Player Profile: Tyler Eifert

Tyler Eifert

Height:  6'6
Weight:  250
School:  Notre Dame
Position:  Tight End
Ranking:  #1 Tight End
Projection:  Top 40 pick

Strengths
-Great size (6'6) and length (33" arms) for the position
-Solid frame to add weight
-Good strength (22 reps)
-Can go up and get the ball (35.5" vertical leap)
-Good speed (4.68 40) to be a vertical threat in the seam
-Very athletic who uses good quickness to get in and out of breaks
-Natural pass catcher.  Makes it look easy.
-Experienced.  38 games played.
-Versatile.  Has the ability to line up end line and out in the slot.
-Knows how to use his frame to shield of defenders
-Good body control in the air

Weaknesses
-Doesn't have the big hands you'd like (9.18")
-Durability.  Former back and head injuries
-Needs to do a better job of setting up routes.  Too predictable
-Doesn't offer much after the catch
-Not a great blocker.  Get's overpowered. 

Summary
The NFL is a copy cat league and right now teams are having a lot of success with athletic tight ends.  That's a great spot to be in for somebody like Tyler Eifert.  Eifert has the size (6'6) and athletic ability to really help a teams passing attack.  Eifert runs good routes and can go up and pluck the ball out of the air.  He knows how to use his body and can sheild off defenders.  He'll be a great threat in the red zone because of his size, jumping ability, and body control.  The only real problems that Eifert has is that he isn't much of a run after the catch guy and isn't going to offer a whole lot in the blocking game.  Those aren't deal breakers especially blocking because a lot of the top tight ends aren't asked to block a whole lot.  If Eifert can learn the proper technique he can manage to get by.  Because of his ability and the desire for tight ends like him he'll be a hot commodity in the late first and early second round.  Houston and Atlanta could be options in the first rounds but don't look for him to last too long into the second.