Position: Tight End
Height: 6′-5″
Weight: 250 pounds
School: BYU
2024 NFL Draft: Isaac Rex Scouting Report
Isaac Rex is a former freshman All-American tight end from BYU with a high potential. He possesses excellent size for his position and carries his weight very well. At BYU, Rex made a name for himself as a redshirt freshman, leading the nation with twelve tight end touchdowns. The Athletic named him a freshman All-American, and he was also on the John Mackey Award watch list. However, Rex faced adversity in 2021 when he suffered a significant ankle injury that caused him to miss the entire season. Despite this setback, he came back even stronger.
Strengths
- Quick footwork and a good stride can compensate for a lack of elite long speed. He has enough speed to pose a vertical threat;
- He smoothly transitions into a runner and has a good burst to pull away from linebackers. He doesn’t shy away from contact;
- Isaac Rex understands the route tree well and is fluid enough to be an effective route runner. He also possesses a great hand swipe move to gain good releases, as well as an effective block and release package;
- He has a good understanding of defense and uses leverage well. He is skilled at identifying soft spots in the zone and excellent at exploiting the defenders’ blind spots;
- Alpha who takes the ball away from other players and makes tough, well-defended catches at the catch point;
- Isaac Rex was named a freshman All-American. He ranked number one in receptions (37), touchdowns (12), and receiving yards (429);
- Rex understands the process of a professional and applies it to his game. He is a very mature and intelligent player. He will interview well. Despite a significant ankle injury, he came back and performed admirably;
- He can function as a run and pass blocker with good playing strength. He has the potential to become a full-time tight end;
- Vs. 2024. Draft Tight Ends: Yards After the Catch: 5 (7th).
Weaknesses
- Isaac Rex needs to improve his route running as he needs more nuance to reach his potential. Since he can’t rely on speed alone for separation, improving his routes is essential;
- There is no specific aspect of his game that sets him apart as elite;
- Medicals will need to check out;
- Lack of elite burst to his game;
- Vs. 2024. Draft Tight Ends: Career Yards per Reception: 12.4 (10th), Yards per Route Run: 1.24 (17th), Yards Per Team Pass Attempt: 1.06 (12th).
NFL Comparison: Dallas Goedert
Teams With Need At Position: Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers
Projection: Round 5
Bottom Line on Isaac Rex
Rex is a physical route runner with some grit to his game. His hand swipe at the line helps him get good releases. His burst and quick transition into a carrier help him eat up yards quickly. He has quick feet and a long stride that makes up for his lack of elite long speed. He’s proficient as a blocker in run and pass. He’s a ball hog at the catch point, displaying an alpha “my ball” mentality. His violent hands help him rip the ball away from defenders but also block & release. His block & release package makes him a great extension off the end of the line.
Isaac Rex has few weaknesses in his game, but he lacks the elite traits that come with being an elite player. However, each of his weaknesses can be addressed through coaching. He is a mature player who is receptive to coaching and will perform well in interviews. With some development in the NFL, Isaac Rex will become a starting tight end in the league.
Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
