Player Profile: Troy Niklas

Height:  6'6
Weight:  270
School:  Notre Dame
Position:  Tight End
Ranking: #4 Tight End
Projection: Day 2

Strengths
-Two year starter with 26 starts and National Title Experience.
-Has the ideal height (6'6), weight (270), and length (34 1/8" arms) to be an inline tight end
-Uses his large hands (10") well to catch almost everything in his vicinity
-Showed off good strength at the Combine with 27 reps. (well above the average)
-Size, jumping ability (32" VJ), and length make it easy to win jump balls
-Displays good hands and technique in pass protection
-Understands how to use his body to box out defenders when running routes
-Size and strength make it hard for him to be tackled easily.
-Above average speed for somebody his size.  Able to attack the seam
-Shows good quickness off the ball and into his routes
-Above average route runner. Does a good job of setting up the defender
-Potential. Has only played two years at tight end. Former lineman
-High motor player who isn't going to stop till the whistle is blown
-Family linage.  Part of the Clay Matthews Sr Family Tree

Weaknesses
-Lacks explosion. Isn't a good athlete
-Injury to his core didn't allow him to workout at combine or pro day
-Displays below average balance in run blocker.  Tends to lunge
-Not an overpowering blocker.  Isn't going to move guys. Wall off blocker
-Feet become stagnant during run blocking. Could be the cause of lack of power.
-Slow footwork can cause him to get bull rushed in pass protection
-Below average blocker in space. Will whiff on blocks

Summary
In an age where tight ends are more slot receivers, Niklas is a throw back you don't see every day. Niklas is a former offensive and defensive lineman whose speed and athletic ability allowed him to be moved out to tight end and he flourished in his two years spent there this past season.  You can see the former lineman in him as he excels in both run and pass blocking.  He isn't an overpowering run blocker, but understands angles and leverage and uses that to open holes.  In the passing game he shuffles his feet and uses his length to push defenders past the pocket.  While not utilized frequently, Niklas is a talented pass catcher.  He has big hands and with his long arms and 6'6 frame he's able to box out receivers and shield them away from getting to the ball. Now Niklas does a lot of good things, but he isn't great at any of them.  However with his ability to pass and run block to go along with his ability to be a receiving threat in the middle of the field he's going to be coveted by teams. Especially with so many teams running 12 personal they'll need a TE like Niklas who can do everything. With that said he's a lock to go on day two and could easily be a second round pick. A team like the New York Giants would be a ideal fit, but don't count out the Patriots who need that complement to Gronkowski.