By Contributor Steve Shoup, Fanspeak.com:
There are 30 NFL teams that will be gathered around the couch for Super Bowl XLVII, but excitement is in the air with the 2013 NFL Draft just three months away. However, one of the position groups that I was least thrilled to see heading into the week was the tight ends.
Not only were there no early-round prospects among this draft class, but there was even a question if some of these guys would get drafted. Many of the guys weren’t highly touted and seemed one dimensional and could leave them undrafted at a position that doesn’t produce a lot of picks each year.
Nevertheless, that perception began to change with the first practice. Not only do I believe that at least five of these guys will get drafted, but look for many of them to have a chance for a bright future at the next level.
Mychal Rivera, Tennessee:
Mychal Rivera in many ways stole the show among this tight end class. He went from being a guy that no one really expected to be drafted, to being the top guy down here. He’s a guy that you can split out wide or line-up in the backfield.
Rivera showed a real nice ability to separate and ran really good routes. He has really good speed that will allow him to pick up extra yards after the catch and stretch the field.
His best strength may be his hands. He looked really natural catching just about everything thrown his way. The one question mark is his blocking and if he can hold up at the next level. He didn’t wow in that department here, but he didn’t hurt himself either.
Nick Kasa, Colorado:
Nick Kasa is a former defensive lineman, who converted to tight end just two years ago. He’s big and physical at the point of attack, something that he showcased pretty well this week, but he’s more than just a blocking tight end.
Kasa really showed up as a receiver and a guy who can pick up big chunks of yards after the catch. His speed and quickness really surprised me for a guy his size. He did have a couple of drops this week, but did a nice job overall catching the ball with his hands and not always letting it get into his body.
Vance McDonald, Rice:
Fanspeak’s Steve Shoup interviewing Rice TE Vance McDonald on the field after practice.
Vance McDonald had been a featured part of the Rice offense the last few years, so it was pretty clear he could catch the ball. The questions that remained would be how was he as a blocker and whether he could he separate against better competition.
McDonald displayed good form and technique blocking. He lost some battles, but for the most part was pretty impressive.
He also showed better speed than I expected and ran really nice routes that left him an open target. He did drop a couple passes during the week, but he also made some highlight reel catches.
Michael Williams, Alabama:
Michael Williams came in with a rep as being essentially a sixth offensive lineman. He’s lived up to that rep as being absolutely devastating when asked to block. He’s handled safeties, linebackers and defensive linemen with ease.
The real thing that surprised me was just how good he was in the passing game. Now he won’t stretch the field or run away from anyone after the catch, but he’ll get open and be a big, safe target for his quarterback to get the ball too.
He got more separation than you’d expect from linebackers and safeties this week, and even when they were on him, he just used his big body to shield them from the ball. Defenders had no chance to make a play on it, unless they committed pass interference. As a second tight end, or even a first tight end on a run first team, Williams could be a fantastic pick-up.
For more 2013 Senior Bowl coverage, visit Fanspeak’s Senior Bowl page!
