2023 NFL Draft: Josh Whyle Scouting Report

Josh Whyle was a top-10 tight end prospect coming out of high school in Cincinnati. He held offers to many big-time programs like Georgia, Auburn, Iowa, and Tennessee. Ultimately he chose to stay home and play for his hometown Cincinnati Bearcats. Now, Whyle is looking to make the jump to the NFL. With a deep tight end draft class, Whyle is looking to make an impact.

Whyle’s college career got off to a horrible start. He broke his collarbone during his freshman season in 2018. He was only able to appear in four games late in that season, recording no statistics. In 2019 Whyle would serve as a backup to Josiah Deguara. He caught just two passes for 51 yards. In 2020, he would have his break out. He caught 28 receptions for 353 yards and a team-high six touchdown passes. He was awarded second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. Next season would be just as good for Whyle. Catching 26 receptions for 332 yards and again six touchdowns. In his final season at Cincinnati, he was first-team All-AAC with 32 receptions for 326 yards and three touchdowns.

Strengths

Excellent size for the tight end position;

Surprisingly fast on tape;

Outstanding hands;

Plays above the rim catching high balls (red zone threat potential);

Works extremely hard, never giving up on a block;

Uses his size well as a blocker.

Weaknesses

Not fluid in and out of cuts while running routes;

Small legs for a bigger man;

Struggles when having to block in open space;

Gets slowed down by press coverage;

Need work developing a stronger base as a run blocker.

NFL Comparison: Coby Fleener

Projection: Fourth-Round Pick

Bottom Line On Josh Whyle

Big, smooth, athletic, and highly competitive, Whyle has all the traits needed to be successful at the NFL level. The tight end position is uniquely deep in the 2023 NFL Draft. As a result, Whyle will likely go in the middle to later rounds. He has the potential to be a good value pick for a team in need of a receiving threat. Even with possessing excellent size, he is not currently a great blocker. However, he has the raw tools and potential to continue growing that part of his game. This Josh Whyle NFL Draft profile suggests he is best suited to join a team with an established blocking tight end. Early on he can make a real impact in the passing game, especially in the red zone. As he develops as a blocker he will get more playing time, eventually competing for a starting role.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports

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Josh Whyle NFL Draft Profile, Team Fits