As you should know by now, our attention has now shifted to the 2016 NFL Draft as it relates to the prospects. From now until the draft takes place, we hope to profile as many draft prospects as we possibly can for you. Most of these player profiles will be centered around prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have interest in.
Another tight end profile, our second in as many days. Breaking down Iowa’s Henry Krieger-Coble.
#80 Henry Krieger-Coble/TE Iowa: 6’3 248
The Good
– Well-rounded and well-versed game who does everything at least average and used in a variety of assignments in Iowa’s pro-style offense
– Best quality is ability to stem his route and get separation at the top of it, advanced use of head fakes and jab steps, plus has quickness/explosion on his cut to create space
– Shows intensity and buys into need for run blocking, tough kid who fights until the whistle and shows nasty/tenacity as a blocker
– Explosive out of his three point stance in routes and as a run blocker, latter lets him complete difficult assignments, routinely reached on the backside
– Shows football IQ and ability to understand zone blocking rules, processes quickly
– Sets hips well as a run blocker and works hard to get himself in the most optimum position possible
– Experience in pass protection and has been asked to take on defensive ends, not perfect but shows a solid base, keeps his feet moving
– Will make tough catches in traffic and shows a soft pair of hands
– Versatile, time on the line and displaced, work out of two and three point stances
– Athletic family bloodlines
The Bad
– On shorter side and slightly undersized overall, small-ish hands and short arms (9 1/4, 31 5/8 respectively)
– Not an incredible athlete and straight-line speed won’t blow anyone away, game is best on short/intermediate concepts
– Better blocker when he has an angle than he is as a drive blocker, prone to falling off blocks, overall strength is not spectacular, will have to continue to get stronger and play with better technique
– Some minor issues with keeping feet moving laterally in the run game, part of issue in sticking to blocks
– Route tree was not that complicated even in pro-style offense
– Only one year of starting experience and production, limited numbers in 2015
– Minor injury concerns
Bio
– One year starter
– 2015: 35 receptions, 405 yards, 1 TD
– Prior to 2015: 7 catches, 58 yards, 3 TDs
– Suffered torn labrum told end of 2014 season, missed final three games, took about six months to recover, missed some of 2015 spring practice
– Several relatives who competed at college level, including teammate and cousin George Kittle
– Krieger-Coble was a three-star athlete in high school (football, baseball, basketball)
Tape Breakdown
Similar to Jesse James, Krieger-Coble played in a pro style offense that asked to wear many hats.