Gavin Escobar TE San Diego State #88
Wt: 254
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Size/Athleticism: Impressive height. Has a decent overall build and clearly has the strength to be an asset as a blocker. Not much of speed threat, but has the athleticism to adjust to the poorly thrown ball and shows nice body control on the sideline. Somewhat of a threat after the catch. SDSU used him on screens and quick passes in the flat occasionally to give him space to run.
Separation Skills: Straight-line speed is very average. He won’t run away from anyone, but he’s fast enough that you have to respect his ability to run the deeper routes. He’s shown the ability run crisp routes and does a nice job finding the weak spot in zone coverage.
Ball Skills: Reliable hands. Does a really nice job adjusting to poorly thrown balls. He’s shown the quick reaction skills to handle the quick release from a quarterback under pressure when he’s the check down option. Lacks the elite athleticism to be a real weapon in jump ball situations, but he does know how to use his size to shield defenders which makes him adequate in this area.
Blocking: Gives a strong effort, but like most college tight ends he struggles to sustain his blocks. Could benefit by adding a few pounds of muscle, so long as it doesn’t significantly cut down on his agility.
Intangibles: Nothing positive or negative of note.
Durability: Suffered a broken hand in 2011.
Comments: Escobar isn’t anything special as a prospect, but he’s fairly well rounded and can definitely contribute at the next level. His straight-line speed is very average, but he’s quick and agile for a guy his size, which he demonstrated at the combine with strong showings in the three-cone and short-shuttle drills. He’s not the next great pass-catching tight end, but if he improves his blocking, he could be a rare three-down tight end in this era.
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