Mark Andrews 2018 NFL Draft Profile

Mark Andrews 2018 NFL Draft Profile

As draft day approaches, one of the head-scratchers when looking at this draft is: When exactly is the run at tight end going to start? In 2017 we saw three players at the position go on day one. It’s something that’s been up in the air since the 2017 college football season concluded. And it’s something we’re not going to have any clue about until the draft begins.

Looking at this year’s draft class, there are the big four that everyone’s talking about, and everyone else. Mark Andrews, Mike Gesicki, Dallas Goedert and Hayden Hurst. And you could make a case that Andrews, the 2017 Mackey Award winner, could be the better prospect of the three. Andrews didn’t always play tight end. Coming out of high school in Scottsdale, AZ he was a four-star athlete and 25th in the nation in 2014 at wide receiver. It wasn’t until after his redshirt year that he made the move. And looking back on his last three seasons, it’s safe to say he made the right call.

During the last three seasons, Andrews has accounted for 112 receptions, 1,765 yards, and 22 touchdowns. He also averaged over 15 yards a catch. On top of winning the Mackey Award, he also earned first-team Big 12. He’s been quite the weapon the last three years for quarterback Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley.

Strengths

possesses the ability to be a mismatch nightmare in the NFL;

has the size and frame organizations look for in their starting tight end;

can line up on the inside and the outside of the line;

great playing in the slot, gaining 874 yards in 2017, which was first among tight ends;

a legitimate threat in the red zone.

Weaknesses

although he wasn’t asked to do it a whole lot, Andrews doesn’t have the best blocking skills, running or passing. However, it is something that can be coached;

not the fastest for his position;

lacks the ability to gain separation;

could be a little more aggressive;

has a tendency to move his eyes up the field before he has the ball in his hands, which has caused him to have some drops.

NFL Comparison: Zach Ertz

Projection: Late second to early third round

Bottom Line

Andrews has been a consistent player for the Sooners over the past three seasons. And teams in need of playmakers will take notice on day two of the draft. Expect him to be one of the first four tight ends taken off the board. With the size and frame that Andrews possesses, he certainly has the ability to become a Pro Bowl tight end at the next level.