Charlie Taumoepeau Overview
Position: Tight End
Height: 6’-2”
Weight: 240 pounds
School: Portland State
NFL Combine Performance Data
40 Yard Dash: 4.75 seconds (unofficial)
Bench Press: 18 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump: 121.0”
3 Cone Drill: 7.0 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.27 seconds
Charlie Taumoepeau 2020 NFL Draft Profile
After four seasons at Portland State, tight end Charlie Taumoepeau is taking his talents to the NFL level. The small-school product managed to make a name for himself and even earn a Senior Bowl invite despite playing on a typically-overlooked program. During his final year of college, Taumoepeau recorded 36 receptions on 53 targets for 474 yards and two touchdowns. He saw the field for 487 snaps, spending roughly 2/3rds of his time in the slot.
Taumoepeau initially started his collegiate career as an unranked prospect. Despite standing out in track, football, and basketball, he didn’t receive a single offer until a few months following the conclusion of his senior season. Taumoepeau didn’t see the field that often as a true freshman and recorded just 10 receptions for 125 yards as a sophomore. He broke out as a junior, recording 27 receptions on 42 targets for 509 yards and four touchdowns.
Strengths
- NFL speed with above-average testing numbers;
- Fluid in the open field and can pick up yards after the catch;
- Solid collegiate production;
- Played well against top competition;
- Attacks the ball rather than letting it come to him;
- High-motor player that doesn’t give up on a play.
Weaknesses
- Below-average height, weight, arm length, and strength;
- Will have to be an H-back at the NFL level;
- Struggles to separate without schematic assistance;
- Above-average drop rate;
- Struggles to outmuscle defenders in contested catch situations;
- Bad in the trenches and doesn’t contribute to the run game.
NFL Comparison: Jacob Hollister
Teams With Need at Position: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins
Projection: 7th Round/UDFA
Bottom Line on Charlie Taumoepeau
It’s hard to imagine a world where Charlie Taumoepeau makes a big impact on the NFL. The Portland State product had a solid college career, but his skill set doesn’t project as one that could translate to the NFL. He lacks the NFL size and strength to be a traditional tight end and will only succeed as an H-back. Even then, he faces an uphill battle to make an NFL roster. He offers nothing as a blocker, drops too many passes, and struggles to beat press coverage. These issues probably won’t improve in the NFL, as the competition will be dramatically better than what he faced in college.
That said, Taumoepeau has a few traits that could justify a late-round selection. The Portland State product is a solid mover in space and can pick up yards after the catch. His drops appear to be coachable, as he attacks the ball rather than trying to corral it with his body. Additionally, the NFL Combine showed that he has the raw athleticism to survive in the NFL. It’s a longshot, but he could find himself on a roster at the start of the season.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
