/2, when he started four games.
Pos: Athletic receiver who displayed solid improvement as a senior. Fluid releasing off the line into routes, nicely uses his frame to protect the pass and adjusts to grab the errant throw. Flashes the ability to split the seam downfield, consistently extends and makes the reception away from his frame. Gives effort as a blocker and shields linebackers from the action.
Neg: Does not display soft, consistent hands, and double-catches too many throws. Marginal strength at the point as a blocker. Minimally productive in the passing game.
Analysis: A naturally gifted tight end who makes a lot of athletic plays, Milner entices scouts with flashes of ability. A developmental prospect with starting potential if the light goes on.
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 250 40: 4.89 Year: 5Sr
Bio: Three-year starter who totaled 10/113/1 as a senior after 28/396/5 the prior year.
Pos: Consistent college tight end with marginal size/speed numbers for the next level. Gives effort as a blocker, staying square and jolting opponents at the point of attack. Turns defenders off the line and uses his frame to seal opponents from the action.
Neg: Possesses marginal hands catching the ball. Lacks playing speed and does not create mismatches in the secondary. Average blocking strength.
Analysis: A competitive, try-hard prospect, Murray does not stand out in any single aspect of his game, yet could catch on as a third tight end.
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