Troy Niklas has been compared to Rob Gronkowski but could he really join him in New England? (Photo: US Presswire)
By Marc Sluis, Staff Writer
It’s finally here! After doing this another year you start to realize just how much of a crap shoot the whole mock draft thing is. You also realize that the speculation, prediction, rumors and smoke screens are loads of fun.
Eric Ebron is the consensus #1 TE prospect, but he’s joined by a few others in the discussion for the “Best Athlete” at the position (Photo: US Presswire)
By Marc Sluis, Staff Writer
The tight end position has endured a paradigm shift in recent years evolving from an athletically limited, run blocking specialist to a hybrid receiver with the separation skills of a wide out and the size of a tight end. With Rob Gronkowski being unreliable in terms of staying healthy the Pats could very well decide to supplement his elite skill set with someone who would complement as well as fill in for the man we call Gronk.
Prospect: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 245
Grade: 7.9 (Grading Scale)
Iowa’s C.J. Fiedorowicz should garner plenty of interest leading up to May’s NFL draft. (USA Today Sports Images)
NEPD Editor: Oliver Thomas
The NFL regular season is in its final week, which means that many front offices are setting their sights towards May’s NFL draft. Yet like all organizations in playoff contention, the offseason evaluations of the 11-4 New England Patriots remain on the back burner.
But with many college prospects suiting up for perhaps the final time this bowl season, an unrelenting reminder is in place – the NFL’s future is only months away. And one position that figures to draw its share of intrigue in the near future is tight end.
For Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, director of player personnel Nick Caserio and football research director Ernie Adams, it’s a position that will be monitored closely from here on out.
Sammy Watkins is not only productive but possesses the vast potential to make the First Team (Photo: US Presswire)
By Marc Sluis, Staff Writer
This is the cream of the crop. The most talented offensive prospects eligible for the 2014 NFL Draft. But that doesn’t necessarily make them the best overall.
Potential can be a like a mirage. An illusion that mystifies and intrigues but often leaves us with nothing. So is it purely a show to distract us from the prospects’ real value? Maybe, but isn’t it fun? Rarely does an elite athlete clearly also possess all the necessary intangibles to be great. (more…)
Washington’s Austin Seferian-Jenkins has the tools to be the first tight end taken in 2014. Could he be on New England’s radar? (Photo: USA Today Sports Images)
NEPD Staff Writer: Oliver Thomas
It’s September. The developments between now and next May are ever-changing. Through the college schedule and the pre-draft process, prospects’ stock will inevitably rise and fall. And the needs of all 32 franchises – including the New England Patriots – will follow suit.
While the 2014 NFL draft is eight months away, it’s never too soon to examine potential late first-round talents who could fit the criteria of head coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots. And in this exercise, we’ll look at three potential Day 1 options at a position generating plenty of discussion:
Tight end. (more…)
Scouting Report: Arik Armstead, DE
Scouting Report: Preston Smith, DL
The Best Receiver You Don’t Know About
Scouting Report: Marcus Hardison, DT
Position Rankings: The Cornerbacks
Scouting Report: Kevin White, CB
Scouting Report: Jalen Collins, CB
