Troy Niklas
Notre Dame, TE
Height: 6.6
Weight: 270
40yd: —
Age: 21
|
Stats |
|||||
|
Year |
G |
Rec |
Yd |
Avg |
TD |
|
2011 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
2012 |
13 |
5 |
75 |
15.0 |
1 |
|
2013 |
13 |
32 |
498 |
15.6 |
5 |
Athleticism: C-
Considering his frame, Niklas is not a terrible athlete but is not a burner up the seam or in the open field. Is tough to bring down with the ball in his hands, able to run through arm tackles and lunge over shoestring tackles. Has been lined up in the slot and on the line. Very good range for a blocker and can redirect and get to the second level.
Hands: B-
Has good hand strength and doesn’t drop many passes but can still improve considering he is an underneath possession receiver. Does not have a huge catch radius. Is very good making concentration catches with defenders draped over him.
Technique: D
Is not a polished route runner. Caught a number of passes on curl routes, standing still, with his numbers to the QB. Does not get much separation from defenders but can trouble linebackers in coverage at times.
Blocking: A-
One of the best blockers in the draft this season. Shows very good strength to take on D-linemen (handled Devon Kennard fairly well against USC). Is able to get push as a run blocker and was used often as a pass blocker earlier in the season. Has good range for a blocker.
Intangibles: C
Has seen little time as a starter and does not have much production as a collegian. Definitely has a lot of work to do when it comes to the passing game. Began career as a linebacker before converting to the offensive side of the ball. Nephew of Bruce Matthews.
Red Flags: Raw, Experience
Bottom Line: A surprising underclassmen declaration, as he has only played the position for 2 seasons. Has plenty of potential, but is not kind of athletic, seam-stretching TE en vogue in the NFL today. Would fit well with a team like Arizona, Pittsburgh, or Tennessee that use power-blocking TEs.
Comparison: Dennis Pitta
Grade: 8.3 (3rd Round)
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