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.
Given Heath Miller’s retirement, we wanted to breakdown a tight end today. Here, we’re turning our attention to Tyler Higbee.
#82 Tyler Higbee/TE Western Kentucky: 6’6 250
The Good
– NFL size with plus length, certainly looks the part
– Impressive athlete with a burst out of his three point stance, doesn’t pop up and gets to speed quickly
– Stems his routes well and is able to create separation
– Adjusts to poorly thrown footballs well, extends away from his frame, and has a large catch radius
– Open field threat and size makes him difficult to bring down by just one defender
– Makes tough catches in traffic and the chaos doesn’t bother him
– Gives effort and is a physical run blocker who is willing to mix things up, even if it isn’t his strong suit
– Asked to pass protect more than your typical college TE
– Moved all over the line, core of the formation, H-Back, displaced from formation
The Bad
– Doesn’t possess innate strength as a blocker and doesn’t generate a tremendous push
– Struggles on drive blocks and has to clean up technique a bit, falls off and takes some false steps off the line
– Need to see a little better effort in scramble drills, working to the quarterback
– Only one season of significant production, one year as starter
Bio
– 2015: 38 receptions, 563 yards, 8 TDs
– Never had more than 15 catches or 230 yards in any other season
– Converted to tight end from receiver for the start of the 2013 season
– Dealt with left knee injury, caused him to miss five games, including bowl game and Senior Bowl
– Redshirted in 2012 after freshman season
– Team captain senior year of high school
Tape Breakdown
Higbee is a bit of the happy medium in college tight ends.