Eric Ebron
North Carolina, TE/H-Back
Height: 6.4
Weight: 250
40yd: 4.60
Age: 21
|
Stats |
|||||
|
Year |
G |
Rec |
Yd |
Avg |
TD |
|
2011 |
10 |
10 |
207 |
20.7 |
1 |
|
2012 |
11 |
40 |
625 |
15.6 |
4 |
|
2013 |
13 |
62 |
973 |
15.7 |
3 |
Athleticism: A+
Is an excellent athlete for a TE. Can stretch the field with the best of them, and has very good top end speed. Is an explosive, fluid mover. Is extremely quick with the ball in his hands. Can accelerate away from and avoid would-be tacklers, run through arm tackles and wreak havoc in the open field.
Hands: B
Demonstrates amazing hands at times. Will make spectacular one-handed touchdown grabs (see Georgia Tech 2013). Will also drop passes he has no business letting get away from him, and will need to have more focus as a pass catcher. Able to catch a pass in traffic and can absorb contact, but again needs to hold onto throws he gets his hands on in traffic. Fairly average leaper, but has excellent body control while airborne.
Technique: A
Lined up mostly from the slot, only occasionally on in-line sets. Is smooth getting out of his stance and is able to get upfield quickly. Shows tempo and savvy as a route runner. Finds zones and gets open. Can separate from DBs and LBs alike, and is a weapon at all levels of the field.
Blocking: D
Not particularly strong as a blocker, but shows an edge and is willing. Lined up in the slot more often than not, and did not consistently block guys his own size, nor was he particularly dominating when he did. Leaves his feet a bit too often. Has some potential to improve, but will never be his forte.
Intangibles: C+
Two year starter with very good production for a TE. Did not have very good QB play in his final season. Has questions about his toughness and was not much of a factor in the red zone. Can come off as arrogant.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: Ebron is a great athlete, and has perhaps the best tools of any receiving TE in this draft class. However, he plays with the finesse mentality of a wideout and will likely be a non-factor as a blocker early in his career. A matchup nightmare, Ebron will have a role in the NFL, and likely will post gaudy numbers but could always leave coaches wanting more from his position on the field.
Comparison: Aaron Hernandez
Grade: 9.1 (Late 1st Round)
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