Draft Profile Series: Troy Niklas
- Updated: April 29, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Troy Niklas, TE, 6-6, 270, Notre Dame
Key stats: Had 32 receptions for 498 yards (15.6 ypc) and five TDs in 2013.
Strengths: Has ideal combination of size and speed for a tight end. … Showed tremendous progress, and is still improving. … Has rangy frame and is a great target in the red zone. … Has good initial quickness and lines up both in-line and wide. … Can threaten the deep middle and was used plenty in running deep down the hashes. … Can break away for long runs after catch … Very good blocker, who does solid job on all three levels.
Weaknesses: Drops too many passes. … Fights the ball at times. … Doesn’t come up with enough tough receptions. Needs to refine his route running. … Rounds out some of his breaks and doesn’t separate especially well. … Has durability issues, and is coming off double-hernia surgery. … Loses balance too easily when running routes and as a runner after the catch.
Conclusion: Niklas is a bit raw, but should develop rather quickly. … His main problem is: he needs to really work on being more consistent catching the ball and really work on his route running. … He likely will be drafted in the second day of the draft and should immediately become a solid reserve or second tight end, who could work his way to being a No. 1 tight end in a season or two.
NFL comparison: Marcedes Lewis/Martellus Bennett.
Draft projection: Second round.
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