From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#80 Hunter Long/TE Boston College – 6’5 253
The Good
– NFL size, well-built frame and possesses good length
– Pro-style offense and usage, lined up plenty as an in-line tight end, involved in run blocking and pass protection
– Length is an asset in the run game, good leg drive and decent upper body strength
– Takes pride as a blocker and above average for the college game, works hard and plays to the whistle
– Capable of adjusting to passes thrown outside his frame, better on catches low and away than over his head
– Versatile and lined up around the offense, ran diverse route tree
– Finds soft spot in zone coverage, makes himself open
– Productive career, got better every year
The Bad
– Average in most areas, lacks standout trait
– Marginal athlete, lacks burst and separation and break point and struggles to create space vs man coverage, stiff-hipped and takes extra time to break down and cut
– Pops up too high out of his stance and runs too tall downfield, makes him vulnerable to getting jammed and pressed early in his route
– Inconsistent catches in traffic, flashes good hands but won’t always make contested play and seems to struggle more with passes thrown over his head
– Doesn’t offer much after the catch, can use size to bury ahead but won’t make anyone miss in open field and doesn’t break many tackles
– Most effective routes came underneath, not vertically
– Can fall off as a run blocker, trouble sustaining base blocks
– Limited upside
– Wasn’t an every down player
Bio
– 2020: 57 receptions, 685 yards (12.