Luke Musgrave NFL Draft Overview
Position: Tight End
Height: 6′-6″
Weight: 253 pounds
School: Oregon State University
2023 NFL Draft: Luke Musgrave Scouting Report
Luke Musgrave is an interesting case study when comparing limited playing time to outstanding college game tape. Between the shortened COVID-19 season in 2020, and being injured in 2022, Musgrave has been snakebitten to consistently see the field. Even with these limitations, the overall ability and well-rounded game of the former Oregon State University standout are clearly evident when watching him play. The route running of Musgrave is his calling card and the aspect NFL scouts will be drooling over come draft day. His fluid hips and unique movement often causes mismatches against opposing linebackers and defensive backs. Speaking at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Musgrave was asked his favorite aspect of playing tight end. He stated, “I just love the versatility that comes with it. You’re not just a receiver. You’re not just an offensive lineman either. You’re a little of both. You have to do both of those at an extremely high level. You have to be able to block these pass rushers that are getting paid millions of dollars to sack the quarterback. You also have to defeat guys in coverage that are getting paid millions of dollars to cover wide receivers. You really have to do both.”
Strengths
- Elite route runner;
- Fluid hips;
- Well-balanced feet;
- Keeps feet moving through initial contact;
- Has a knack for beating various coverages;
- Often a mismatch for linebackers;
- Tracks the ball well in the air;
- Strikes with powerful hands when blocking;
- Sustains blocks at the point of attack.
Weaknesses
- Needs to match feet more appropriately in the run game;
- Needs to add more strength and power at the next level;
- Drifts on intermediate routes at times;
- Somewhat modest catch radius for a player of his height.
NFL Comparison: Mike Gesicki
Teams With Need At Position: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars
Projection: Early Round 2
Bottom Line on Luke Musgrave
Musgrave should be one of the top tight ends off the board in this year’s draft. He possesses a well-rounded skill set that translates very well in today’s modern game. He’s an intelligent player that understands winning with leverage and how it benefits getting open on passing sets. Musgrave is also a long strider which makes the top speed he reaches elite when compared to other tight ends.
The team that drafts Musgave will be getting an NFL-ready player to begin the season. His route-running ability, agility, and ball-tracking could quickly get him inserted as TE1 for his new club. Musgrave’s best fit would be going to a team that deploys heavy usage of 12-personnel. If he adds more strength and power to his game, he may end up being the best tight end in the 2023 NFL draft.
*Stats and research courtesy of NFL.com, Pro Football Focus (PFF), and The Draft Network (TDN).
Main Photo: Vasha Hunt – USA TODAY Sports
