Tyler Kroft TE Rutgers #86
Wt: 240
Size/Athleticism: Very good athlete for his size with smooth movements. Gets up to full speed quickly.
Separation Skills: Lacks the speed to run away from anyone, but he has a quick release off the line of scrimmage and he’s crisp in his breaks. Does a great job working the seam down the middle. Does a nice job positioning himself as he sits down on curl routes as a check-down option.
Ball Skills: Traps the ball against his chest too often. Decent athleticism when adjusting to the ball.
Blocking: Fights hard, which helps make up for modest strength. Really improved as an in-line blocker in 2014 and has further room for growth if he adds some functional strength.
Intangibles: Played almost exclusively in the slot in 2013 but new coaching staff moved him to an in-line tight end in 2014.
Durability: No known issues.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: Kroft is a high-upside prospect who has the athleticism to be a weapon in the passing game but also has the potential as a blocker to develop into a true three-down tight end. His production took a step back in 2014 as he played a more traditional in-line tight end role under Ralph Friedgen, but he looked like a developing weapon when playing primarily in the slot in 2013.
