Zach Heins NFL Draft Overview
Position: Tight End
Height: 6′6″
Weight: 264 pounds
School: South Dakota State
2024 NFL Draft: Zach Heins Scouting Report
Zach Heins formed one of the top tight-end tandems in the country with Green Bay’s Tucker Kraft in 2022 as they looked to continue what is now becoming known as the tight-end university at South Dakota State. Heins received the team’s Effort Award in several games and was named to the 2023 All-Missouri Valley Football Second Team.
Despite lacking pure athleticism, he compensates for it with his size and physicality. As a blocker, he is strong at the point of attack and keeps driving defenders downfield. Heins’ presence on the field provides quarterbacks with an elite catch radius and an underneath threat while working as an extension off the line of scrimmage. He excels in high-jumping situations and offers some raw value as a run blocker and in the red zone. Heins participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl and impressed evaluators with his size and fluidity putting himself on the map as a player who will be drafted in April.
Strengths
- Zach Heins is a long strider who gains ground quickly. He can create some separation against linebackers;
- Heins is adept at finding soft spots in zone. He finds the space between the defense’s second and third levels;
- Heins has fluid hips for his size. There’s some hip sink in his route stems.
- He navigates the middle of the field well. He provides a great catch radius between the hashes.
- Heins is a willing pass protector and run blocker. He’s strong at the point of attack and drives behind his hand placement.
- He is a tough, tough player who played through a broken foot in the FCS National Championship against North Dakota State;
- Vs. 2024. Draft Tight Ends: Career Yards per Reception: 13.1 (8th).
Weaknesses
- Zach Heins’ routes are more rounded than sharp. He needs to show more urgency as a route runner;
- He isn’t speedy or sudden. Heins is not shifty or elusive in space. At this point, he doesn’t break tackles with power;
- With Heins’ size, he must be more physical and imposing at the catch point;
- Vs. 2024. Draft Tight Ends: Yards Per Team Pass Attempt: 1.08 (13th), Yards per Route Run: 1.3 (15th), Yards After the Catch: 3.8 (22nd).
NFL Comparison: Cole Kmet
Teams With Need At Position: Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins
Projection: Round 7
Bottom Line on Zach Heins
In conclusion, Zach Heins is a talented tight end with an impressive size and physicality that compensates for his lack of pure athleticism. He has a great catch radius, excels in high-jumping situations, and offers some raw value as a run blocker and in the red zone. However, he needs to improve his route running and be more physical and imposing at the catch point. With his willingness to pass protect and run block, he could be a valuable asset to any team looking for a developmental tight end. While he is projected to go late on day three, Zach Heins profiles as the perfect developmental third tight end on the depth chart and would be a good addition to any tight end room.
Main Photo: Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader-USA TODAY NETWORK
