Draft Day: TE

Well, I did not post this last week, so I am getting this done today. This is because nothing has really happened in the NFL for me to speculate on. When it comes to TEs, not many were big time targets in the first round. In the last 7 years, 5 TEs have been drafted in the first round, and 4 of them were between 2 teams (Lions and Bengals). I don't expect any of these TEs to sneak their way into the 1st round due to teams having much more pressing holes to fill before TE.

1. Maxx Williams - Minnesota - RS Soph.
6' 4" 250 lbs.
Career Stats: 61 Catches, 986 yards, 13 TDs
Highest Achievement: Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year (2014)
Most Impressive Game of 2014: ll/8 vs Iowa
Williams is the highest rated TE overall, and for good reason. This man may be big, but he can move like a receiver. In the game against Missouri this year, Williams hit a seam route wide open and take the ball to the house with a 54 yard run. He would not just hurdle one oncoming tackler, but 2 tacklers. His athleticism is off the charts. I would compare him to being the next Jimmy Graham if anything.
When it comes to draft stock, any team would be lucky to get this kid. The problem with TE is that it is not highly regarded in the first round unless you are someone as complete as Williams. I still believe he will fall to the second round, but not be much.
My Prediction: 2nd Round, 42nd Overall, Atlanta Falcons
Why: Since losing Tony Gonzalez in 2013, the Falcons' passing game has pretty much relied on Julio Jones since most of the other players have been injured for extend periods of time. The current TE1, Levine Toilolo, made 31 catches last year for 238 yards. For starting all 16 games, this is not a promising stat. Look for Williams in Falcon red come fall.

2. Clive Walford - Miami - RS Sr.
6' 4" 258 lbs
Career Stats: 121 Catches, 1753 yards, 14 TDs
Highest Achievement: N/A
Most Impressive Game of 2014: 11/1 vs North Carolina
This is another big boy. Each TE has one attribute that they can beat you with more than anything. For Walford, it is his legs. He's not fast, but he takes long strides. This makes him harder to trip-up for a tackle. At Miami last season, Walford was Kaaya's second favorite target past his WR. This kid has a shot at being a decent TE, but will need some time to learn how to become a blocker.
When we hit the 2nd-3rd round, you will see this TE leave the board. With these rounds being for adding depth at skill positions, I have no doubt he will be gone before the 2nd round is over.
My Prediction: 2nd Round, 51st Overall, Houston Texans
Why: With Andre Johnson getting older and a sub-par TE, the Texans need a real TE. Remember that 3 times on the goal line last season, the Texans QB would pass to JJ Watt, a DE. Since they let Owen Daniels go in 2013, there has been no true TE to fill his place as a red zone target. Walford can fit that need.

3. Jesse James - Penn Stat - Jr
6' 7" 254 lbs.
Career Stats: 78 Catches, 1005 Yards, 11 TDs
Highest Achievement: N/A
Most Impressive Game of 2014: 9/6 vs Akron
The largest TE of the class. James was the #3 target for Penn State this year with nearly 400 yards. The most impressive thing about him is his ability to get open when the QB scrambles. Many of his catches were drive saving plays on 3rd or 4th down. As the tallest in the class, James will be coveted as not only a passing weapon, but a blocker, as well.
When being drafted, look for a team that has a problem at both the TE position and O-line. He could possibly be seen going in the 2nd round if a team feels like they need more weapons.
My Prediction: 2nd Round, 43rd Overall, Cleveland Browns
Why: With Miles Austin gone, Josh Gordon suspended (again), Jorden Cameron getting injured a lot, and a lack of a consistent run game between Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, they need him. Even with the question at QB right now, they need a difference maker. Maybe James could be that player.

4. Nick O'Leary - Florida State - Sr.
6' 3" 247 lbs
Career Stats: 114 Catches, 1591 Yards, 17 TDs
Highest Achievement: BCS National Champion
Most Impressive Game of 2014: 11/29 vs Florida
This TE has a huge X-Factor. He may be smaller than the others, but he is just as strong. Used more for blocking to get the run going at the beginning of the year for FSU, O'Leary saw the ball very little. He got more touches later in the season once the run game reemerged. O'Leary wants to hit someone when he gets the ball. His best play, by far, was his run against Clemson in 2013, when the Safety came up for a tackle and was literally trucked out of bounds by O'Leary, who would continue running for another 30 yards.
Draft wise, it will be interesting to see who gets O'Leary. Probably a 3rd round pick, this will purely be for adding depth at the TE position.
My Prediction: 3rd Round,  71st Overall, Chicago Bears
Why: With slight rumors going around that Brandon Marshall could leave, the Bears need another player to fill the slot he did. Not at the position, but at playmaking ability. Making Jeffrey their WR1 and with Martellus Bennett about to turn 28, we could see the Bears make this move. Cutler would have a new friend in the Windy City and people may start to like him when he sees that throwing it short to TEs causes fewer interceptions.

5. Ben Koyack - Notre Dame - Sr
6' 5" 249 lbs
Career Stats: 44 Catches, 532 Yards, 5 TDs
Highest Achievement: 4 Bowl Appearances
Most Impressive Game of 2014: 10/4 vs Stanford (Game winning catch)
Not getting the start until this year, Koyack was seen as a blocker rather than a target for receiving. Most run plays, Koyack would be on the side where the RB would go, after going in motion. He would then lead the charge up or across the field. He has good hands and is a decent route runner, but his ability to block is what makes him desirable to teams.
On draft day, we could see this guy fall to possibly the 4th round. Purely because he has yet to prove himself as an actual TE.
My Prediction: 4th Round, 1st Pick, Tennessee Titans
Why: Titans need to get the run game going with Bishop Sankey. If not, they will continue to be bad. With so many questions on who's starting, getting a duel threat player would not be a bad move. Especially if you can get him this late.

On Wednesday, I will discuss the second half of Florida State's Schedule.