We’re back again breaking down prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, set to kick off on April 27th through the 29th. Our goal this season is to write reports on at least 150 players and hopefully, as many as 200. It will, of course, have a focus on Pittsburgh Steelers’ wants and needs but we will look big-picture too at the best players in this year’s draft.
If there’s a player you would like us to breakdown, let us know in the comments below.
#86 David Njoku/TE/Miami – 6’4 245
The Good:
– Willing and generally a reliable blocker both in-line and out in space and routinely uses effective hand placement and hip turning
– Very athletic player with good balance and can get up-field in a hurry
– Uses body well to shield off defenders as a pass catcher and withstand hits in the middle of the field
– Creates separation against second level defenders with regularity
– Nice leaping ability and combative catch capabilities
– Consistent motor and always competes
– Lined up in slot quite a bit in addition to in-line
The Bad:
– Will slip off blocks at times and especially when down-blocking inside
– Not a refined route runner and rounds off at top at times with some wasted movement
– Catching technique needs work and doesn’t always pluck the football out of the air or high-point when he should
– Needs to cut down double-catching and watch football into hands before turning up field better
– Could stand to add some core strength and especially in legs, and fill out frame a little
– Two-year starter
– Roughly a 55% catch rate on total targets
Bio:
– 26 career games, 9 career starts
– 2016: 43 receptions, 698 yards, 8 touchdowns
– Career: 64 receptions, 1060 yards, 9 touchdowns
– Worked some at linebacker as a freshman
– Won national championship in high school boys high jump at 2014 New Balance Nationals Outdoor, clearing 6 feet, 11 inches
Tape Breakdown:
Njoku’s athleticism can be seen in every game that I watched as well as his ability to occasionally make some great catches.